Predictors of Alcohol Use, Alcohol-Related Problems, and Substance Use Following Adolescent Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

• Published in: Annals of surgery open 2024-09, Vol.5 (3), p.e461-e461
• Main Authors: White, Gretchen E, Boles, Richard E, Courcoulas, Anita P, Inge, Thomas H, Yanovski, Susan Z, Jenkins, Todd M, Zeller, Meg H
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Original Study
• ISSN: 2691-3593; 2691-3593
• DOI: 10.1097/AS9.0000000000000461

To identify factors associated with incident alcohol consumption, hazardous drinking, alcohol-related problems, and substance use up to 8 years following metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) during adolescence. In this cohort, nearly half of those who underwent MBS as adolescents screened positive for alcohol use disorder, symptoms of alcohol-related harm, or alcohol-related problems within 8 years post-surgery. Moreover, persistent or heavy marijuana use following MBS during adolescence is higher than national data. This study includes 217 adolescents (aged 13-19 years) enrolled in a 5-center prospective cohort study who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or vertical sleeve gastrectomy between 2007 and 2011 and were followed for up to 8 years. Participants self-reported alcohol use via the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and substance use for up to 8 years. Female sex, pre-surgery lower body mass index, and pre-surgery substance use were independently associated with increased risk of incident post-surgery hazardous drinking. Pre-surgery psychiatric counseling was significantly associated with increased risk for new-onset substance use post-surgery. Starting substance use post-surgery or continuing pre- to post-surgery was independently associated with a higher risk of post-surgery hazardous drinking. Greater percent weight loss, starting post-surgery or continuing pre- to post-surgery psychiatric counseling, using alcohol, and hazardous drinking were independently associated with a higher risk of post-surgery substance use. Future research with a nonsurgical control group should be examined to further elucidate the relationships between MBS and alcohol and substance use following surgery during adolescence.