Annals of Surgery Open (Sep 2024)

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

  • Gretchen E. White, PhD,
  • Richard E. Boles, PhD,
  • Anita P. Courcoulas, MD, MPH,
  • Thomas H. Inge, MD,
  • Susan Z. Yanovski, MD,
  • Todd M. Jenkins, PhD,
  • Meg H. Zeller, PhD

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1097/AS9.0000000000000461
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 5, no. 3
p. e461

Abstract

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Objective:. 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. Background:. 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. Methods:. 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. Results:. 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. Conclusions:. 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.