From food to alcohol: exploring psychosocial drivers of post-bariatric alcohol use

Post-surgical problematic alcohol use appears not simply physiological but a coping response shaped by trauma, identity change, and unmet emotional needs. Trauma-informed screening and longitudinal psychosocial follow-up are needed to improve long-term outcomes.<b>What is already known</b>Bariatric surgery has been associated with an increased risk of problematic alcohol use, particularly following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, with emerging evidence also suggesting elevated risk following sleeve gastrectomy, albeit to a lesser extent.Addiction transfer from food to alcohol has been reported but remains poorly understood in psychosocial terms among bariatric surgery patients.Current care pathways still focus mainly on physical outcomes, with less attention to psychosocial risks.<b>What this study adds</b>Shows how alcohol is used for appetite suppression, social confidence, and emotional coping after surgery.Demonstrates how post-operative challenges and social dynamics can escalate alcohol use.Underscores the need for improved assessment, patient education, and tailored psychosocial support in bariatric care.