A pioneering alcohol abuse rehabilitation scheme that places healthy eating at the heart of recovery is reporting significant success in helping people overcome addiction.
The Science of Food in Fighting Addiction
The project, named 'Nourish the New You', is a collaboration between researchers at the University of Bournemouth, the drug and alcohol charity We Are With You, and the Friendly Food Club. It is based on the science of how improved nutrition can prevent relapses during withdrawal.
The programme was developed by Dr Chloe Casey, a nutritionist whose personal experience drove her research. "I became really interested in the role of nutrition in recovery when I lost my mother-in-law to alcohol," Dr Casey explained. She noted that alcohol has severe negative impacts on nutrient absorption and appetite, which the scheme aims to counteract.
Transforming Lives Through Cooking and Community
Participants in the scheme take part in practical cooking courses designed to teach them how to prepare nutritious meals. For many, this addresses a critical gap in traditional recovery methods.
Paula Loader from We Are With You highlighted the issue: "Most of the time, when people are in the midst of substance misuse, eating is not on the agenda. It's something you don't think about… because your drink is more important."
The initiative is already changing lives. Katherine Johnson, a mother who has been sober for over 18 months, credits the club with making a notable difference. "I started using alcohol as a coping mechanism... my body became dependent on it," she said. Now, she reports: "First of all, I'm actually eating properly... I've lost a lot of weight, my skin feels better, my hair feels better."
A New Lease on Life
Another participant, Dave Palfrey, who struggled with alcohol and heroin addiction for years, has been sober for 17 months. He attributes his recovery to the food club. "It's saving my life. It means I eat healthy for a start," he said, contrasting his past diet of a microwave burger with his current habits. He also values the social aspect, stating it's the first time he has had genuine friends.
The team behind the project is now seeking permanent funding to integrate the nutrition course fully alongside conventional rehabilitation methods. "Once we can get this going and piloted in some areas, then we can try to collect that data and evidence the impact," said Dr Casey.
The scheme reinforces existing studies showing a strong diet can significantly improve recovery outcomes from alcohol abuse, offering a holistic and sustainable path to long-term sobriety.
