Nutrition Education for recovering alcoholics

Includes bibliographical references (pages 90-95)The purpose of this study was to develop an in-service nutrition education program for public and private alcoholic residential programs/recovery homes staff and residents in Los Angeles County. A subproblem encountered was to assess the current status of nutrition methods, techniques, and activities as used in these facilities. Fifty-seven residential programs/recovery homes were invited to participate, of which forty-seven percent volunteered. The total number of participants in the study was 27. To assess the current status of nutrition methods, techniques, and activities in alcoholic residential/recovery facilities, a questionnaire was developed. Questionnaires were mailed to facility directors for them to provide descriptive information regarding themselves, the alcoholic residential program/recovery home, the nutrition activities and typical daily menus in the facilities. The analysis of the data, indicated that 1.) there is a lack of nutrition related training in the facilities among staff and residents; 2.) a number of programs /homes who claim to have an adequate nutrition program, yet still provide sweets in the daily meals; and 3.) there is a lack of specially designed diets specific for the nutritional needs of the alcoholic, or at least a diet with a reduction or elimination of unrefined carbohydrates. Based on these findings, and the exist:ing literature, an in-:service nutrition education program was developed for staff and residents. The skeletal program presented provides a foundation for further development. The program includes topics for the nutrition implication of alcohol abuse and potential problems, the necessity to reduce or eliminate sweets, and the hypoglycemic diet