From Food to Substance: A Literature Review on Addiction Transfer Phenomena After Bariatric Surgery

Abstract

Background- Controversy exists about addiction transfer theory, including in regard to bariatric surgery patients' susceptibility to developing new addictive behaviors post-operatively. The goal of this study was to conduct a comprehensive literature review on this phenomenon, to systematize the existing knowledge on this notion in the available literature. Methods-A thorough search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and PsycINFO for articles that discussed post-operative substance abuse and the phenomenon of addiction transfer among bariatric surgery patients. Results- Findings were varied across studies, with an emergence of addictive behaviors typically manifesting 1-2 years post-surgery. However, some research highlighted a reduction in post-surgery high-risk drinking, and other studies underscored the complexity of obesity as a multifactorial disease, challenging the universal applicability of addiction transfer. Conclusions-The studies present a complex picture of post-operative substance use, with a significant delay in the onset of addictive behaviors and different patterns regarding substance consumption. These findings call for a personalized approach to post-operative care, emphasizing the need for targeted support and continued research to further understand and address the risk factors and mechanisms underlying addiction transfer in bariatric surgery patients.