| A pilot study was conducted to assess associations among nutritional status, addiction severity using the Alcohol Dependence Scale (ADS), and psychological profiles using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). Twenty-two alcoholic individuals from Gateway Inc. of Tucson, Arizona, were assessed at day seven of detoxification and day 90 of rehabilitation. Subjects presented in good nutritional status with little anthropometric or biochemical indication of deficiency. The ADS indicated moderate to severe addiction. Initial MMPI scores were elevated in validity, psychopathic deviation, paranoia, and schizophrenia. At follow-up, subjects displayed significantly lower paranoia scale. Initial biochemical measurements indicated altered levels of liver enzymes. These improved significantly in returning subjects Initial diet recalls indicated deficient intakes of several vitamins and minerals. Follow-up showed improved diet intake in most nutrients. Few significant correlations were noted between diet intake and addiction severity. The data do provide, however, implications for nutrition intervention during the alcoholic rehabilitation process. |
