“Women are still under-represented in health research, including alcohol dependence – I want to change that”

“In health research, there are still so many areas where women are under-represented, and alcohol dependence is one of those,” explains Dr Chloe Casey, lecturer in Nutrition and Behaviour at Bournemouth University. “Women drink as much as men, are at greater risk of health consequences and suffer more alcohol-related harms. They experience more complex barriers to coming forward for help. And yet, most of the research continues to focus on men. I really want to change that.” 

Wessex has high and increasing rates of alcohol-specific hospital admissions in women. The specific needs of women in recovery are poorly defined, and nutritional guidance is rarely included in relapse prevention services, despite the overwhelming evidence that alcohol consumption severely affects nutritional status. 

Dr Casey’s research explores the complex relationship between nutrition and mental health, with a particular focus on how nutrition can support alcohol recovery. Nourish the New You, her current project, is part funded by Wessex Health Partners. It draws on expertise within the University of Southampton, Dorset HealthCare, and Arts University Bournemouth to create a unique regional collaboration which will aim for larger funding in time.  

“Nourish the New You is all about women’s experience of alcohol recovery, and how we can best support them to maintain a healthy diet to support their sobriety,” says Dr Casey. “Good nutrition is often neglected in treatment plans. The aim of this project is to reduce the risk of relapse.” 

Support services have traditionally signposted to sweets and highly processed food as a solution to the sugar cravings experienced by those in recovery. However, this often leads to weight gain, and there is some evidence to suggest this in itself increases the risk of relapse.  

Dr Casey’s programme takes the opposite approach – encouraging cooking from scratch with fruit, veg and wholefoods. The project works with The Friendly Food Club, a Dorset-based cooking and food education charity, and We Are With You, to run hands-on classes.  

The project is a personal one for Dr Casey. She lost her mother-in-law to alcohol addiction last year. “I observed her cravings for sugar when she tried to remove alcohol from her life, and it really made me aware of the role of diet and nutrition in recovery. A lot of the focus has been on mental health support, which is really important, but what we need to realise is that good nutrition is a part of that too. What we eat impacts how well we feel.” 

The project is helping Dr Casey gain insights into the practical barriers to healthy eating often faced by those in recovery. “We’re engaging with women in marginalised groups. They might live in shared accommodation. They might be on a low income and lack equipment. Some have very little experience of food prep, whilst others know a lot and have worked in the restaurant industry. It really varies, but spending time with these women and talking is essential to this project, and will shape how we move this project forwards.” 

BCP Council has also helped to fund the project, meaning those who engage with four cookery classes leave with an air fryer or slow cooker to support their onward progress.  

The next phase involves creative workshops where women will be helped and encouraged to reflect on their experiences of recovery in a very personal way through the use of textiles, sewing and photography. Dr Casey is working with Pauline Ferrick-Squibb from Arts University Bournemouth for this element. 

“Some of the women really are on a journey,” says Dr Casey. “A year ago they were severely unwell, underweight and malnourished, hardly eating at all and in the grip of addiction. Now they are really increasing their fruit and veg intake and cooking from scratch. And for those who find it harder to embed longer-term changes at home, we know we’ve come together to eat this wonderful, fresh, colourful food in a shared space, and we’ve provided them good food for one day thanks to The Friendly Food Club.”  

Next steps will focus on applying to larger funding bodies and engaging with clinicians, alcohol care teams and recovery services. By partnering with the national charity, Soberistas, the project's reach could extend across the UK, enhancing its impact and building valuable connections beyond the local area.  

For more information email ccasey@bournemouth.ac.uk