For those in recovery from drug and alcohol abuse, the road back to health requires a multi-faceted approach. While therapy, 12-step support, and life skills training are essential components of one’s recovery program, nutrition is a vital element of maintaining long-term recovery. Proper diet and hydration are key in helping recovering addicts regain both physical and mental health. It not only helps repair the body from substance abuse but also helps rebalance brain chemistry by providing ket nutrients needed to form critical neurotransmitters. Following the principles of proper nutrition can help us look and feel our best; both can provide a benefit to those in recovery.
The following article details the role nutrition plays in the recovery process.
Proper Nutrition Helps Those in Recovery Heal
Chronic substance abuse depletes the body of the essential nutrients it needs to function properly. Long-term nutritional deficiencies make the body more susceptible to disease, and it damages vital organs. Additionally, malnutrition gives rise to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety or make pre-existing mental conditions worse. Nutritional therapy helps people recover from the damage of substance abuse.
When a recovering addict eats balanced meals, it helps their body and brain function at optimal levels. Nutrition can be custom-tailored to help replete nutrients that were depleted during prolonged substance use. There are several lab tests and assessments that can help identify an individual’s nutritional needs in recovery
During the early stages of recovery, healthy eating decreases the risk of cravings, which can lead to relapse.
Proper Nutrition Helps Regulate Mood
The role of nutrition in recovery is also to help stabilize mood and to help reverse the damaging impact of psychological issues. Long-term drug and alcohol abuse prevent the brain from producing neurotransmitters that are needed to help maintain balanced mood states. With the proper therapeutic interventions, nutrition can also help newly recovering addicts overcome pre-existing mental health issues.
During treatment, people learn how certain foods can aid in the recovery process. For example, carbohydrates help in the production of serotonin, which helps people achieve a stable, happy mood. Amino acids allow the brain to produce neurotransmitters that regulate mood. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids can help decrease brain inflammation and help with blood sugar imbalances that can contribute to mental health disorders.
Proper Nutrition Reduces Cravings
Cravings are perhaps the most significant trigger that leads to relapse. The root of cravings can include low blood sugar, lack of adequate hydration, and an inadequate supply of nutrients from the diet. Early in recovery, the body undergoes a healing process that is gradual. During this period, those new in recovery will experience hunger and may confuse it for cravings. Unfortunately, many of those new to recovery try to satisfy those cravings with sweets and other unhealthy foods. If unhealthy food choices continue, these cravings can increase in intensity and cause the addict to relapse.
In the recovery process, people can learn the importance of eating several times during the day and having regular times during the day to eat. Diets that are high in protein and complex carbohydrates and low in sugar and fats are beneficial in sustaining recovery. Additionally, balanced diets decrease instances of emotional eating and binge eating, which can create an addiction to food. Eating disorders such as bulimia or other binge-eating conditions are examples.
The Importance of Nutritional Therapy
As stated, the role of nutrition in addiction recovery cannot be overstated. While eating healthy and balanced meals goes a long way in helping the body heal, it can be lost in the recovery process. If you or a loved one needs drug treatment, it’s vital to choose a recovery program that employs the use of nutritional guidance. With the help of experienced nutritionists, you can build a diet program that fits your unique and specific needs.
Take care of yourself.