Substance abuse takes a toll on the body. It causes unpleasant side effects, changes normal body chemistry and functions, and puts the user at risk of injury and overdosing.
Drug dependence also causes the body to crave the substance, and this manifests in the symptoms we know as withdrawal.
If you go into rehab treatment, the nausea, muscle pain, tremors, hallucinations, and seizures that come with detoxification from substance abuse will be managed by your treatment team to ensure that you stay safe throughout the process.
But rehabilitation is more than just about being able to resist the urges of addiction. It’s also about restoring your body to physical health and fitness through proper nutritional intake.
How Addiction Leads to Malnutrition
An addiction to drugs and alcohol often deprives the body of proper nutrition.
Loss of appetite can be a side effect of substance abuse, or users may opt to miss meals in favor of using drugs.
They may experience vomiting, nausea, and even diarrhea as a result of drug use, which further deprives the body of nutrients.
It is also possible for drugs like alcohol and opioids to interfere with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food, so this issue will also require proper treatment.
For this reason, Miami drug rehab facilities and other treatment centers often have nutritionists to design an appropriate recovery diet for its patients.
Not eating enough and not being able to properly digest food can cause a lot of deficiencies. Some of the most common deficiencies experienced by substance users involve these essential nutrients.
- Vitamin A may be best known for its role in aiding good vision, but it is important for the immune system, cell growth, and ensuring normal organ function. When the deficiency is caused by alcohol abuse, it can result in liver damage.
- Thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), pyridoxine (B6), folic acid (B9), and cobalamin (B12) belong to the family of B vitamins. Vitamin B deficiencies can affect the functioning of the brain and the nervous system, and may result in anemia.
- Substance abuse can stem from mismanaged mental health issues, and it can also add to the depression and fatigue that these patients feel. Vitamin C deficiencies are especially common among opioid users and can result in slow healing of wounds.
- The irritability and muscle soreness experienced during withdrawal can be a symptom of vitamin D deficiencies.
- Calcium, zinc, iron, and magnesium are minerals that can also get depleted by substance abuse. They play an important role in maintaining a robust immune system, normal blood pressure, and efficient transfer of oxygen throughout the body.
The Recovery Diet
Different drugs will affect people in different ways, so it’s best to consult with a nutritionist to identify if there are particular deficiencies in your diet.
A well-balanced diet is generally recommended for all, but it may help to pay extra attention to certain foods that can aid your recovery.
- Eating complex carbohydrates is a natural way to raise your serotonin levels. This hormone is responsible for putting you in a good mood and can thus make the challenges of rehabilitation feel more manageable. Whole grains, root vegetables, and legumes are good options that are also rich in fiber and magnesium. Use complex carbohydrates to fill up to 55% of your daily caloric intake.
- Meat and eggs are rich in protein, which the body converts into amino acids. These acids are essential for rebuilding the cells damaged by substance abuse and curbing the urge to use again. You may also opt for lower fat options like poultry and tofu.
- Calcium is available in dairy products, and it is also in foods like leafy green vegetables. Just watch out for sugar that may have been added to products like milk and yogurt, and consider eating greens fresh rather than cooked.
- Get generous servings of fresh fruits and vegetables—they’re like a one-stop shop for all the other vitamins and minerals you need. Many are also sources of antioxidants, which are useful for recovery because of their ability to protect cells and slow damage caused by substance abuse.
Eating for Wellness
Though your doctor may recommend taking supplements if you are particularly deficient in some areas, your diet is the main source of much-needed nutrients for helping your body recover and staying healthy.
The habit of healthy eating often starts in rehab, so here are some tips to help you maintain the habit while in recovery:
- Maintain regular meal times – Rehab emphasizes the importance of sticking to routines, so follow this schedule as best you can.
- Focus on your meal – Turn off all screens and use meal times as a time to socialize and bond with your companions. If eating alone, pay attention to how your food tastes.
- Limit sugar and caffeine intake – Sweets make for nice treats, but don’t let them become a new addiction. Caffeine has similarly addictive properties, so you may want to opt for caffeine-free drinks instead.
- Stay hydrated – When the body is dehydrated, it can interpret the deficiency as cravings rather than thirst. Drink water to avoid addiction triggers.
- Vary the foods in your diet to stave off boredom – You can try different cuisines or learn to cook new dishes to keep your meals enjoyable.
Nutrition plays an important role in recovery as it helps to rehabilitate the body from deficiencies caused by substance abuse.
There are many different foods that can support the recovery process, but the real key lies in maintaining healthy eating habits.