When someone is actively suffering from a substance abuse disorder, their body often becomes depleted of healthy nutrients due to the side effects of the drug. Craving unhealthy foods, irregular metabolic levels and issues with the gastrointestinal tract are just a few of the many impacts a drug addiction can have on a person’s body.
These happen as a result of damage that the drug has caused to different systems throughout the human body or a person putting the priority of a substance over their basic needs.
When a person is going through recovery, they might also need to heal from the nutritional deficiencies they face as a result of their addiction. Seeking proper nutrition throughout recovery can make it easier to bear but also decrease the chances of relapse.
Here are three ways nutrition specifically helps the human body during recovery:
- Promoting physical healing: A healthy diet with vitamins and minerals can help repair damage to the body caused by substance abuse. These nutrients support the body’s natural healing processes during addiction treatment and well into recovery. It can help a person who has lost an unhealthy amount of weight due to a substance use disorder see healthy weight gain.
- Supporting mental health: Certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins, have been shown to support cognitive function in addition to your physical health. These may help improve a person’s mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms: A balanced diet that includes plenty of protein, fiber, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce cravings for drugs or alcohol. This can also minimize or reduce withdrawal symptoms such as headaches and fatigue.
During drug addiction recovery, nutrition plays an important role in healing and promoting a sense of good well-being overall. If you have a loved one who has recently undergone rehabilitation and is looking to take the next step in recovery, then contact The Recovery Academy.
Not only does our niche program put a heavy emphasis on good nutrition and a sense of community, but also activities that make the transition back into society even smoother. Contact us to learn more now.
