Incorporating Nutrition Into Your Recovery Plan

Addiction is a very serious illness. Some call it a disease, others don’t: It matters not how you describe it or how you feel about it. The consequences are that it affects, not only brain chemistry, but other elements of physical health. Nutrition in addiction recovery treatment is a crucial aspect to consider, as it can significantly impact overall well-being during the recovery process.

As the body becomes more deprived on essential vitamins and nutrients both physical and mental health will begin to deteriorate. It can take many years for someone caught up in addiction to seek help. Thus the damage done from poor nutrition can be extensive.  

Here at Find Me a Rehab we Provide 24 Hour Addiction Help. You can speak to an experienced Addictions Clinician for free, confidential and impartial advice. If you need help with Alcohol Addiction or are struggling with drug use: Call.

Nutrition in addiction recovery treatment

What to look for:

It doesn’t take a highly skilled clinician to describe what the physical characteristics of someone caught up in the ravages of addiction. If you hear the words heroin addiction you may imagine someone who is very underweight and sweating. Alcohol? Someone with a protruding abdomen and a very reddened nose. Blunt: but, sadly, often true.  

Detox is essential, sometimes to prevent a fatality. Therapy is equally as important but so is nutrition. It is critical for recovery. It is logical that someone who has to constantly feed their habit is not going to be overly concerned with feeding themselves. Even if someone, caught up in the ravages of addiction, did manage to eat a reasonably good diet, addiction invariably the body’s ability to absorb nutrients and vitamins. This is no more clearly demonstrated than with alcohol dependent people whose lack of Vitamin B1 can lead to seizures, and even fatalities. Heroin users often experience chronic constipation which damages body’s ability to store nutrients. 

A nutritious, well rounded, balanced diet is absolutely essential for someone recovering from addiction. Not only can it reduce inflammation it can also assist with neurological stability and stabilize mood: Essential for recovery. Energy levels recover and sleep improves.  

Nutrition in addiction recovery treatment

Promoting good nutrition in recovery:

1. Avoid fast food! While this is always advantageous, it is even more so when in recovery. Lean proteins, vegetables, fruits and whole grains are recommended.  

2. Keep drinking (not alcohol, obviously!) Always essential. Drinking water can help to reduce cravings.  

3. Reduce sugar and processed foods. These can spike blood glucose (sugar) but then crash them which affects your mood. For someone in recovery, especially if they are experiencing cravings, this is to be avoided.  

Eat more fat! Well, healthy ones: Omega 3 fatty acids. These are found in seeds, nuts and fatty fish. These can assist in reducing inflammation and improve mood.  

4. Eat regularly: Keeping, as far as possible, to regular mealtimes, with snacks in-between, can keep sugar levels stable and reduce overeating. 

5. Speak to a registered nutrionist. Ensure, if you do consult one, that they are registered with the Health Care Professionals Council (HCPC).  

Nutrition in addiction recovery treatment

Here at Find Me a Rehab we Provide 24 Hour Addiction Help. You can speak to an experienced Addictions Clinician for free, confidential and impartial advice. If you need help with Alcohol Addiction or are struggling with drug use: Call.

When to consult a dietician:

• Eye disease 

• Nerve pain 

• Anemia 

• Heart disease 

• Osteoporosis 

• Lung cancer 

• Scurvy  

When someone is caught up in active addiction, their time, their focus is on sustaining their habit. Cooking for themselves, especially is they live alone, is not a priority. Often, it is a bag of crisps, here and there, or a sandwich. In rehab clients are presented with nutritious, well balanced and appetizing foods. All centres provide religious diets and cater for food intolerances and allergies. Asking about nutrition is part of the pre-admission assessment and, on admission, this information is checked. Clients are always welcome to meet with the catering team and feedback is very welcomed.  

Nutrition in addiction recovery treatment

Social elements of nutrition:

In rehab clients eat together, usually with staff. This is an important social ritual as it demonstrates that the person is not alone in their recovery: There are others going through it and staff, who are usually in recovery themselves, are role modelling that recovery is possible. It is an opportunity to sit with others, to relax, to enjoy good food in a relaxed environment.  

The timetable of rehab is packed with groups, activities and therapy. Having fixed mealtimes in the timetable gives someone a focus as to when there are breaks away from the hard work as rehab is just that. It is a time to catch up with others, talk about things away from rehab: football, holidays, even the weather! It matters not. The social aspects of eating as a group are just as important as the nutritional elements.  

Often, alcohol and drug dependency can lower someone’s mood and lead to social isolation. Being with others, even if the person doesn’t feel like talking, can be very impactful.  

Nutrition in addiction recovery treatment

Are all rehabs the same?

Some rehab centres are focused on residents participating in the functions of day to day living in that they prepare the food, clear away etc. whereas, the majority, provide a full restaurant service. Those that incorporate residents in the core functions are not necessarily lower in cost.  

On occasion, it may be necessary for a clinician to prescribe dietary supplements and/or request blood samples. Centres have access to visiting GPs with special interest in addiction and/or a consultant psychiatrist. If the doctor has any concerns they will refer on to specialist services.  

Here at Find Me a Rehab we Provide 24 Hour Addiction Help. You can speak to an experienced Addictions Clinician for free, confidential and impartial advice. If you need help with Alcohol Addiction or are struggling with drug use: Call.

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