Can Nutrition Help The Chemically Dependent?

When alcoholics and addicts are using substances, namely their drug(s) of choice, they aren’t privy to taking care of themselves. However, when it has been decided that sobriety will be obtained by the chemically dependent, there is always that question that remains in everyone’s mind; will he or she really be able to stay clean, and how long will their sobriety last? It is hurtful to many recovering addicts when they hear this question being asked. However, instead of it being viewed as something negative, it can be viewed as something positive instead.

In overcoming an addiction, you can use this question to motivate you to stay clean longer. Yet you are going to need quite a few tools that are dispensable to be a part of your plan to get clean and stay that way. Some of those tools include massage therapy, counseling, meetings, spirituality, and even exercise. However, many avoid a very crucial tool in overcoming chemical dependency: Nutrition.

Malnutrition is the Norm

You are probably wondering how nutrition can be a great tool to help with chemical dependency. How can it not be, is the question you should be asking. If everyone needs good nutrition to stay healthy, how much more do those in recovery need it? Malnourishment is a common trend among addicts and alcoholics.

During active addiction, people eat and drink whatever they can get a hold of. When you are so focused on getting your next hit, or next drink, you don’t care about anything else, not even food. Food is the last thing on an addicts mind. Even when hungry, if the stomach is grumbling, and there is a box of pizza sitting in the room, if the addict is in the middle of a fix, or even right afterwards, he or she isn’t going to think about the pizza. Even after the high comes down, the next thought is about where to get more of the substance, not what to eat.

Substance Abuse = Poor Health

Because addicts neglect their health, during recovery their need for a healthy nutrition plan is much higher. Their substance abuse has destroyed their body‘s ability to process food, take in nutrients, and eliminate toxins. Diarrhea, constipation, as well as a poor appetite are normal conditions of the recovering addicts life. Good nutrition can help to eliminate these uncomfortable symptoms.

Sugar and caffeine should be removed from the diet, especially during the beginnings of recovery from a chemical dependency. Lots of protein and healthy carbohydrates should be included in the diet. It will also be of great help to include vitamin and mineral supplements in the diet. There is a particular vitamin supplement that should be taken in addition to multi-vitamins, and that is the combination B vitamins that promote alertness, focus, and natural energy.

B Vitamins are depleted during active chemical dependency along with most of the amino acids that people need on a daily basis. Coming up with a diet plan for the withdrawal and detoxification period of recovery is a vital part of a recovery plan. It will greatly help to facilitate the healing of the body and the brain.

What Should Those in Recovery Include in a Nutrition Plan:

• Lots of Carbohydrates
• Healthy Proteins (Fish, Beans, and Nuts)
• 8 Glasses of Water a Day
• Herbal Teas
• Fruits and Vegetables
• Healthy Fats

When in recovery one should be cautious of how much sugar is eaten. Candy, chocolate, and even certain over the counter medications should be avoided. Also, make sure to limit the amount of red meat that is eaten. Red meat is much harder for the digestive system, liver, and kidneys to process and digest. The sooner the body is healed through proper nutrition, the sooner those in recovery will feel a difference in their physical and mental strength.

*The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Never substitute, disregard, or delay seeking professional medical advice and assistance for any health or mental issue(s) you have or are concerned about because of something you have read.