The nexus between food and alcohol and drug and addiction
The effects of Alcohol and drug abuse treatment centers on the human body have been extensively documented by alcohol and drug abuse recovery centers. Addicts to alcohol and drugs often exhibit negative lifestyle changes such as irregular eating and poor dieting.
Alcohol abuse causes vitamin B1, B6, and folic acid deficiencies, which lead to anemia and neurologic problems. It also interferes with nutrient breakdown and digestion, resulting in nutritional deficiencies.
Alcoholism also harms the liver and pancreas, two organs involved in metabolism and nutrition. The pancreas controls blood sugar and fat absorption, while the liver eliminates toxins from the body. Damage to these two organs causes an imbalance in body fluids, calories, proteins, and electrolytes, which can lead to complications like severe malnutrition.
Opiate use, which includes heroin, morphine, oxycodone, and codeine, has an effect on the gastrointestinal system. They are also linked to constipation as well as withdrawal symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. These events cause a decrease in nutrients and an imbalance of electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and chloride in the body.
Stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine suppress appetite, resulting in weight loss and poor nutrition. Marijuana use can increase appetite, and some long-term users become overweight.
Overall, addiction to alcohol and drugs causes a person to forget what it is like to be hungry. Instead, they interpret hunger as a desire to consume alcohol or drugs.
Except for marijuana, people who abuse alcohol and drugs eat less. They also eat less nutritious foods, frequently skip meals, increase the rate at which the body uses up energy, and lose a lot of nutrients through vomiting and diarrhea. Their guts are also damaged, preventing them from properly absorbing nutrients from food. This is extremely taxing on the body. Good nutrition is critical in assisting the body to rebuild itself and maintain health during the recovery process from Alcohol and drug addiction recovery.
Why nutrition in alcohol and drug addiction recovery?
The following are some of the reasons why nutrition is important in the recovery from alcohol and drug addiction:
- Helps the addiction patients to feel better
Nutrition can help addicts feel better during their recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. This is because nutrients provide energy to the body, aid in the formation and repair of damaged organ tissues, and help to strengthen the immune system.
- Improved the addiction patients’ moods
According to research, dietary changes can alter brain structure both chemically and psychologically, influencing behavior. Certain foods have also been linked to increased production of key neurotransmitters like serotonin, which are responsible for energizing moods.
- Remedies the addicts’ confusion of hunger for alcohol or drug cravings
As previously stated, alcohol and drug addicts are so unfamiliar with the sensation of hunger that they mistake it for a desire for alcohol or the drug that they abuse. This potentially fatal addiction recovery mistake can be avoided by assisting them in eating healthy meals on a regular basis.
- Prevention of relapse
When people with substance use disorders have poor eating habits, they are more likely to relapse. Regular healthy meals are therefore critical in preventing relapse.
- Combating malnourishment and weight loss
Many people who are addicted to alcohol or drugs become malnourished and lose weight. Their bodies become deficient in vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients that their bodies require to function properly. Their body cells become unable to produce the proteins required for nutrient absorption. As a result, nutrition is crucial in their addiction recovery.
- Strengthening the immune system and relieving stress
People who are addicted to alcohol or drugs have weakened immune systems and are under a lot of stress. Following proper nutritional guidelines assists both their brains and bodies in healing from the damage caused by the substances they abuse over time.
- Protection from diseases
Nutritional food helps in the prevention of diseases such as cancer. This is due to the fact that high-quality nutrients produce a healthy, well-oxygenated body that is unsuitable for diseased and cancerous cells.
Nutritional support at outpatient drug rehab centers near me
If you or any of your loved ones are in need of an addiction and substance abuse counselor to help with nutritional support and addiction recovery, Roots Through Recovery can help. Call them today at 562-304-9592 or write them an email via [email protected] to find out how you can enroll in their addiction recovery programs and how they can help.
By querying the Internet search engines using "alcohol and drug treatment center near me," you could also access programs that offer nutritional support in addiction recovery.
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