Benefits of Proper Nutrition in Recovery

However, carbohydrates are essential for the function of the central nervous system and brain. They are so important that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests 45% to 65% of daily calories should come from carbs. Typically, alcohol recovery diet alcohol withdrawal symptoms happen for heavier drinkers. Alcohol withdrawal can begin within hours of ending a drinking session. Our science-backed approach boasts 95% of patients reporting no withdrawal symptoms at 7 days.

In his post-graduate clinical work, Dr. Thomas later applied the tenets he learned to help guide his therapeutic approach with many https://ecosoberhouse.com/ patients in need of substance treatment. People in recovery often eat differently than they did while they were actively using.

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Addiction Treatment: Differences & Which Is Right for Me?

Offering adequate nutrition tools in the recovery process has been shown to support behavior change during the recovery process (Cowan & Devine, 2012; Jeynes & Gibson, 2017). Nutrient deficiencies arising from organ damage or poor eating habits. Understanding the relationship between nutrition and addiction recovery means understanding the roles nutrients play in the body. There are six nutrient groups derived from food that are considered essential, and they can be divided into micronutrients and macronutrients.

• This work has been the basis of Nutrition in Recovery, our group practice in Los Angeles which provides group trauma-informed nutrition education and individual counseling to addiction treatment centers.
• Having a well-balanced diet can help prevent you from getting sick.
• But here are a few tips to remember once you complete your addiction treatment program, or if you’re going through the recovery process on your own.
• Substance abuse made Madeleine Ludwig’s weight fluctuate dramatically throughout her adolescence.

But marijuana can also cause chronic vomiting, and people with this condition may be severely malnourished. The foods you eat while you’re high may also be dense in calories and sugar, but they don’t give your body the fuel you need to stay healthy.

Take care of caffeine intake

Proper nutrition can also help balance your mood and give you the extra boost you need to get through drug and alcohol withdrawal. Stimulant addiction – Stimulants, in particular, are famous for their appetite-suppressing properties.

One of the chemical compounds of marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol , ignites the appetite. Even the average user gains excessive weight as they commonly crave sugary, high-fat junk food while they are under the influence. Binge eating, or “having the munchies,” is a well-known part of using marijuana. Sugar addiction can contribute to a biochemical state that perpetuates opioid dependence. Those in recovery should dramatically reduce sugar intake to eliminate this reward pathway. You will need a well-functioning body to carry you forward in your journey of sobriety.