Addiction treatment is often thought of as recovery for the mind, and frequently, nutrition during addiction treatment is an afterthought. For loved ones supporting a family member in recovery or those exploring Dana Point rehabs as a treatment option, it’s important to understand the effects addiction has on the body and how proper nutrition can help reverse those detrimental results.

Self-care is often lost in the eyes of those suffering from alcohol and drug abuse. So, when someone suffering from addiction takes the step into rehabilitation, it’s common to disregard proper nutrition as it hasn’t been a priority for some time. In addition, treatment at some Dana Point rehabs may be as short as 30 days, and while amazing work can be accomplished in that time, it leaves little room to concentrate on nutrition when sobriety is the main goal.

However, studies^[1] have found that when nutrition during addiction treatment is placed as the main concern, patients regain their health more quickly. They also have sharper mental focus and rely less on a substance replacement, such as caffeine, nicotine, or sugar.

How Addiction Affects Health

To understand why balanced nutrition is critical in addiction treatment, we must first understand what the reliance on drugs and alcohol can do to the human body. Alcohol and drug addiction can quickly cause malnutrition as it blocks the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.

The body is deprived of different, necessary nutrients based on the substance being used. Those addicted to opiates^[2] tend to show deficiencies in calcium, vitamins D and B6, and iron, while those addicted to cocaine generally have low levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Alcoholics often show more deficiency than other substance abuse victims as alcohol causes the body to expel larger quantities of nutrition.

The symptoms of malnutrition also vary by case. A loss of essential minerals and vitamins can cause weakness, anxiety, anemia, insomnia, weight loss, immune system challenges, slow wound healing and more.

David Wiss^[3], a registered dietitian nutritionist and founder of Los Angeles-based Nutrition in Recovery, says individuals in recovery often desire immediate satisfaction, which lends their food choices to sugar-loaded options, refined carbohydrates, or foods high in fat and salt content. While vitamin supplements can be helpful for recovery addicts, true nutrition comes from real foods and helping the patient make the right meal choices each day.

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Nutrition During Addiction Treatment

Skilled doctors and recovery specialists in Dana Point rehabs understand that a detailed nutrition plan is necessary for an addict to experience long-term recovery. Nutrition cannot be a by-product of addiction treatment; it is a necessary step in the recovery process beginning on day one.

While an individualized diet plan is needed for each individual in recovery, there are good guidelines to follow when it comes to the best foods for addiction treatment.

Eliminate artificial ingredients: Processed foods are high in artificial ingredients, which can hinder liver repair. The fewer, the better.
Healthy fats: Foods high in healthy fats, like olive oil, salmon, flaxseed oil, and nuts, support the body in absorbing fat-soluble vitamins.
Increase fiber: Healing of the gastrointestinal system can occur more rapidly with a diet high in fruits and vegetables.
Increase protein: Behaviors of those suffering from addiction can eliminate neurotransmitters. A diet high in protein, specifically that of fish, can help restore the endogenous chemicals to the brain.
Limited caffeine: Early sobriety is often accompanied by anxiety and insomnia. A diet high in caffeine can worsen those effects.
Low sugar: Stabilizing blood sugar levels will help reduce signs of depression, anxiety and mood swings. By eliminating foods with added sugar, addicts can avoid intense highs and lows of addiction recovery.
Reduce carbohydrates: Whole grains are a healthy replacement for refined carbs.

A well-balanced diet is just as important for individuals who suffer from addiction as regularly consuming food. Addiction recovery should include a nutrition plan that allows patients to eat every 2 to 4 hours. It’s important for the body and mind to be balanced throughout the day. Mood swings and a blood sugar imbalance can be avoided when a patient avoids hunger and extreme fullness.

Benefits of Proper Nutrition in Addiction Treatment

While some Dana Point rehabs don’t place a major emphasis on nutrition during addiction treatment, the highly-skilled and supportive team at Ocean Hills Recovery knows that each patient needs to receive the education and life skills necessary to eat properly once they leave our treatment center.

Building a life that doesn’t revolve around alcohol, drugs or food is our goal. Recovering addicts need to eat from each major food group and understand that creating those meals at home is a key element to continued sobriety. Choosing fresh, whole foods boosts their nutrition and will help them feel better throughout the entire recovery process. Anyone who wishes to learn more about addiction treatment at Ocean Hills Recovery and our take on nutrition’s role in recovery is invited to contact our team today.

Sources:

[1] https://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/120914p44.shtmlv

[2] https://www.addiction.com/3446/nutrition-for-addicts/

[3] https://www.nutritioninrecovery.com/david-a-wiss/

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does drug and alcohol rehab last?

The length of your stay at drug and alcohol rehab will vary for each person attending rehab and from treatment center to treatment center. Most inpatient programs are at least 30 days long; however, some programs may incorporate a shorter inpatient stay with a more extended outpatient stay. The best rehab centers will provide a more custom treatment plan for each person that takes into account the individual’s needs before determining the length of treatment. Ocean Hills Recovery offers a variety of options for addiction treatment. A typical stay at our inpatient drug and alcohol rehab programs last between 30 to 45 days.

Do I need inpatient or outpatient treatment?

Outpatient is an excellent option for people who are unable to take time away from work or their families while receiving addiction treatment. Inpatient treatment is an excellent option for people who can be away from their work or families for at least several weeks for treatment. We recommend that you contact a reliable treatment center, like Ocean Hills Recovery, for a complete assessment before you decide whether inpatient or outpatient treatment for addiction is best for you.

Should I get addiction treatment locally or away?

The answer to whether you should go away or stay local for addiction treatment is very individual. Many people need to get away from their everyday life for them to fully submerge themselves in their addiction recovery process. For these individuals, going to an out of state treatment center is the best option to be able to commit fully and concentrate on their recovery. For others, this is not an option because of work or family obligations.

What do I do if I don’t have insurance for drug rehab?

There are options for drug rehab, even if you don’t have insurance. When you decide to get help, the best thing to do is to find a treatment philosophy that you believe may help and contact them for assistance. Rehab professionals can help you determine if you have insurance coverage for addiction treatment, and what options are best for you. Many drug rehabs accept insurance but also have private pay, or financing options available. Contact our rehab admissions specialist today, and we can help you navigate insurance questions, payment options, and treatment plans.

How to find a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website is a great place to start when you are looking for a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. We recommend that you make a list of a few different centers to contact and speak with them to get a feel for their programs, therapies, and staff and find the center that you feel most comfortable with. Have a list of questions that you can ask each center to help you through the process. One of the most important questions to ask is if the rehab holds accreditation by CARF. Having a state license is no longer enough to ensure that a rehab center is reputable. If the rehab holds CARF accreditation, they have had to meet a more strict set of guidelines and procedures.

Do I need detox before addiction treatment?

Many people require detox to help manage withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs. There are several factors that we take into consideration to determine if you will need detox before addiction treatment. Our admissions professionals work with each person to obtain a thorough history of substance use and other medical conditions to help make the appropriate recommendations for care. You must give accurate information so that we can keep you as comfortable as possible if you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms. However, detox is only the first step in addiction recovery. For long-lasting addiction recovery, a person must deal with the underlying issues that lead to substance use in the first place. Contact us today for a confidential assessment.

How Important is Nutrition During Addiction Treatment?