Substance use disorder (SUD), a state in which an individual cannot control their use of dangerous substances like recreational drugs or alcohol, alters the lives of millions of people each year — over 48 million Americans (ages 12+), according to statistics from the American Addiction Centers. That’s a little over 10% of the population.
Once someone is ready to tackle their addiction, they may enter a period of recovery. Per the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), recovery is “a process of change through which people improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential.”
However, while entering recovery sometimes seems like an impossible task, it’s possible for everyone – even those with the most devastating levels of addiction. Addiction recovery centers, especially those that deal with residential treatment, play a central role in helping people enter recovery and achieve the long-term goal of remission.
Creating a holistic recovery program through person-centered care, which focuses on proper nutrition to aid in healing the body and mind, is considered the gold-star treatment. Hospitals are already starting to reform their dining programs; now it’s time to spread this to inpatient addiction and recovery services.
In this blog, we’ll dive into how addiction impacts the body and explore nutrition’s essential role in the recovery process.
What are the physical effects of addiction?
When a person becomes addicted to a substance, it impacts the way their entire body functions — sometimes leading to long-lasting, irreversible changes in physical and psychological health. Improving mental health is a massive part of recovery, but first, let’s focus on the physical effects.
Sometimes, the specific effects vary depending on the substance used:
- Alcohol abuse can lead to liver damage, pancreatitis, and an increased risk of certain cancers. Chronic alcohol consumption can also lead to malnutrition, as alcohol can displace more nutritious foods in the diet.
- Opioid abuse can lead to respiratory depression, overdose, and death. Long-term opioid use can also lead to constipation, which can cause gastrointestinal problems and nutrient deficiencies.
- Stimulant abuse, such as cocaine or methamphetamine, can lead to cardiovascular problems, including heart attack and stroke. Stimulant use can also lead to malnutrition, as users may neglect food and hydration.
- Other substances, such as marijuana and hallucinogens, can also have physical effects, including increased heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory problems.
Beyond these substance-specific effects, addiction often results in common nutritional deficiencies due to poor dietary choices, malabsorption, and increased nutrient excretion. These deficiencies can further impair organ function, weaken the immune system, and contribute to chronic health problems. Additionally, addiction can disrupt the delicate balance of gut bacteria, leading to digestive issues and inflammation.
How is improved nutrition linked to a successful recovery?
Proper nutrition is the foundation for starting and maintaining a healthy body and mind in recovery. But why? As we mentioned earlier, nutrient depletion is one of the most common ways the body, specifically with the following deficiencies:
- Vitamin deficiencies, particularly in vitamins B and C, are essential for energy production, immune function, and overall health
- Mineral deficiencies, including zinc, magnesium, and potassium, help people maintain healthy blood pressure, bone health, and immune function
- Macronutrient deficiencies, including protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates essential for maintaining healthy weight, energy levels, and overall health
Because these nutrients are necessary to make sure the overall body is functioning as it should, no food program (within a more extensive recovery-based residential treatment program) is complete without addressing the deficiencies caused by addiction.
Let’s talk about three other ways nutrition is linked to a successful recovery.
Supporting and restoring gut health
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help restore the balance of gut bacteria, reducing inflammation and improving immune function. This connection between the gut and the brain, often called the “gut-brain axis,” emphasizes the importance of a healthy gut for overall well-being, including mental health. By nourishing the gut, individuals in recovery can positively impact their mood, cognitive function, and stress response, fostering a more holistic approach to healing.
Reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms
Certain nutrients, such as vitamin B complex and magnesium, can help alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Specifically, here are some foods rich in amino acids that help stop cravings:
- Nuts like peanuts and almonds that are high in tyrosine
- Cheese, pineapple, tomatoes, and bananas, which are high in tryptophan
- Beans, berries, cocoa, and mushrooms which contain gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) that specifically blocks brain signals that cause cravings
- Onions, lettuce, and avocados, which are high in antioxidants
Improving mental and emotional health
Nutrition can also improve mental and emotional health, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. A healthy diet can help regulate mood, improve sleep quality, and enhance cognitive function. All of these symptoms are also linked to other co-occurring mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder (MDD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Sustainability and long-term recovery
As we’ve said, by prioritizing nutrition, individuals can lay a strong foundation for long-term recovery and reduce the risk of relapse.
Therefore, instead of approaching addiction as a one-sided problem, creating care for the entire body is the starting point for long-term recovery. This approach also embraces sustainability, which aligns with the holistic views of person-centered care and our philosophy of “Food is Medicine” at Culinary Services Group.
Sustainable food management practices also don’t just include “green” initiatives like reducing food waste and zero-waste cooking. They focus on embracing individualized meal plans, including liberalized diets, diverse menus, accessible snack options, and other practices that allow those in recovery to focus on recovery — not the logistics.
Check out our other resources, such as our blogs on improving dining programs in behavioral health residential treatment and senior living communities. You can also schedule a meeting with one of our sales team members for a more in-depth explanation of our services. We can’t wait to help you support your residents in recovery.
