Last updated on June 15th, 2023
October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, a time to acknowledge those in recovery, as well as the family, friends, and health care workers that support them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 13% of Americans have started or increased substance use as a way of coping with the stress and ongoing uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Americans have also seen a rise in alcohol consumption and binge drinking during the pandemic, with one study indicating an increase from 22% to 27% during the height of the pandemic shutdown.
As Substance Use Disorders (SUD) increase across the country so does the need for treatment. Fortunately, for many in search of addiction treatment, the increased availability of telemedicine for behavioral health concerns and the availability of virtual support groups through organizations like Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous have helped more people gain access to treatment resources. In fact, virtual rehab companies like Lionrock Recovery and Quit Genius are offering ways for those living with addiction to receive outpatient treatment 100 percent virtually.
Nutrition in Recovery
While new technologies are helping people gain access to care when they need it most, it’s not the best solution for everyone. For those admitted to traditional inpatient care centers, experts agree that exercise and nutrition are important factors during the recovery process. During active addiction, many addicts severely neglect their health and diet. Prolonged substance use can lead to malnutrition and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Over time, this can lead to organ damage, nervous system damage, and decreased immunity. These micro and macro-nutrient deficiencies can also cause symptoms of depression, anxiety, and low energy which may trigger a relapse.
During the recovery process, a good registered dietitian and food service team can provide medical nutrition therapy and nutrition education. By providing the right foods to eat, the body can heal and become nourished. The right diets can also stabilize mood, reduce stress, and reduce drug and alcohol cravings. A good nutrition therapy program will also address medical conditions that have happened because of substance abuse and encourage self-care through continuing nutrition education.
Food Is Medicine
Balanced nutrition, appropriate calorie intake, and regularly scheduled meals are among the first steps of the recovery process. But the best foods to eat during the recovery process may be a little surprising. While carbohydrates are often targeted to be reduced or eliminated by today’s diet fads, they are essential nutritional building blocks during recovery. Complex carbohydrates balance blood sugar which can reduce cravings and feelings of frustration and anxiety. They restore proper neurotransmitter function and serotonin production which can stabilize mood, aid in sleep, and reduce depression symptoms.
Examples of complex carbohydrates include:
- Peas
- Beans
- Whole grains
- Sweet potatoes
- Broccoli
- Green beans
A SUD diet should also include foods rich in protein, amino acids, dietary fat, and omega-3 fatty acids. Amino acids are essential to the creation of the neurotransmitter dopamine which affects mood, aggression, and drug and alcohol cravings. While dietary fat and omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation and help neurotransmitters to function properly.
Beyond Rehab
A good dining program should also support patients with education during their stay and give them the skills they need to stay healthy when they return home. Nutritional awareness classes along with cooking instruction can help patients understand how to shop for and cook simple, nutritious meals to stay healthy at home. Classes may include lessons on the importance of digestive health, the connection between the gut and the brain, or the effects of exercise on hormones and mental health.
A dining program, like those offered by Culinary Services Group, may also include a vocational program to teach culinary skills through hands-on experience and classroom learning. Allowing residents to build job skills can give them the tools they need to secure work and become financially stable once they leave treatment.
Caring Food Service
A good food service team should partner with your treatment center to provide nutritional support to patients during recovery. We offer custom menus tailored to the nutritional needs of those healing from substance use. Our menu planning software allows us to track patient nutrition individually, ensuring every patient receives the nutrients they need for wellness and recovery support.
We offer nutritional education and vocational training to support treatment outcomes. We’ll help patients understand what healthy eating looks like and how to create shopping lists, navigate grocery stores, and plan meals that will help them stay healthy and well.
We specialize in dining programs for healthcare settings, including behavioral health and addiction treatment. Our food-first approach to nutrition and wellness aligns well with recovery goals. Learn more about how we can help, by contacting us today.
