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Substance abuse takes a toll on a person’s body. Unfortunately, some of the damage can be permanent. But, during active drug use, the last thing a person thinks about is how it will affect their health. As the body loses its ability to manage the onslaught of dangerous chemicals, the person’s overall health declines. For lasting addiction recovery, the mind and body must be cleansed of the chemicals and restored through a combination of therapy, education, nutritional guidance, exercise, and other holistic treatments.
Typically, poor nutrition leads to low energy, anxiety, mood swings, depression, and cravings for drugs, alcohol, or nicotine. Here are some examples of how substance use affects the body.
Alcohol abuse causes you to be low in:
These deficiencies can cause nerve damage, eye problems, internal bleeding, poor bone health, liver disease, and cognitive problems.
Opioids cause you to be low in:
Deficiencies in these nutrients can lead to liver disease, colon cancer, Pellagra, low bone mass, and birth defects.
Stimulants (cocaine, meth, etc) can cause you to not drink enough water or eat enough food, leading to:
Some of the symptoms caused by stimulants include weight loss, brain fog, trouble chewing, headache, increased blood pressure, insomnia, stroke, and seizures.
Nicotine causes you to be low in:
Symptoms of deficiency in these vitamins and minerals include fatigue, mood swings, muscle weakness, cramps, loss of appetite, eye and skin problems, bone pain, and problems with libido. You could be at risk for nerve damage, anemia, lung cancer, eye disease, scurvy, osteoporosis, and heart disease.
During addiction, individuals tend to eat junk food, if they eat at all. Their diets often consist of highly refined and processed foods that are high in sodium, sugar, and fat. These foods promote nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, and weakened immune systems which can lead to a long list of health complications.
Integrating nutritious foods as part of an addiction recovery plan can reverse some of the damages caused by substance use. A balanced diet includes vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients that repair cells and protect them from further damage.
Nutritious foods have healing effects not only on the body but on the mind as well. As a result, the healthy body and mind work together to resist the temptation to use drugs or alcohol, thereby reducing the risk of relapse.
Regular exercise in addiction recovery improves physical health and will also reduce stress and boost mood. Physical activity releases endorphins which are natural mood enhancers and also promote muscle strength, cardiovascular health, and flexibility.
When a person engages in physical activity, they feel a sense of accomplishment which boosts self-esteem. During addiction recovery, these attributes help them feel more motivated and confident in their recovery journey.
Combining exercise with nutrition in addiction recovery plans will improve a person’s physical and mental health and enhance their sense of well-being. These positive effects are achieved through various forms of exercise including:
Design for Change Recovery provides evidence-based, holistic programs that integrate several types of exercise options for our clients.
Studies prove that addiction is a complex combination of physical, mental, emotional, and environmental issues. To achieve lasting addiction recovery, all of the contributing factors must be addressed simultaneously. At Design for Change, our programs are customized to address each client’s unique physical and mental needs.
Our program includes a range of holistic therapies such as:
Other components of our client-centric programs include:
Addiction recovery is possible with the right treatment program. Design for Change provides the full continuum of care you need in a secure, comforting environment. We are a fully licensed and JCAHO-accredited facility and in-network with major insurance companies. This means you can expect excellence in all aspects of our program.
Contact our Lancaster, CA facility today to speak with one of our admissions specialists. Whether you require a short-term or long-term outpatient, inpatient, or partial hospitalization program, we can accommodate your needs. Our staff are compassionate, experienced professionals who understand the trials of addiction. Your recovery is their priority.
Let us help you achieve your addiction recovery goals and go forward to enjoy substance-free living.
Sources:
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov– The Importance of Nutrition in Aiding Recovery From Substance Use Disorders: A Review
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov – Chapter 3 – Medical Aspects of Stimulant Use Disorders
nida.nih.gov – Understanding Drug Use and Addiction DrugFacts