Nutrition plays a role in the pathway to recovery from a substance abuse addiction. In this article, we take a look at why nutrition matters for someone who is recovering from substance abuse, and discuss four of the most suitable supplements that are helpful for recovering individuals.
Nutrition and Substance Abuse Recovery
Substance abuse is inherently harmful to the body in a couple of ways. First, using alcohol or an illicit substance usually affects the body directly, in one or more ways. Second, substance abuse often leads to poor eating patterns and a propensity for unhealthy food choices. Malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies are common in people with substance-abuse disorders, in part due to poor bodily nutrient utilization.
Proper nutrition by way of dietary planning and the use of the right supplements can be instrumental in restoring physical and mental wellness in those recovering from substance abuse. One primary reason for this has to do with bodily chemistry and a person’s mood. Psychoactive substances greatly disrupt the neurotransmitters which regulate mood, causing emotional swings and periods of significant depression. Unpleasant mood imbalances can impair recovery and influence a person to relapse. For these reasons, proper diet and nutrition are crucial for someone who takes their recovery from alcoholism or chronic drug abuse seriously.
Supplements for Substance Abuse Recovery
Each of the following four supplements are acclaimed with apparent abilities to support those in substance-abuse recovery, but in different ways. None of these are a replacement for sound medical and nutritional guidance during recovery, but can assist a constructive recovery process.
Magnesium: Magnesium is a crucial mineral, and magnesium deficiency is common in those experiencing alcoholism. Magnesium deficiency contributes to a range of symptoms including nausea and vomiting, fatigue, excitability, and others. For these reasons, magnesium supplementation could prove helpful for those recovering from alcohol dependency.
Amino acids: An amino acid complex supplement can be very important for a recovering addict. This is because amino acids are necessary for the formation of neurotransmitters which regulate mood and are affected by addiction, including dopamine and serotonin. Supplementing with amino acids is a simple way to support your mental health and wellbeing on a physiological level as part of the recovery process.
Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil can support mental health during recovery in multiple ways. These essential fatty acids have been researched and found to combat both depression and anxiety, which is helpful because both of these neuroses can increase chances of relapse. Studies in individuals who left rehabilitation for cocaine addiction found that those with higher levels of omega-3 acids were less likely to relapse. Other studies also show that omega-3 fatty acids help to regulate hormones related to stress.
Vitamin B12: Deficiency in this vitamin is common in those recovering from alcohol abuse disorder. This deficiency contributes to fatigue, headache, heart palpitations, and other symptoms. Taking a B12 supplement is a helpful part of the treatment plan for those in alcohol-abuse recovery.
If someone close to you is in recovery from alcoholism or substance abuse disorder, then consider how these supplements could be of help, and how you can bring it up with them for discussion at the right time. These could prove helpful to their physical and mental wellbeing during recovery. It is recommended that a person always consult their healthcare provider before taking any kind of supplement for the first time.