Nutrition in Alcohol & Drug Recovery

In order for the brain to process information correctly, the chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) must operate at optimal performance. Drug and alcohol stimulate these neurotransmitters, but addiction eventually depletes them. This addiction also causes malnutrition; a drug recovery program can help to repair the damage done to one's health.

Nutritional Impact

• Both alcohol and drugs prevent the body from sustaining and breaking down nutrients and releasing toxins. This results in health issues including malnutrition. Recovery is designed to get the addict to change his negative actions into positive ones, restoring his physical and spiritual well-being. Recovering addicts struggle with controlling their drug cravings. According to alcoholicsvictorious.org, a diet including high protein and carbohydrates can help manage these cravings by positively affecting one's mood.

Damage and Recommendations

• Drugs and alcohol can adversely impact the skin and hair. Foods that are rich in nutrients (vitamins A and C and proteins) can help restore them to a healthier state. Where the heart and circulation are affected, a low-fat diet with enough protein and exercise can restore muscle loss, reduce inflammation, and lower high blood pressure. Foods that are rich in calories and nutrients and contain moderate fat work on restoring minerals and vitamins, and reducing the liver swelling drugs and alcohol can cause. Issues involving the pancreas may manifest as swelling, digestive problems and diabetes; eating small portions of nutrient-rich foods often is recommended. To alleviate inflammation and kidney infection, limiting caffeine and eating foods high in potassium are advised.

Recovery Diet

• To maintain energy level and mood, individuals in recovery are advised to eat small, regular meals (three snacks and three meals a day). The diet should include fresh vegetables and fruits, whole-grain foods, herbal teas and decaffeinated coffee. Also important is eating less red meat and more beans, and decreasing consumption of foods containing sugar and caffeine. A good recovery diet includes 25 percent protein, 30 percent fat, 45 percent carbohydrates and a total of 2,000 calories. Drugs and alcohol rob the body of vitamins and minerals; therefore, vitamin and mineral supplements are also helpful.

Snack Ideas

• Snacks are important in helping the recovering addict reduce mood swings and meeting nutritional requirements. They can be eaten between meals and before going to bed. It's best to forgo ice cream, cookies, candy and potato chips in favor of nutritional snacks such as low-fat yogurt, dried fruit, fresh fruit and raw vegetables with low-fat dressing.

Fitness

• In recovery, exercise should be done in moderation, but the workout routine must be consistent and regular. Four times per week, one hour per session is recommended. Exercise burns calories while increasing metabolism. It also builds muscle tissue and reduces blood pressure. Aerobic exercises such as swimming, walking, jogging and cycling elevate the pulse and heart rate while burning calories.