Focusing on Nutrition in Rehab is Key to Meeting Goals and Feeling Healthy

When people do drugs or drink, their bodies are in a state of malnutrition. They often don’t get proper nutrients and may be dehydrated as well. There are also mental health issues to focus on that will be key to figuring out how to deal with staying healthy in recovery. Common medical issues including heart, lungs, and liver, along with the brain and mental health require a holistic approach to tackle it all head on.

Why Nutrition Matters

People who progress through detox often find they are given questions about their nutrition, food, and dietary habits. The first step is to assess their addiction, and health history and create a treatment plan for deficiencies. Food diaries are usually required and nutrition or cooking classes may be offered to help understand the importance of proper nutrients. A fitness instructor may also meet with you to discuss personal needs in taking better care of your body. Alcohol and other drugs often take zinc, calcium, iron, and vitamins from the body but don’t replenish them. The food that you eat matters and, most likely, you are not eating healthy if you have an addiction. If you are, your body may not be absorbing the nutrients.

Nutrition and Relapse

Having good nutrition plays a key role in preventing relapse. In addition to mental and physical health, behaviors with food provide warning signs of potential relapse. People with addiction are at a higher risk for developing crossover addictions. Abusing food or sex as self-medication is complicated, especially when replacing alcohol with another addiction. It is best ot pay attention to food choices and behaviors as they are important clues to potential issues or triggers that need to be addressed. The effects of foods like these may be similar to dopamine-increasing qualities of drugs and alcohol that act on the reward part of the brain and encourage addiction. It is important to think about all things holistically when considering whether something may cause relapse to occur.

Nutrition is Healing

When thinking about food, think of it as healing stuff for the soul. With proper nutrition and eating habits, you can transform not only your body but also your mind and your recovery. If you plan to navigate your recovery with the help of nutritionists, it is key to think about how to open your heart and mind to the possibilities of what you can get from good food as opposed to getting it from other sources. Once you have good food in your body, you will feel better and start to turn things around in your recovery.

The Last Resort helps you get a plan that will keep you moving forward in a way that is holistic and healing. We know your body needs good food to heal in recovery so we teach you how to do that when you come to our place. However you find your way to the Last Resort, we endeavor to provide a haven where you can journey through recovery feeling like your life and story have meaning and a purpose. Call us to find out more.