People with vitamin C deficiency or scurvy may also have issues with wound healing, swollen and bleeding gums, tooth loss, and jaundice. If you’re ready to take the next step in your recovery journey, consider consulting a registered dietitian or doctor. They can help you create a personalized nutrition plan that supports your long-term sobriety goals.
Substance Use Treatment
You are emerging from your dependency with a new set of goals and a different outlook, and are connecting with resources that can help support you as you heal and build strength and resilience. First of all, vitamin C levels are significantly lower in drug addicts (68). Every tissue in your body has vitamin D receptors, including the brain, heart, muscles, and immune system. Chronic use of drugs, such as cocaine, methamphetamine and alcohol, can lead to the formation of oxidative stress (47). It has neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing effects, and as I’ve discussed before, it can support your mitochondria, protect your brain from alcohol, vitamins for recovering alcoholics and help you overcome brain fog.
Illegal Drug Addiction
And even if you don’t struggle with addiction, these nutrients are still great for optimal brain function and mental health. But here are a few tips to remember once you complete your addiction treatment program, or if you’re going through the recovery process on your own. They will help you to stay on track with your recovery and decrease your risk of relapse.
Effects on Physical Health
Consequently, John witnessed a remarkable increase in energy levels, an improved mood, and a swifter recovery rate. The nutritional support he received played an irreplaceable role in his overall well-being and triumphant recovery journey. Good nutrition can be a strong ally on the road to recovery from drug addiction. The right food can not only mitigate drug damage but =https://ecosoberhouse.com/ also help the former abuser feel stronger. It can set off a positive feedback loop to show how ingesting healthy foods – instead of deadly or harmful drugs – will make recovering people feel their best. Studies show drug detox vitamins are important and essential elements of a successful detox and sobriety.
Lincoln Recovery
The brain’s ability to process the essential amino acids alcoholism treatment tyrosine and tryptophan is compromised with alcohol use. Tyrosine promotes alertness while tryptophan is key to the production of serotonin – a vital nutrient for proper sleep and the ability to be calm. An amino acid complex is often given not only to reduce withdrawals but also to help the liver regenerate damaged cells and to help with proper brain function. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), inositol and niacinamide may also be used to ease stress and anxiety. Glutathione and L-methionine are useful in protecting the liver and reducing alcohol cravings.
- Considering all of this, it’s not too surprising that it has anti-addictive properties and can help reduce withdrawal symptoms.
- In fact, Omega-3 has been shown to have neuroprotective effects against conditions ranging from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia to depression.
- I had to rely on substances outside of myself – even if they weren’t good for me – until I found better, long-term, sustainable solutions.
- Depending on the drug, the person can be treated with medication to ease these symptoms.
- Please contact us if you have any questions, we are ready to help you.
- Adequate levels of vitamins and nutrients can enhance mental clarity, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve cognitive function.
While the body can withstand malnutrition for weeks, if not longer, dehydration quickly becomes a matter of life or death. Water makes up around 60% of the body and plays vital roles in nearly every function. Critical examples include facilitating brain function, improving mood, flushing out toxins and transferring nutrients between cells. After stopping stimulants, it’s common to experience a strong spike in appetite — which may lead to overeating — that can overwhelm the weakened digestive system. It is essential that during recovery you are consuming the right amount of vitamins and nutrients. Proper health is crucial in recovery and it’s helpful to know how supplements and vitamins can play a role in your journey.
What are the Essential Nutrients for Sobriety?
- Adequate consumption of nutrients aids in the repair of tissues and accelerates recovery by facilitating immune system functioning.
- However, these supplements may not provide enough vitamin B1, which is essential for preventing a condition called Wernicke’s encephalopathy (WE), a medical emergency.
- Beyond eating well, former drug users should exercise, get plenty of sleep, schedule time to relax, and rebuild strong social support systems – including family members, friends, and therapists.
- Additionally, B-vitamins, including B12, B6, and folate, are essential for energy production and nerve function.
At Gateway Foundation, we understand the importance of nutrition for recovering addicts, and we incorporate it into our many recovery programs and services. Every individual has different nutritional needs that can impact their experience in treatment, which is why we work hard to provide customized treatment plans that address nutrition. This also involves taking into account any issues the patient has around food, including eating disorders. Depending on individual needs, the plan may leave room for snack times, or it may be a better option to restrict intake to three times per day if the patient has issues with things like binge eating.
- The supplement was found to reduce cravings for cocaine amongst participants.
- Casie Silverman has a Masters Degree in Psychology with experience as a child therapist, specializing in play therapy.
- Therefore, some individuals turn to supplementing their nutritional imbalances with natural remedies.
Nutrition is the cornerstone that helps rebuild the body and mind ravaged by drug addiction or substance abuse. During this transitional phase, fortifying your body with the right nutrients can make a world of difference. Diminished nutritional levels may produce symptoms for the recovering addict or alcoholic. Detoxing from a substance may be a long and painful process, but it is necessary before individuals can move forward in their recovery.
Alcohol interacts with neurotransmitters including gamma-aminobutyric acid. Therefore, if individuals stop or reduce their alcohol intake, their brain must readjust, leading to withdrawal symptoms. Contrary to the popular notion that proteins are merely workout supplements, they are vital in regenerating tissue and also influence brain chemistry. Specific amino acids, such as tyrosine, are of utmost importance in synthesizing neurotransmitters that boost both mood and cognitive clarity.