How Diet Can Impact Addiction Recovery

You may not realize that nutrition education and counseling are a very important part of any addiction treatment program. In many cases, the unhealthy habits that develop as a result of a substance use disorder cause one’s health to suffer overall and make it difficult to relearn healthy habits. In fact, relapse is more likely to occur when a good diet and nutrition are not a priority. Therefore, one of the first things an addiction treatment facility will work on with patients is a focus on nutrition in order to help pave the way for a more successful treatment and recovery experience. If you have questions about the connection between diet and addiction recovery and would like more information on the nutrition counseling program at San Antonio Recovery Center (SARC), reach out today at 866.957.7885.

The Connection Between Nutrition and Recovery from Addiction

The connection between diet and addiction recovery is strong. When treating addiction, it should be a whole-person approach to recovery. Nutrition and an overall healthy lifestyle are key to this approach. Substance use disorders wreak havoc on a person’s general health and can cause long-term damage. Malnourishment, digestive issues, and even low blood sugar are quite common among those suffering from a substance use disorder. During addiction, fast foods are common go-to meal options. Why? Because the focus is not on food when addicted but on the substance.

There is a serious deficiency in essential nutrients caused by a poor diet. Magnesium, zinc, vitamin B12, and calcium are the main vitamins missing from an addicted person's diet. Adding these nutrients back into their diet helps them to feel better in the short term and the long term. A professional addiction treatment program at an accredited treatment facility gives people the tools needed to return to a healthier lifestyle that supports their recovery.

Nutrition Counseling Program

A nutrition counseling program focuses on teaching those suffering from a substance use disorder how to develop a healthier lifestyle through their diet. Knowing what foods to eat to actually make you feel better and make better choices for your body is important for anyone. This is especially true for those battling addiction. In fact, healthier choices help lead people to long-term sobriety.

This education about the importance of nutrition in everyday life, and as an aid to sobriety is crucial. Maintaining physical, social, and emotional wellness is key to an addiction treatment program. Healthy living translates to every part of daily life. It allows you to function in daily activities, balance moods, and think clearly.

Benefits of a good diet for those suffering from a substance use disorder include:

• Less time spent in treatment – Better nutrition allows you to feel better as you go through detox and deal with withdrawal symptoms
• A clear head – Malnutrition affects a person’s ability to focus, and good nutrition can help restore brain function
• Improved sleep – Addiction greatly affects sleep patterns, and a healthy diet can improve sleep
• Better gut health – Medication-assisted treatment as part of detox can affect digestion, and a better diet can help balance those negative effects
• More energy – Increasing your energy level allows you to stay positive and be more engaged in your treatment and committed to your recovery
• A healthier heart – Malnutrition and an unhealthy diet causes a multitude of heart issues that can be avoided with a better diet

Diet and Addiction Recovery at San Antonio Recovery Center

The nutrition counseling program at San Antonio Recovery Center will give you the opportunity to take part in both traditional and experiential therapeutic modalities as a part of a comprehensive holistic treatment plan. This well-rounded approach to treatment and recovery includes a customized experience for each person. A healthy body and a healthy mind are the pillars of a successful lifelong recovery.

In addition to nutrition counseling, SARC offers:

• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR)
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Animal-assisted therapy
• Holistic therapy
• Yoga therapy
• Trauma therapy

For questions on how diet and addiction recovery are intertwined, contact us at 866.957.7885 today. Our team is standing by to advise you on nutrition counseling and more.