Diet and substance abuse recovery
Alternative names:
substance abuse recovery and diet
Information:
DEFINITION
Proper nutrition during recovery from substance abuse affects the rate and the quality of the physical recovery. It enables the person to function at a higher level socially, mentally, and cognitively during the period of treatment.
The body experiences a great deal of physical stress when it undergoes detoxification. Symptoms that occur during detoxification (a period of time without the abuse substance) include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. This results in an imbalance of fluids, calories, and electrolytes. Laboratory tests for protein, iron, water-soluble vitamins, and electrolytes are recommended to assist in determining nutritional status.
Nutritional rehabilitation is the immediate need of the person recovering from substance abuse. This sets the foundation for the mental, emotional, and physical progress of the recovery. Regular mealtimes are recommended daily. A daily meal plan that focuses on low fat, moderate protein, and increased intake of complex carbohydrates, with an adequate amount of calories for weight maintenance at a healthy body weight, is recommended. Attractively prepared and tasty meals make it more likely that the recovering person will eat the meals.
Hypertension may be a side effect of substance abuse. If hypertension is present, a low-sodium diet is recommended. During recovery from substance abuse, dehydration is common and it is important to emphasize adequate intake of fluids during and in between meals. Supplementation with vitamins and minerals during recovery is necessary because of deficiencies in water-soluble vitamins caused by a decreased appetite during the period of substance abuse. The most common deficiencies are of pyridoxine, followed by thiamine and vitamin C. Some people may experience constipation during recovery. Therefore, a high-fiber diet with plenty of complex carbohydrates (such whole grains, vegetables, peas and beans) is recommended. Appetite usually returns during recovery, which may cause a tendency to overeat. The person should be instructed to consume healthy meals and snacks and to avoid high-calorie foods with low nutritive value.
For the receiving person, emphasize the following nutritive areas:- maintaining a healthy lifestyle--a balance of nutrition, physical activity, and adequate rest
- taking the recommended vitamin and mineral supplements
- avoiding caffeine, sugar, and nicotine
- eating nutritious meals and snacks
NUTRITION EDUCATION
During treatment for substance abuse, nutrition intervention, education, and counseling are essential from the start. Occasionally during recovery, a situation known as substance substitution can occur. The drug of choice is replaced by nicotine, caffeine, or sugar. This type of substitution can continue the addictive behavior and compromise the person's progress.
Psychosocial support and counseling assist in coping with this type of behavior. There is also a possibility of a relapse when the following behaviors occur: snacking between meals; irregular schedule of meals; and fluctuations of blood sugar levels due to the irregular intake of food and the timing of the meals. Recovering individuals sometimes feel that an intake of foods high in simple sugar can help them stay off the addictive drug.
There may be a problem with eating disorders, because there is the increased tendency to transfer the drug addiction to a food addiction during treatment. The person should be evaluated for this possibility. The person's weight should be monitored regularly, along with the eating pattern, because this provides information on the person's progress.
Nutrition counseling should address food-related issues that are emotional--a change in eating habits should be combined with social skills, self-esteem, and responsibility. Family members involved with the food preparation should also be involved in the counseling and the support.
Ongoing nutritional follow-up is definitely necessary. This information should be monitored at follow-up visits:- Checking the body weight to make sure that the person is maintaining a healthy weight
- Determining whether the person is eating healthy, regularly scheduled meals and avoiding sugar foods, caffeine, and nicotine
- Reviewing the recommended vitamin and mineral supplementation
RESOURCES
Since nutrition is vital in the recovery of a person with a history of substance abuse, the nutrition consultation and the follow-up visits should be done by a registered dietitian. Most substance abuse programs either have a dietitian on staff or a consultant's services available.
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The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Copyright 2000 adam.com, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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