Written by:
Last Updated:
November 20th, 2024
Nutrition for addiction
Addiction, whether to substances or behaviours, can profoundly affect your overall wellbeing, hijacking your body and mind. An addiction can quickly take over every aspect of your life, with your health and diet suffering as a result. The importance of nutrition in rehab is therefore significant, and at Oasis Runcorn, we recognise the power of food as a tool for healing. Alongside proven rehab therapies and holistic activities, healthy eating can help to support you through recovery.
Healthy eating and addiction recovery
In the grips of addiction, your dietary habits often suffer, leading to deficiencies in essential nutrients. Alcohol can significantly inhibit the breakdown of nutrients, opiates can reduce gastrointestinal function and sedatives can suppress appetite. If you have been suffering from addiction, it is possible that you have experienced:
- Decreased appetite: Feeling nauseous as a result of consumed substances may lead to a decreased appetite.
- Insufficient calorie intake: As addiction takes over, you may forget to eat entirely, be unable to eat while under the influence or be unable to buy food as money is instead spent on the addiction.
- Gastrointestinal problems: Substance abuse may cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract leading to an inability to absorb nutrients.
- Unhealthy choices: It is possible that you will crave fast foods high in salt and fat and could make poor choices when it comes to food.
Not only does your body suffer under the constant abuse of substances, but health issues can also arise from a poor diet. Healthy foods can help to repair the damage caused by addiction, replenishing the body with the necessary vitamins, minerals and antioxidants it needs to thrive.
Nutrition for addiction at Oasis Runcorn
Through education, meal plans and ongoing support, Oasis Runcorn aims to empower our clients and inspire them to make informed choices about their nutrition, fostering a sustainable and healthy lifestyle that supports long-term recovery.
It is possible that you will require a quick infusion of vitamins and minerals when first entering into our rehab programme. During detox and withdrawal, we will supplement these and immediately replenish nutrients that have been lost as a result of substance abuse.
Throughout your stay, you will also be provided with three delicious and healthy meals a day. Lovingly prepared by our in-house chef, each meal is well thought out with the perfect balance of protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats, as well as an abundance of essential vitamins and minerals.
While in our care, you will work on establishing a healthy routine, and your meals will make up a strong component of this. Through the simple act of eating a regular breakfast, lunch and dinner, you will reprogramme your body to anticipate predictable, healthy behaviour. This, in turn, will help you to maintain your sobriety after rehab, allowing you to benefit from a daily schedule where you can focus on planning and preparing meals.
Nutrition and psychological health
The connection between nutrition and psychological health is well-established, and it holds particular significance in the context of addiction recovery. Substance abuse and addictive behaviours often take a toll on mental well-being, contributing to symptoms of anxiety, depression and other mood disorders. Proper nutrition can play a pivotal role in restoring balance to the brain and supporting your overall psychological health.
For example, certain nutrients have been linked to the production of neurotransmitters which are essential for regulating mood and emotions. Omega-3 fatty acids found in flaxseeds and walnuts have been associated with improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression. Similarly, foods rich in B vitamins, such as whole grains and leafy greens, can support the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which helps regulate mood and promote a sense of well-being.
Through a consistent, healthy diet, you can not only improve your physical health but also reduce mental health symptoms, improve mental clarity and find a sense of inner peace.
The benefits of nutrition in rehab
When it comes to addiction recovery, integrating proper nutrition into the rehabilitation process offers a range of benefits that can enhance your overall well-being and support long-term recovery. Some key advantages of prioritising nutrition in rehab include:
- Physical healing, increased energy and a strengthened immune system
- Restoration of proper nutrients, vitamins and minerals
- Flushing out harmful toxins that have built up in the body
- Stabilised mood and emotional balance
- Improved cognitive function, memory and concentration
- Reduced intensity of withdrawal symptoms and cravings
- Improved sleep quality
- Boosted self-esteem and confidence
Nutrition in rehab aids short-term recovery, reduces your chances of relapse during aftercare and plays an integral role in our comprehensive addiction treatment programme.
Let’s get started
The undeniable link between nutrition and addiction recovery highlights the crucial role of a well-balanced diet in rehab. Our experienced team recognises the power of food and uses it as a tool for transformation and healing. This, alongside our all-encompassing treatment programme, means that you can repair the damage caused by addiction, rebuild your life and find long-lasting sobriety.
If you are ready to embark on your own rehab journey, or if you have any questions about nutrition and addiction recovery, don’t hesitate to get in touch.