Alcohol problems can take a toll on every system in your body. Alcohol dependence can even make it difficult for your body to absorb essential vitamins and digest food. Nutritional deficiencies can have serious knock-on effects, like weakened eye muscles, thinning bones and neurological problems.
When recovering from drug or alcohol dependencies, it's important to keep one eye on nutrition. After the body has been neglected or abused for a long period of time, it can be difficult to re-learn ways to take care of it.
Inpatient programs can note a patient's nutritional needs and find ways to support them. This can be done with supplements or dietary changes. A good diet can leave people feeling more energetic and better overall.
For people in outpatient programs, dietary changes will require commitment and planning. There are plenty of inexpensive fruits and vegetables, like bananas, oranges, beans and greens, that provide great nutrition. Coming up with a budget for food and learning to comparison shop can help people ensure they always have access to nutritious food.
Everyone makes mistakes. Improved nutrition can help reverse some of the negative health effects of addiction. But in some cases, issues like neurological or liver problems can be permanent. It's still preferable to support general health with good nutrition than to carry on with poor food habits.
Making changes to the way they eat can have a number of positive effects for people with chemical dependencies. Their families may need to be willing to make changes, too. But a better diet and focus on health can help bring a family together. With increased self-care and improved nutrition, everyone will start to feel better.
Categories: Treatment Sober Living Rehabilitation Health and Nutrition
