Overcoming addiction isn’t exclusively a mental process, as once believed. Dependence on drugs or alcohol has been officially classified as a physical disease by the American Medical Association. As such, recovery from addiction requires focus on the physical self, just as therapies must focus on mental aspects of substance abuse. Drug rehab and nutrition go hand-in-hand throughout all phases of recovery, from detoxification to long-term sobriety.
Why are drug rehab and nutrition crucial to recovery?
Most patients are only too aware of the negative impact that drugs have been on their personal lives, relationships, career and education. But few fully recognize the physical effects of substance abuse and their body’s needs as part of recovery. From the very beginnings of recovery in detox, and throughout rehab treatment, nutrition is an important facet of wellness that must be recognized. Drug rehab and nutrition play equally important roles in recovery.
Why is it so important for nutrition to be a part of drug rehab? To answer that question, it’s necessary to reflect upon what addiction has done to the body. Well-balanced nutrition during treatment helps repair these effects of addiction:
- Malnourishment: People who abuse alcohol often skip eating, as the alcohol fills them up with empty calories. People who abuse drugs are more focused on their high than on their diet. Both types of addiction lead to malnutrition and ill effects on the digestive system that lead to diarrhea, indigestion, constipation and other issues.
- Mood swings: The body is able to balance mood and feelings through nutrition. Without proper diet, mood swings and a pervasive feeling of depression can take hold.
- Immunity problems: The immune system is affected when drug or alcohol addiction disrupts the body’s natural defenses. This means that diseases can develop, such as cancer.
- Liver damage: Substance abuse damages the liver’s ability to filter toxins, causing the liver to swell, increasing potential for liver cancer and fueling malnutrition through diminished appetite.
- Self-esteem: Visible effects of malnutrition, such as rotting teeth, scarred skin, extreme weight loss, bloodshot eyes and poor complexion, cause the patient’s self esteem to plummet. It can take time for these visible effects to heal as part of drug rehab and nutrition.
Drug Rehab and Nutrition Are Intertwined at Rock Recovery Center
At Rock Recovery Center, a comprehensive approach to sobriety is taken through physical fitness, adventure therapy and nutrition. Each of these programs are integrated into individualized treatment plans as part of outpatient, intensive outpatient or inpatient programs.
Nutrition is considered to be an important facet of long-term recovery. Nutrition affects daily physical wellness, regulation of moods, overall quality of life, self-esteem and strength in sobriety. The meal program of Rock Recovery Center provides catered nutritionally complete meals of wholesome, non-processed foods. This puts patients on the right track toward continued good nutrition and wellness in long-term sobriety.
If you or someone you love is ready to conquer addiction head-on through fitness, nutrition and adventure therapy programs, call Rock Recovery Center now at 888-322-7389. Don’t wait to make this call. Your body craves better health.
