A person eating a bag of chips or a bag of candy and finishing it may have all of the experiences of a drug user getting a fix. It may temporarily relieve anxiety and depression and give a feeling of euphoria. Also, there are mineral cofactors that should be given as well, such as calcium and magnesium. While it is possible to get very involved in extensive supplementation, at the very least, you should take a good, reputable multivitamin with all of the essential daily nutrients that your body needs.

• Because balanced nutrition helps improve mood and health, it is important to encourage a healthy diet in a person recovering from alcohol and other drug problems.
• If you think you may have a drinking problem, you’re definitely not alone.
• Take our free, 5-minute alcohol use self-assessment below if you think you or someone you love might be struggling with alcohol misuse.
• According to the Institute of Medicine, adults should drink about nine to 13 cups of fluids per day.

The alcohol detox stage (when your body is ridding itself entirely of alcohol) can last even longer, continuing for a few weeks after withdrawal ends. Fortunately, eating a healthy, nutrient-rich diet alcohol recovery diet can help you reduce many of the uncomfortable effects related to alcohol withdrawal and detox. At Acqua Recovery, our nutrition therapy plays a pivotal role in the path to recovery from alcohol abuse.

Healthy Diet for Alcohol Recovery

Not getting enough food during this time can make your withdrawal symptoms worse, so it is important for you to try to stay hydrated and eat foods that are good for you. Getting professional help and support during withdrawal can help you deal with your nutritional challenges, and improve your well-being throughout your recovery journey. Proteins also provide a feeling of satiety, preventing overeating and helping maintain a healthy weight, which is often challenging during recovery. Balancing your protein intake with other nutrients is important for a balanced diet during recovery. Alcohol negatively impacts your overall nutritional health, impairing your body’s ability to heal quickly and effectively. These nutritional deficiencies can make it harder to recover from alcohol addiction and create other health problems.

Caffeine can increase heart rate, restlessness and shakiness — all symptoms of anxiety. While focusing on good nutrition is important early on in recovery, it is still true that making drastic changes in the beginning is not always a good idea. It is fine to make progress in healthy eating, even if you are still slipping up and having an occasional slice of pizza or cake. There is some disagreement among nutritional experts and brain experts about the benefits of taking these supplements. Cells in the body tend to produce less of a substance that is provided from the outside or abundantly available otherwise.

Is There a Cure for Alcoholism?

Dr. Pickrell is a board-certified psychiatrist with interests in addiction and psychiatry. His understanding of addiction as the overlapping symptoms of biopsychosocial development is the foundation to his care model. He is committed to helping both patients and families understand that addiction is a treatable medical illness. He has been involved in the treatment of addiction for the last 17 years and completed his residency training at the University of Utah. There hasn’t been a lot of research on the role of nutritional therapy in recovery from substance use yet.

It is also important to remember that supplementation should support, not replace, a balanced diet. Additionally, healthy fats support overall health by reducing inflammation, promoting heart health and aiding the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins often deficient in those with alcohol dependency. Alcohol detox isn’t easy and not everyone can do it on their own. That is why alcohol detox and alcohol withdrawal treatment is administered by medical professionals.

In addition to healthy eating, what are some important supplements to take?

Making a change can be challenging, but the positive impacts of a healthy diet are so beneficial. To avoid a backslide towards old habits, you’ll need to devote a significant amount of attention and energy to your new plan. These programs serve nutritious, balanced meals and encourage healthy snacking during the resident’s stay.

The digestive system not only requires a mixture of proteins, vitamins and minerals to keep us healthy but it also needs fiber to keep everything moving as it should. Whole grain foods offer this as well as providing a good source of complex carbohydrates which help balance sugar cravings, leaving us feeling fuller for longer. Whole grains help keep our gut healthy which subsequently enables it to absorb other nutrients more successfully. Bananas are also a well known rich source of potassium, along with high levels of vitamins B6 and C. It is often the case that those who abuse drugs and alcohol are deficient in their magnesium and potassium levels.

Alcohol Detoxification

Infants who were exposed to alcohol while in the womb often have physical and mental problems. Complex carbs like whole grains and potatoes help prevent swings in blood sugar that can trigger cravings. Complex carbs are also needed to make serotonin, which boosts mood and curbs cravings.

• There is a tendency for a person with a history of addiction to return to their drug of choice after getting high on another drug.
• The doctor may tell you to take supplements to raise your nutrient levels.
• When you are recovering from alcohol, eating well is very important for many reasons.
• Returning to a normal diet can be hard if a person has lost a lot of weight.
• The person should be encouraged to think that they may be hungry when cravings become strong.

When you call our team, you will speak to a Recovery Advocate who will answer any questions and perform a pre-assessment to determine your eligibility for treatment. If eligible, we will create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. If The Recovery Village is not the right fit for you or your loved one, we will help refer you to a facility that is.