While it may not seem like it, nutrition is one of the first things impacted by addiction. Drug use and addiction impacts the way the body processes food and even how much it needs.
Regulating nutrition in addiction recovery can be one of the most supportive measures put into place for individuals dedicated to remaining sober and changing their lifestyles.
At Total RMH, our detoxification program includes IV vitamin and nutrient balancing and nutrition counseling to help our clients. Getting our clients set up with a regulated nutrient-rich diet supports the improvement of their mental health as much as their physical health. At Total RMH, we believe in total rehabilitation through our addiction treatment programs. Contact us today to see how our vitamin therapy and nutrition counseling can support you through recovery.
What happens to the body during addiction?
When a person first starts using drugs, they may be able to maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, when drug use becomes an addiction, it often comes with significant lifestyle changes, and one of the most common is a decline in proper physical health and nutrition.
Drug use has a significant impact on the body, and one of the most common side effects of use is a change in appetite. This can be noted in almost all drugs. Drugs like marijuana, opioids, benzodiazepines, and even common non-addictive drugs like birth control can increase an individual’s appetite and lead to weight gain. While they all happen for different reasons, the body’s increased appetite can cause unhealthy weight gain, a decrease in proper nutrition, and changes to the body’s physical health.
On the other hand, drugs like cocaine, methamphetamines, amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (for ADHD), LSD, and other hallucinogens can cause weight loss. These stimulants increase not only body temperature, blood pressure, and focus, but they can also increase the metabolism in the body. With increased metabolism, individuals can experience rapid weight loss. Additionally, individuals on stimulants will often lose their appetite and be uninterested in eating. This can lead to even more drastic unhealthy loss of weight and muscle mass.
In addition to the direct impact of changes in appetite and metabolism, individuals addicted to drugs may experience changes in their lifestyles. Money that may have been used to pay for a gym membership or to purchase groceries and produce for healthier meals and snacks may be used to buy drugs.
What is the link between nutrition and addiction recovery?
When it comes to addiction recovery, most facilities will spend some time helping clients focus on their physical health, including nutrition. The focus on nutrition in addiction recovery is due to the overall impact it can have on the body. Proper nutrition can regulate your metabolism, help you to maintain healthy body weight, and improve and regulate your mental state. Proper nutrition plays a significant role in maintaining sobriety and reducing triggers, like feeling unwell, upset, or angry, which is a side effect of improper nutrition and hunger.
Total RMH – Total Body Health for Total Body Recovery
At Total Regenerative Medical Health, we focus on regenerating every client’s mental and physical health who chooses our center. From innovative and client-forward addiction treatment to anti-aging and brain-optimizing therapies, our facility focuses on improving the lives of our clients through proper nutrition and mental health care.
At Total RMH, we have designed programs to meet the individual needs of our clients. Everyone undergoes metabolic testing to ensure that each IV cocktail is designed to its exact specifications. Utilizing technology to improve mental and physical health, we provide our clients with the best addiction treatment and brain health options.
Contact us today to see how our unique programming can benefit your brain health.