Why is it important to know the food and lifestyle changes that help alcohol and substance abuse? The reason is that any kind of addiction, whether it is substance abuse or alcohol is bound to have a huge impact on our bodies. Recovery is not going to be a speedy process; it will need a lot of patience, hard work, and commitment. And a big part of this recovery process is knowledge about the foods and lifestyle changes that help alcohol and substance abuse.

What are the food and lifestyle changes that help alcohol and substance abuse in addicts?
The main factors responsible for addiction are biochemical abnormalities, psychological weaknesses, environment, and genetics. So, those who are anxious, socially-distant, and depressed are more likely to be substance abusers. Alcohol and certain intoxicants are commonly used to alleviate such negative feelings since these heighten dopamine activity, boosting one’s mood. Substance abuse can lead to people suffering from mineral and vitamin deficiencies threatening their mental and physical health, damaging vital organs, and even the nervous system, and compromising their immune systems. So, it is important to provide addicts with calorically-appropriate, well-balanced meals. It is important to rectify nutritional deficiencies and take care of any medical condition because instability and malnutrition will heighten disease-related risks and trigger cravings for alcohol and certain substances.

Foods people with alcohol and substance abuse should eat are:

• Nutrient-rich foods like whole grains, fish, fruits, and vegetables are the best choices. Carbohydrates will help to produce serotonin that encourages a stable and happy mood. It also helps in sleep and prevents food cravings. When serotonin levels are low, a person experiences sleep issues, depression, and irritability.
• Folic acid, vitamins B12 and B6 help to convert tryptophan to serotonin. So, addicts must be given tryptophan-rich foods like meat products and dairy foods.
• Amino acids are protein building blocks and the basis for neurotransmitters. When neurotransmitter levels are low, especially dopamine levels, the individual will be forced to turn to substances.
• Dietary fat is needed for proper mental health since it affects cell membrane integrity and inflammation. So, when dietary fat levels are low, moods are low and it can lead to depression.
• Omega-3 fatty acid consumption can help to deal with depression as they decrease inflammation and increase levels of neurotransmitters.
• Supplements with polyunsaturated fatty acids are recommended for reducing anxiety in people dealing with substance abuse issues.

When undergoing treatment for alcohol and substance abuse, it is important to keep a check on weight gain. Medicines to tackle substance dependence can trigger health problems like constipation, abdominal pains, appetite loss, dry mouth, hypokalemia, etc. Besides, one needs to follow healthy lifestyle habits to aid the recovery process.

• Patients must get proper sleep every day to improve their health.
• They need to set time aside for engaging in some kind of physical activity. Exercises will stimulate hormones that make them feel happy.
• Patients have to be educated on the value of good nutrition for faster recovery. Cooking, grocery shopping, and making meals are skills that nutritionists have to promote for the patient.
• Since financial instability can be a roadblock to recovery, one needs to educate themselves on budget-friendly options and nutrition resources.
• Eating a healthy well-balanced diet is a lifestyle change that must be done to aid one’s recovery. It helps to repair tissues damaged by alcoholism or substance abuse and reduces stress.
• Patients should be encouraged to make new friends who can help them stay sober.
• Recovering addicts have to find out new hobbies to stay busy.