Drugs take a toll on how a person’s body processes food, and a person who is experiencing active addiction may not be able to consistently make good choices around food. As a result, half of all people who are starting recovery also have nutritional deficiencies, on top of everything else they are trying to manage. At Safe Harbor Recovery Center, in Portsmouth, Virginia, we offer holistic treatment for substance use disorders, and we think it’s important for our clients to know what additional nutritional needs they might have and how they can address those needs.
The Deficiency Depends on the Drug
Which drug or drugs a person has been using will determine which of their bodily systems are impacted. How the substance altered their behavior can also affect what they are now lacking. While it might feel like nutrition is not especially important, when a person who is new to recovery has bigger fish to fry, with just trying to stay sober, giving our brain and body everything they need to function at their best can make it easier for a person to stay on track with their recovery journey.
Recovery-Focused Eating
Each person’s body is unique, so it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor or a nutritionist about what additional needs you might have. In general, however, it is probably a good idea to start with the following ideas, if you have been using:
Nicotine
It’s a good idea to eat lots of fruits and vegetables, particularly ones that are rich in Vitamin C, such as broccoli, green peppers, tomatoes, and citrus fruits. If you are open with your doctor about your nicotine use, they might also recommend a Vitamin C supplement. You might also be lacking B vitamins, vitamin D or E, selenium, or zinc
These deficiencies are linked to increased risks of:
- Eye problems
- Nerve problems in the feet, hands, and spinal cord
- Anemia
- Heart disease
- Osteoporosis
- Lung cancer
- Scurvy
Alcohol
Your body might need you to start with small meals at regular intervals. Be sure to include whole grains, dairy, protein, and healthy fats. Your doctor might want to recommend a Vitamin A supplement if they are aware of your history with alcohol. The most likely nutritional deficiencies for a person with alcohol use disorder to experience include:
- Vitamin A, C, or E
- B vitamins
- Amino acids
- Zinc
These deficiencies increase the risk of:
- Internal bleeding
- Eye problems
- Damage to the liver, nerves, and brain
- Poor bone health
Opioids
You probably need more protein in early recovery than people typically eat. Fresh or frozen fruits are a good idea to replace your cravings for sweets. Your doctor might recommend probiotics or an omega-3 fatty acid supplement if you are open about your history of opioid use. Nutritional deficiencies that are common among opioid users include:
- B vitamins
- Vitamin C
- Potassium
- Selenium
- Zinc
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Folate
Issues that can result from these deficiencies include:
- Colon cancer
- Liver problems
- Decreased bone mass
- Skin diseases
- Dementia
Stimulants
You might crave caffeinated beverages but try to drink water instead. You would benefit from a well-balanced diet that includes sufficient portions of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and dairy.
People who misuse stimulants often have issues related to not consuming enough food or water, which can lead to:
- Dehydration
- Low levels of electrolytes
- Dental issues
- Depression and anxiety
- Issues with heart rate
Signs of Nutritional Deficiencies
Any of the following can signal a nutritional deficiency. If you have these symptoms, it is important to share your substance use history with your doctor and have a conversation about your dietary and medical needs:
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Bone and muscle pain
- Hair loss
- Mood changes
- Sexual problems
- Weight changes
- Muscle loss
- Night blindness
- Loss of taste or smell
- Poor immune system functioning
- Gastrointestinal issues such as constipation, heartburn, gas, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or bloating
Long-term Considerations
Over time, a person in recovery will often find that their body starts to heal and they are able to manage nutritional deficiencies. It is important that they continue to:
- Adhere to consistent mealtimes.
- Consume the correct amount of carbs to keep their blood sugar and mood stable
- Maintain healthy dopamine and serotonin levels by taking in enough amino acids. These are mood-regulating brain chemicals that reduce cravings.
- Stay hydrated.
- Consume appropriate amounts of dietary fats to reduce inflammation and manage depression.
At Safe Harbor Recovery Center, we recognize each of our patients as more than just an addiction. They are a whole person, with physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Addressing their entire being will make their recovery more sustainable and enjoyable.