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Alcohol and drug addiction not only takes terrible toll on the patients’ psychological behavior, relationships but also on the diet and nutrition aspects of the concerned patient. Majority of patients who are addicted to alcohol and drugs are unaware of the physical damage that drug abuse have on their overall body. Therefore, recovery from the ill effects of alcohol/drug addiction on the body requires a good nutrition plan that would help in laying the foundation for continuing recovery. People suffering with alcohol or drug addiction are often malnourished and food of any type is not a priority. An insufficient quantity of nutritious food together with the effects of alcohol/drugs and or existing chronic diseases can result in conditions such as osteoporosis or muscle wastage, Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome etc. Substance abuse of either alcohol or drugs harms the body in two ways: (1) The substance itself affects the body and (2) It causes negative lifestyle changes such as irregular eating and poor diet. A proper nutrition helps in the healing process as nutrients supply the body with energy. Good nutrition has been known to decrease mood and behavioral problems that includes anger, depression and anxiety. Research within the last five years has found that in cocaine users, rates of relapse were much lower among those who had higher omega-6 and omega-3 levels in their blood. The study further shows that levels of these fatty acids were better predictors to relapse than the past levels of cocaine. The alcohol and drug rehab centers in the United States inculcates within their alcohol and drug rehab programs the nutritional counseling as part of their treatment programs. The patients at these alcohol and drug rehab centers are required to work with a nutritionist or dietician to customize a plan to help their bodies recover and heal. However, addicts or patients who do not have access to dietician or nutritionists can follow the below mentioned guidelines or tips that would help them in revitalizing their bodies and brain chemistry and self-esteem through proper nutrition. These tips include: Patients must prefer decaffeinated drinks instead of caffeinated drinks like tea, coffee etc as these drinks trigger mood fluctuations making it difficult to resist drug use. Avoiding sugary foods and refined carbohydrates such as cakes, pastries, white bread is recommended as these food products provide empty calories that inhibit eating rich nutrient foods by the patient. Eating anti-oxidant rich food such as fresh fruits and vegetables helps in rebuilding a strong immune system during the recovery of the alcohol/drug addicted patient. Eating protein and fiber rich diet would help the patient in recouping his/her digestive system that may be upset due to alcohol/drug addiction. Protein rich foods include fish, beans and poultry whereas fiber rich diet include brown rice, black beans, 100% whole grains etc. Thus, it can be said that good nutrition is one of the best ways to replenish the body that has been ravished by addiction. Back2Basics is a professionally operated, community-wide supported drug and alcohol treatment program for adults ages 18 and up. Back2Basics promotes health and wellness through daily living of the 12 Steps, in-depth study of Kung Fu and the Internal Arts, Outdoor Adventure and Therapeutic Modalities that deal specifically with those in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.
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