The effects of substance abuse on the body can be noticeable or buried so deep that addicts have no idea there is damage until the problem is severe. Addicts may have given up eating in exchange for drinking, smoking or doing drugs. Eating just feels insignificant in comparison to getting a fix. However, now that an addict is seeking treatment in Florida treatment centers, he or she can strive to eat healthy and possibly reverse the effects of some of the harmful damage.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, different drugs affect individuals in different ways. For example, withdrawing from opiates may cause many gastrointestinal issues, prohibiting good digestion and decreasing electrolyte balance. When people do not have the proper electrolyte balance, cells do not function the way they should. Affected areas of electrolyte imbalance include the heart, muscles and skin.
Alcohol use can damage a person’s liver and pancreas, leaving users susceptible to conditions such as cirrhosis and diabetes. This damage can also reduce our electrolytes and make absorption of nutrients a difficult process. Alcohol treatment centers in Florida teach patients healthy eating habits and helps them avoid dehydration during detox.
Stimulants can keep us awake for hours or days at a time. During these times, users may become dehydrated and lack proper nutrition to support bodily functions.
Some of these conditions are reversible. People can drink more water to remain hydrated and eat a variety of foods to increase nutrient absorption and improve our electrolyte function. Most substance abuse treatment centers in Florida provide a variety of foods for healthy nutrition. During a stay in a Florida alcohol rehab center, patients learn what foods are best for their body so when they return home, they can continue to make healthy choices.
It is not easy to make the choice to stay sober and make dietary changes, but those in recovery can start small and Florida substance abuse treatment centers can help. The U.S. Department of Agriculture suggests adding fruits and vegetables to half of a plate during mealtime. The rest of the plate should include lean meats such as chicken, turkey and fish. Individuals can also get our proteins from beans and nuts if they live a vegetarian lifestyle. Half of a person’s daily serving of grains should include whole grain foods such as whole wheat bread and noodles. Those who consume dairy should select skim or reduced-fat milk to avoid the extra fat calories. It is also important that people monitor sodium intake as excessive sodium may lead to high blood pressure, which should be monitored by drug rehab programs in Florida.
To help keep track of daily food consumption, people can use a food log and record what they eat. This helps patients see if they can eliminate less nutritional components of their diet such as sugary drinks and sweets. Since being hungry can be mistaken for a drug craving, patients should eat at regular times every day to avoid becoming excessively hungry.