When people feel better, they are less likely to use alcohol and drugs again. Since balanced nutrition helps improve mood and health, it is important to encourage healthy eating in people recovering from problems with alcohol and other drugs.

However, a person who has just given up a major source of pleasure may not be ready to make other drastic lifestyle changes. Therefore, it is more important that the person avoid a relapse into substance use than stick to a strict diet.

Guidelines

• Stick to regular meal times.
• Eat low-fat foods.
• Get more protein, complex carbohydrates, and dietary fibre.
• Mineral and vitamin supplements can help during recovery (this may include B complex, zinc, and vitamins A and C).

A person with substance use is more likely to relapse when they have bad eating habits. This is why regular meals are so important. The addiction to alcohol and drugs causes the person to forget the feeling of being hungry and interpret it as a craving for the drug. The person should be encouraged to think he may be hungry when cravings weaken.

Dehydration is common during drug addiction recovery. It is important to get enough fluid during and between meals. Appetite usually returns during recovery. A person in recovery is often more prone to overeating, particularly if they have been taking stimulants. Eating healthy meals and snacks and avoiding high-calorie foods with little nutritional value, such as sweets, is important.

The Following Tips Can Help Improve Your Chances For A Healthy And Lasting Recovery:

• Eat nutritious meals and snacks.
• Do physical activity and get enough rest.
• Reduce caffeine intake and quit smoking if possible.
• Seek help from counsellors or support groups regularly.
• Take vitamin and mineral supplements if recommended by your health care provider.