Delicious meals may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about residential addiction treatment, but the food you eat during rehab is an important component of recovery. Eating a chef-prepared meal made with fresh, nutritious ingredients isn’t just “pampering.”
Quality food helps restore your body and brain as you work through addiction treatment. Call Oceanfront Recovery at 877.279.1777 to learn more about how our nutritional program eases detox symptoms and supports overall wellness.
The Role of Nutrition in a Residential Treatment Program
Drugs and alcohol have a negative effect on both physical and mental health. Many people come to rehab suffering from the effects of poor nutrition, including the neglect of pre-existing health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Symptoms of poor nutrition related to alcohol or substance use disorder include:
- Anemia
- Heart disease
- Osteoporosis
- Nerve damage
- Scurvy
- Fatigue
- Pain in bones and muscles
- Muscle weakness
- Bleeding gums
- Eye disease
- Skin issues
- Hair loss
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Digestive issues
- Brain damage
- Sexual dysfunction
The foods that are served in a high-quality rehab facility are chosen to address these nutritional deficiencies and more.
What Kinds of Foods Can You Expect from a Residential Treatment Program?
Every treatment center is different. Some do not have the resources or the expertise needed to create meals that are specifically designed to support the health of their clients. At Oceanfront Recovery, we understand the vital role nutrition plays in the immediate and long-term well-being of our clients.
Overall, clients should expect to see a rainbow of offerings that include the healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and proteins those in recovery need most. Some of the ingredients your chef-prepared meal may feature include:
- Fatty fish: omega-3 fatty acids assist with rebuilding brain cells
- Dark chocolate: provides essential antioxidants
- Dark, leafy greens: high in vitamin B and helpful for neuronal repair
- Nuts and seeds: help to decrease inflammation in joints and muscles
- Berries: high in vitamins and may be useful for improving cognitive function
- Red meat: good source of zinc to help repair the immune system
Many addictive substances interfere with the brain’s natural production of neurotransmitters, which are responsible for balanced mood, stress control, and pain management.
A healthy diet for those in recovery includes plenty of whole, fresh foods, not processed foods. Whole foods contain amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help to boost neurotransmitters naturally.
What If You Don’t Like the Prepared Food?
Many people come to recovery with poor eating habits. They may have lost interest in food due to their addiction or have chosen to spend money on drugs and alcohol instead of healthy things to eat.
Sugar-laden junk food is also an addictive substance. Processed carbs and sugar provide a quick release of energy but do not sustain energy for long. The constant high-and-low pattern created by poor eating habits is similar to the highs and lows experienced in drug use.
Be open to trying new foods in the same way you are open to new information. You may find that you enjoy fresh, healthy whole foods more than you ever imagined.
Adopting new, healthy habits is part of changing your life for the better. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll be forced to eat foods you don’t like. If you don’t see food options that you care for, make a request.
Oceanfront Recovery Offers Nutritious, Chef-Prepared Meals
Getting help for addiction doesn’t mean you have to give up all of the pleasures in life. Delicious, thoughtfully prepared meals not only add to a positive rehab experience but they are also an essential part of your mental and physical recovery. Call Oceanfront Recovery today at 877.279.1777 for more information about our nutrition program.
