When considering treatment options for addiction recovery, food may not be the first thing that comes to mind. Yet, while it may seem secondary, nutrition plays a crucial role in recovery. Food is vital in nourishing the body’s systems during detox and treatment. Food can also provide a sense of comfort, stability, and joy and be a cultural touchstone during a transition and upheaval.
When you or a loved one are searching for addiction treatment, you deserve to know that options are available to satisfy dietary needs and desires. At Oceanfront Recovery, we pride ourselves on offering exceptionally healthy and delicious food options tailored to suit your individual needs. To learn more, contact us today at 877.279.1777.
What Is Rehab Like?
The specifics of your treatment program will vary based on the rehab center. However, some things remain relatively consistent from one treatment program to another, and knowing what to expect and prepare for can make the transition into rehab significantly smoother.
The focus of rehab goes beyond simply kicking the substance use habit. Instead, rehab endeavors to return the body, mind, and spirit to optimal health. Therapy, addiction recovery programming, and supplemental resources are part of the process. However, two of the most fundamental aspects of rehab are nourishing food and healthy routines. Those with a substance use disorder often struggle with disordered eating and work to create and maintain healthy eating, rest, and exercise routines.
In addition to individual therapy, group sessions, supplemental activities, plentiful rest, and time for personal reflection, inpatient rehab provides people in recovery with three nourishing meals per day and a variety of delicious, nutritious snacks available at all hours.
And in addition to and in service of returning the body, mind, and spirit to optimal well-being, rehab will also include some of the following components:
- Supervision and care by medical and mental health professionals
- Learning about the disease of addiction
- Building a positive social network
- Resources for furthering education and vocational skills
- Aftercare programs to aid the transition into independent sober living
Why Food in Rehab is So Important
At the beginning of recovery from a substance use disorder, most people experience severe vitamin and mineral deficiency. In addition, prolonged substance use can diminish the body’s essential functions making it more prone to dehydration and malnutrition, especially during detox and withdrawal.
The gut is often called our second brain, and with good reason. Optimal gut health improves everything from mood to energy to the ability to exercise higher-level thinking and willpower. An important aspect of rehab is that it helps reset your whole body and mind with nourishing meals and healthy routines.
Comfort, nutrition, culture, and health restrictions are four fundamental reasons food in rehab is so important. Food can provide a sense of comfort that was previously sought in substance use and, in the process, nourish the body by returning a weakened immune system to optimal health via nutrition. Similarly, having access to culturally appropriate foods that are prepared in such a way as to honor health restrictions is essential to stabilizing and maintaining overall well-being.
Asking about food should be a high priority in evaluating rehab options. Consider your own needs and preferences and ask specific questions. A high-quality rehab will be able to cater to diets that are:
- Gluten-Free (and Celiac friendly)
- Kosher
- Halal
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Paleo
- Raw
- Keto
- Dairy-Free
- Sugar-Free
- Organic
- Nut-Free
- Low-sodium
Experience Nourishing Rehab at Oceanfront Recovery
At Oceanfront Recovery, we’re mindful of food’s vital role in rehab. We offer fresh foods that are minimally processed and available at any hour, prepared by experienced and passionate chefs. People in recovery deserve the peace of mind and comfort in rehab that comes with having access to healthy and delicious food options suitable to individual needs.
To maintain a healthy, satisfying diet while getting the help you need, contact us today at 877.279.1777.
