Substance use disorder (SUD) may encourage poor nutrition, wearing down your body even more than drug use. Later, fighting cravings and relapse triggers while trying to stabilize your mood can feel more daunting when you’re low on vitamins and minerals. To make matters worse, substance use not only lowers key nutrients but also impacts how well the body absorbs them over time, increasing your chances of experiencing demoralizing fatigue, anxiety, and depression symptoms.
Prioritizing nutrition in Wisconsin-based residential treatment isn’t just about eating better—it’s about giving your body healing fuel to carry on. If you’re in recovery or supporting someone seeking treatment, this blog can help you understand SUD’s impact on nutrition and how you can strike a nourishing, delicious balance in the kitchen. Contact us today with questions, and enjoy your next nutrient-rich meal!
How Substances Disrupt Nutrition and Health
Poor dietary habits can lead to serious long-term health consequences, and many people in recovery experience lingering effects from nutritional deficiencies that complicate a substance-free lifestyle. Different drugs also affect nutrition in specific ways. Below are some of the ways common substances interfere with the body’s ability to recover and function.
Opioids: Digestive Issues and Nutrient Loss
Opioids, from prescription painkillers to fentanyl, often cause chronic constipation, bloating, discomfort, and reduced appetite. Long-term opioid use can also leave you with vitamin C, potassium, and folate deficiencies. Liver disease, weakened bones, and even cognitive issues like confusion and memory problems can also build up in the absence of these nutrients. People in recovery may find these food types helpful for digestion and restoring energy:
- Fiber-rich foods
- Lean proteins
- Fresh produce
- Probiotic-rich food
A dish that combines all these would be a grilled chicken quinoa bowl with vegetables and yogurt sauce. Try recreating it today.
Alcohol: Vitamin Deficiency and Organ Damage
Alcohol severely disrupts the body’s ability to absorb vitamins, especially B vitamins, which your brain needs to function. Heavy drinking may also lead to a weaker immune system, nerve damage, and memory loss. Over time, alcohol overuse also damages the liver and pancreas, two organs that help regulate metabolism and process nutrients.
Those recovering from alcohol use may experience extreme fatigue, digestive discomfort, and mood swings. A diet rich in the following may help improve how you’re feeling:
- Whole grains
- Omega-rich fish
- Healthy fats
An easy dinner that combines all of these elements could be baked salmon with farro and homemade avocado dressing. You might also want to consider small, frequent meals to help ease alcohol-related digestive issues.
Stimulants: Dehydration and Appetite Suppression
Cocaine and methamphetamine are stimulants that often suppress appetite, increasing your chances of rapid, unhealthy weight loss and dehydration. People who use stimulants for extended periods may also experience electrolyte imbalances. This nutritional lack can contribute to depression, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating. Opt for meals that have the following:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Dairy
- Rehydrating foods
Habitually drinking smoothies with all of these aspects, like a yogurt and coconut-water-based smoothie with berries, cucumber, and soaked chia seeds, could help your body recover.
Nutrition Tips For Substance Recovery
For those in recovery, focusing on the following nutritional habits can make a difference:
- Eat regular meals to feel mentally stable and energetic.
- Prioritize whole foods like lean meats, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Drink lots of water and other sugar-free liquids instead of sodas, cold teas, and other sugary drinks.
- Reduce your ultra-processed food and excessive sugar intake to avoid pesky energy crashes.
- Seek medical advice related to vitamin and mineral supplements if necessary.
While you and your loved ones form better kitchen habits, our residential treatment staff in Middleton, WI, will prepare well-balanced meals that increase your chances of getting the nutrients you need. Having access to nourishing meals removes the stress of meal planning and helps people focus on their recovery.
However, our in-patient treatment isn’t the only program with a nutrition focus. The Waukesha-based intensive outpatient program (IOP) can support clients as they adopt healthier relationships with food. Our team also provides nutritional guidance to help you make healthier choices beyond your time in treatment.
Nourish Yourself in Wisconsin at Miramont Behavioral Health
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use or a mental health disorder, now is the time to seek support. Chronic substance use affects everything from metabolism and digestion to how the brain processes hunger and cravings. Whether you’re in Middleton, Waukesha, or anywhere in Wisconsin, Miramont Behavioral Health Hospital understands that nutrition can make or break the recovery journey. We’re here to help introduce you to healing meals.
