Substance use disorders can have terrible effects on a person’s physical health. These effects are especially true when it comes to diet and nutrition. When in recovery, a person must often renegotiate their relationship with food. So, nutrition counseling can be an essential component of a person’s treatment and recovery plan.
The Arbor Behavioral Healthcare takes a comprehensive approach to addiction treatment and recovery. Our programs utilize proven therapeutic modalities with programming that supports whole-person wellness. We also offer luxury rehab facilities with a broad continuum of programming for clients and their families. This integrated, personalized approach is a hallmark of The Arbor Experience. Call The Arbor Behavioral Healthcare today at 844.413.2690; our intake professionals are ready to assist you.
Addiction and Malnutrition
Malnutrition is a common outcome of substance use disorder or alcohol addiction. A person may not make healthy choices when under the influence of drugs or alcohol. They may rely more readily on fast food or heavily processed junk food. Even if a person eats nutritious foods, certain substances can inhibit the absorption of nutrients. This inhibition can leave them with low physical and mental energy. A poor diet can have a negative impact on a person’s immune system, making them more susceptible to illness. The changes in diet that result from substance abuse and addiction may even lead to drastic, uncharacteristic changes in weight.
The nature of a person’s addiction may be a factor in their nutritional deficiencies. For example, alcohol abuse can leave a person with insufficient levels of vital nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, B vitamins, amino acids, or zinc. These deficiencies contribute to eye, bone, liver, nerve, and brain damage. Opioid abuse could result in low levels of nutrients like vitamin C, B vitamins, potassium, selenium, folate, calcium, and magnesium. Without these nutrients, a person risks liver disease, poor bone density, colon cancer, or pellagra.
What Is Nutrition Counseling?
Nutrition counseling is one method of correcting deficiencies that can result from a poor diet. It is a personalized approach tailored to the needs of the client by a dietician. The plans developed in nutrition counseling are intended to improve a person’s mood, energy, and immune response. They can also improve a person’s relationship with their body and boost mental, physical, and emotional health.
Nutrition counseling is not just a component of residential treatment. It is also a necessary aspect of outpatient and extended care. As a person transitions to life outside of a rehab facility and back to everyday life, they must be able to sustain their nutritional plan independently or semi-independently. With support, a person will be able to transition to extended outpatient care or sober living facilities with tools and techniques in place to maintain a positive relationship with food, along with a new awareness of the challenges they face in navigating the world while in recovery.
Find Comprehensive Care and Luxury Rehab Facilities at the Arbor Behavioral Healthcare
Significant changes in diet, appetite, or appearance can indicate a more significant substance use disorder or alcohol abuse. If you or someone you love is exhibiting these dietary shifts, moodiness, agitation, loss of control, denial, or dishonesty related to substance abuse, help is available right now. The Arbor Behavioral Healthcare offers a broad continuum of care, with luxury inpatient facilities, gender- and age-targeted programs, and a variety of supporting programs, including nutritional counseling, equine therapy, and family support groups. The Arbor Experience combines tried and true therapies, cutting-edge treatment modalities, and a commitment to whole-person wellness. Contact The Arbor Behavioral Healthcare at 844.413.2690 for more information. Our intake specialists are ready for your call.