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Substance abuse has devastating effects on every aspect of an individual’s life, specifically their nutrition and physical health. In fact, even short-term addiction to drugs and alcohol can cause nutritional imbalance and temporary or permanent damage to the body’s systems.
So, it’s no surprise that people who have substance abuse disorders also suffer from malnutrition or essential nutrient deficiencies. Eating becomes the least of their priorities as the toxic substances they take disrupt their appetite and diet. Additionally, the body works over time as it tries to purge out these substances all the while not getting the proper nutrients it needs.
That’s why nutritional support is a crucial part of one’s addiction treatment plan, together with physical, mental, and emotional support. Addiction treatment facilities will help patients learn and establish new healthy habits that can aid in restoring their normal, healthy selves.
After all, recovery is not just about maintaining sobriety; it’s also about taking care of your body and improving every aspect of your life. Below is an in-depth look at the role of nutrition in addiction recovery.
Everything you ingest or put inside your body, especially in excessive amounts, can impact your nutrition and appetite. Long-term use of drugs and alcohol can have various effects on the body, such as the following:
stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine tend to reduce the appetite of the user, making them feel full. Alcohol and narcotics can suppress hunger. People who use these substances every day, in excess, can suffer from drastic weight loss, poor nutrition, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance.
marijuana (weed) contains an active chemical called THC. High doses of THC stimulate the brain to send a “hunger” signal to the body even if an individual is still full. THC also interacts with specific receptors that increase one’s appetite.
people with addiction problems tend to make drugs or alcohol their priority, putting eating on the back burner. Plus, individuals with substance abuse disorder tend to make bad eating choices, thus lacking sustenance and leading to malnutrition.
drugs like cocaine and heroin can cause various GIT issues一from simple nausea and stomach pain to gastritis and ulcers. These conditions may also negatively affect one’s appetite and GIT’s ability to absorb nutrients.
Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption can also contribute to chronic gastrointestinal conditions.
individuals with substance abuse disorder usually suffer from malnourishment or obesity, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, sleep deprivation, and physical exhaustion.
As a result, the immune system will grow weaker by the day, leaving the body vulnerable to many diseases and infections.
without proper sustenance, the systems that make up the body will gradually decline and fail to function normally. Some examples include severe damage to the liver, kidneys, stomach, GIT, and pancreas.
Addiction is a chronic disorder that affects both the brain and the body. So like any other disease, the body requires the right sustenance to fight addiction and purge out the toxic substances in the body for so long.
Furthermore, proper nutrition during recovery can heal the body from the chronic abuse it has sustained over the years. Consuming the right amount of vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats allows the body to reap the following benefits:
Moreover, eating a healthy, balanced diet has a significant impact on one’s brain and cognitive health. Studies suggest that a proper diet greatly influences neuroplasticity, which is associated with learning, thinking, memory, and other cognitive functions.
This means that consuming the right foods and establishing proper nutrition can help stimulate neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to create new neural connections. So the crucial pathways destroyed and disrupted by addiction can now be restored again, replenishing neurons and neurotransmitters in the process.
This, then, helps individuals adapt to sobriety better as the brain cells and chemical function becomes normal again. Additionally, stabilizing the neurochemicals in the brain can also prevent relapse episodes and empower you to overcome cravings.
Proper nutrition for recovering addicts is of utmost importance. Treatment facilities typically create individualized meal plans to replenish the lost macro and micronutrients in recovering addicts. Most meals are packed with protein to build up the muscles, healthy carbs to boost the energy, and fruits and veggies to restore vitamins and minerals.
Of course, proper nutrition is not complete without plenty of water to address dehydration and stacking up on brain foods. Some of the specific foods included in their diet are as follows:
Of course, consuming the right foods and observing a proper diet is not enough to restore a healthy body. Recovering patients also need to practice a healthy lifestyle, such as regular exercise, staying hydrated, and limiting their intake of unhealthy foods.
The best food during alcohol detox and recovery are those that can help heal the overworked organs, such as the liver. They also need vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to strengthen the immune system and repair damaged cells.
So, recovering alcoholics should focus on whole foods, such as fruits, veggies, beans, nuts, grains, and healthy fats. Specific food products include:
Unhealthy cravings are common during the early stages of recovery. Fortunately, you can curb these feelings by practicing healthy habits, such as getting the right amount of sleep, exercising, and eating complete meals. If you feel the occasional sweet craving, you can turn to fruits and healthy smoothies to fix your sugar.
Recovery is a gradual process that cannot be achieved by not just “using”. It is also lifelong work and commitment that involves following five simple rules to prevent relapse and overcome the occasional cravings. This includes the following:
this involves letting go of your old ways and changing every unhealthy behavior and negative thinking pattern. This also means removing specific people in your life to avoid high-risk situations or preventing places that may trigger a relapse.
honesty is a challenging thing to do, especially with an addict’s previous life of lying, denying, and hiding just to use or obtain their drug. But being honest can also be freeing and comforting and allows you to open yourself up to others who can help.
being honest means admitting that you need to recover and overcome addiction. There are plenty of groups and treatment facilities willing to help you and your family achieve recovery.
caring for your needs through healthy practices is an important part of recovery. You should find healthy ways to relax and reward yourself, such as yoga, massages, bubble baths, mindfulness meditation, camping, and other fun but relaxing activities.
recovery is a lifelong process. Sometimes, being in the recovery period for so long may make them feel overly confident, leading to them forgoing recovery activities. This can then lead to a domino effect that will end up in relapse.
Nutrition and recovery from addiction go hand in hand. That’s why it is part of NorthStar’s comprehensive treatment programs with group therapy, psychiatric treatment, psychoeducation, holistic care, and career building.
Some of the specific programs we offer include the following:
If you or your loved one have had difficulty finding the best rehab center, then it’s time to try North Star and Rehab Center in California. Recovery is just a phone call away. Contact us to take the first step.
If you greatly value privacy and comfort as you recover from substance abuse addiction, then our California luxury rehab at NorthStar is for you.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
The journey of recovery is not just about getting clean and sober. It's also an opportunity for you, as well as those around us who care deeply for your wellbeing (and our own), to learn how best to take care of both physical health and mental wellness too!
Mental fitness can go a long way in improving outlook--it’s essential to know what exercises will strengthen minds so they don't get easily discouraged when faced with difficulties during this period following any addiction or behavioral issue like depression…
One of the best ways to improve your outlook on life is by getting physical. When you exercise, endorphins are released in our brain which makes us feel good and give a natural positive feeling that will last for hours after exercising! We all know how hard it can be sometimes when we're feeling low but there's always something motivating about going outside if only just once during these cold winter months or even sunny days at work - no excuses here since I'm talking specifically regarding workout sessions anyway 😉 So don't forget what matters most: Self-respect + self-confidence comes first before anything else.
You can do something about your mental well-being! Studies show that engaging in specific activities will improve your thought process. The more you exercise your brain, the faster it will grow. It’s like taking care of a garden - if we spend time working on plants and soil they'll be healthier in appearance as well as have a greater yield than those who don't get enough attention from their growers!
Self-care is essential to addiction recovery because it prevents relapse and builds confidence. If you are an individual who has been struggling with substance abuse, the best way that I have found in order to keep myself healthy as possible while still maintaining my sobriety is by creating a daily routine that includes things such as meditation or yoga.
Listening to a podcast by an individual that has lived experience like yours is essential for self-care. It helps keep you on the recovery path and reminds us of our hope in this difficult time reconnecting with others who are going through similar situations can be empowering as well, which often leads people to feel less isolated or alone.
Visualization is a powerful technique that helps you imagine your life after addiction. You visualize all the different aspects of recovery, like family and friends who have been there before or even just house lights turned on when it's dark outside because they know how hard this journey can be - but only if we try!
If you or someone you know needs help with addiction treatment contact NorthStar Detox & Rehab today. Call (888) 577-0550 for a free consultation.
Millions of Americans drink alcohol regularly, and while many people can do so without any problems, for others alcohol can be addictive and have negative effects on their health. Alcohol dependency is the most common form of drug addiction in America, and it can lead to a wide variety of health problems.
Alcohol dependency is a condition in which a person is unable to control their drinking and needs alcohol to function normally. It is a form of addiction and can lead to a wide variety of problems.
People who are alcohol dependent often drink large amounts of alcohol and feel the need to drink alcohol even when they don't want to. They may also experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism, one out of 12 adults in America is suffering from alcohol dependency. That's more than 20 million people, and the number is only getting worse. Alcohol addiction is a serious problem, and it can lead to a variety of negative health effects.
When you drink alcohol, it travels throughout your body and can have a variety of effects. For some people, a single drink can result in relaxation and lowered inhibitions. But for others, alcohol can have a more powerful effect, leading to intoxication, or drunkenness.
There are a number of negative effects that alcohol can have on the body, including:
There is a link between alcohol and obesity, and many people who are obese are also heavy drinkers. Alcohol can contribute to weight gain in a number of ways, including by causing you to eat more calories and by interfering with your body's ability to burn fat.
Alcohol is high in calories, and a single drink can contain 100 or more. If you drink regularly, those extra calories can add up and cause you to gain weight.
Alcohol also interferes with your body's ability to burn fat. When you drink alcohol, your body breaks it down into a compound called acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde blocks the action of a hormone called leptin, which helps to regulate appetite
Alcoholism is a serious disease that can have many negative effects on the body. If you are struggling with alcoholism, it is important to seek treatment. There are many different treatment options available, and it is important to find the one that is best suited to your needs.
There are many different types of treatment for alcoholism. Some people choose to attend an inpatient rehab program, while others choose to attend outpatient rehab. There are also many 12-step programs available for those who want to get help. It is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for alcoholism. You need to find the treatment that is best suited to your needs. You may need to try a few different treatments before you find the one that works for you.
Alcohol dependency is a condition in which the person struggles with alcohol addiction, and it can lead to a wide variety of health problems. One out of 12 adults are suffering from alcoholism, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism. This number is only getting worse, and it's important to be aware of the effects that alcohol can have on your body.
Alcohol can cause a variety of health problems, including liver damage, heart disease, and pancreatitis. It can also increase your risk for certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer and mouth cancer. In addition, alcohol can affect your mental health, causing problems such as depression and anxiety.
If you're struggling with alcohol addiction, it's important to get help. There are many treatment options available, and with the right support, you can overcome alcohol dependency and start living a healthier life.
The National Center for Biotechnology Information reports that early intervention is key in helping someone who may be at risk of developing a substance abuse disorder. With this stage, the progression can potentially prevent future problems and while it's recommended to always have an experienced therapist implementing their initial but vital part during the treatment process; you should also remember how important consistency will become later on down your journey as well!
Early intervention is key to helping someone who may be at risk of developing a substance abuse disorder. With early intervention, the progression and severity of this condition can potentially prevent from becoming more severe or involved in other areas that are important for them like education/workforce participation, etc., but it's also good just because you're trying your best not only prevent problems before they happen rather than having somebody come back later on after being already damaged by addiction over time (with no chance left).
Interventions are often an excellent way for friends and family members to express their concern about a loved one's addiction. However, if conducted badly or without emotion - especially with harsh criticism thrown in there too- it may have the opposite effect on them instead of causing feelings of worthlessness that lead back towards harmful behaviors like substance abuse
A poorly implemented intervention can make someone feel attacked leading them away from treatment which would only worsen matters.
Intervening in the life of an addicted person can be difficult, but it's important to bear in mind that this isn't just about you - there are other people involved too! The wrong approach at any point will only make things worse for everyone.
You'll want your intervention period (or perhaps periods) long enough so as not to create resentful feelings among those who have been invited over; also remember how crucial commitment is when trying new techniques like motivational interviewing etcetera...
It is important to have experienced professionals conduct your intervention because they can act as a mediator that fosters discussion between all parties involved. The more productive discussions are in this case, the easier it will be for you to understand what effects these actions of yours had on others and eventually take steps towards treatment.
If you're looking for someone to help arbitrate your argument, then it's best that a professional mediator does the job. A calm and rational individual will foster productive discussions among all parties involved in order to make an informed decision on what is right based on this information given by them—and eventually take treatment if necessary!
If you or someone you know needs help with addiction treatment contact NorthStar Detox & Rehab today. Call (888) 577-0550 for a free consultation.
The decision to see a therapist is not always an easy one. When you are searching for the right person, it's important that your criteria match up with what they offer in order to ensure both parties will be satisfied and happy with their choice!
There are many factors that you should consider when looking for a therapist- their training and experience, fees (what they charge), insurance coverage. It might also help to ask questions about how long the person has been providing this service as well if possible! If something doesn’t feel right then move on because no one is perfect in every situation even though we may want them to be at first glance.
When you are looking for a therapist, it is important that the person who will be working with your needs has experience in what they do. You can ask them about their training and background so make sure there's alignment between both parties before committing!
The answer depends entirely upon one’s situation! If an individual has been experiencing relationship issues due primarily because they feel ignored by others close to them then perhaps couples counseling would provide some relief while still addressing the root cause.
When you are suffering from depression, it can be difficult to know what kind of therapist would best suit your needs. Some individuals may only require treatment for their mental health condition while others need additional help in dealing with issues such as addiction or trauma recovery work before they're ready; however, all types should have access to thorough logical expertise so that patients feel safe enough to speak openly without fear of judgment.
Therapy can be an expensive investment, which is why it's important to find the right therapist with affordable rates. Some clinicians offer evening and weekend sessions for those who need them; however many other professionals only work during regular business hours because they have full-time jobs in addition to their professional lives as therapists!
If you have a pre-existing condition and are not covered by your employer's health insurance plan, it might be time to look into coverage options. Your out-of-network benefits can help with some mental illnesses but certain treatments may still cost more than what they would if provided in an office or hospital setting due solely to the costs associated with providing those particular types of care.
Focusing only upon medications prescribed by specialists without considering other aspects such as therapy sessions will likely leave patients financially afloat while awaiting relief from their problem which could take months/years before being afflicted again.
If you or someone you know needs help with addiction treatment contact NorthStar Detox & Rehab today. Call (888) 577-0550 for a free consultation.
The best way for parents to show their unconditional love and support is by helping them get treatment. When children fall into substance abuse or addiction, it can be difficult because no one wants a child's life taken away from them but there are ways of coping with the situation if you react correctly!
When a child develops addiction problems, how you react and handle the situation matters. No parent wants their child to sink deeper into an unhealthy lifestyle but at the same time, it is difficult for everyone involved with handling these situations especially when they are going through tough times themselves as well.
It can be easy for parents who love them too much or don't know what else to do because those emotions come across very differently from other people so there needs some careful balancing act here where we make sure both parties feel heard without being about hurting someone’s feelings.
The relationship between parents and children is one that should never be taken lightly. You are the child's first priority, which means they will always turn to you for support in times of need; however, there may come a point when our unconditional love becomes harmful instead...substance abuse or addiction can do quite an amount on what was once pure loyalty from both sides - NorthStar Detox & Rehab knows this all too well because we have seen firsthand just how dangerous it might become if left unchecked!
Enabling refers to the act of someone contributing or driving another person’s bad behavior. This can happen when you enable an addict by doing things like providing them with alcohol, enabling their addiction, and helping keep this lifestyle going rather than trying your best to not let it consume all aspects of life because remember - addiction will only get worse without help!
When people enable their loved ones, they may do anything from providing excuses for drinking or taking drugs all the way up until becoming an active participant in his/her addiction. There are many ways that enabling can take place - one common example would be where parents tell their kids it's okay to drink even though this is clearly dangerous under certain circumstances because he has been doing so much worse than anyone else ever could.
When you enable someone, it can be hard to know what your actions are doing. You may feel as though all of this is just coming from an honest place and not wanting the person any worse off than they already were but at times there's no other way around situations that require assistance- even if we don't like them!
A great example would include when somebody has been addicted for some time now but wants help getting sober because life feels too difficult without those substances or alcohol in our system; I am able to provide support by allowing myself to believe these lies which give variety while still holding tight onto hope: "I'm here every step along the journey"
Here at NorthStar Detox & Rehab Center, we treat various forms of addictions, including alcohol addiction, methamphetamine addiction, opioid addiction, and more.
Serving the Los Angeles area, we offer the best residential addiction treatment in Tarzana. Call our admissions line at 323-577-4500 Monday to Sunday between 8 am and 6 pm or complete our contact form, and a professional will reach out to you within 24hrs.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
If your loved one shows symptoms of a substance use disorder, your relationship is likely affected by this in various ways. This may include the physical, emotional, and financial aspects of your relationship, and you may find yourself interacting with them codependently. Codependency refers to a pattern of actions where you may try to help someone manage their addiction struggles but may also enable them to keep using substances.
It can also be defined as doing more than is expected while the other person does less than expected, and as a result of these behaviors, you may no longer care about your well-being. Suffering from codependency may lead to neglecting your own needs, and focusing on someone else’s needs instead, such as a child, spouse, sibling, or another loved one. Codependent behaviors may include:
If you find yourself in a relationship with someone struggling with their addiction and have been covering up for them and have been trying to control their use, it may take an emotional toll on you. Codependency starts from a place of love and care, but it's important to recognize that doing your loved one a favor by helping them avoid the consequences of their behavior will instead reinforce their substance use. If you want to stop codependency, you may try a few things, even if they seem difficult to do, such as:
We value you choosing Northstar Detox and ensure you are selecting the best drug rehab center in Los Angeles. The next step is to contact us. We are available to meet your needs. Serving the Los Angeles area, we are an inpatient rehab center in Tarzana. Call our admissions line at 323-577-4500, Monday- Sunday between 8 am and 6 pm or complete our contact form, and a professional will be in contact.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
Alcoholism puts a person's health, safety, and life in danger. When a person has an addiction, family members may resort to sending their loved one to alcohol rehab. Family members must separate a loved one's alcoholism from the specific circumstances surrounding the person's drinking problem before taking action.
Spotting the Symptoms of Alcoholism
The first step in sending a loved one to alcohol rehab is to determine whether the individual has an alcohol problem, which requires a serious evaluation of all factors surrounding the suspected addiction.
As stated by Mayo Clinic, here are the symptoms of alcoholism:
When dependent upon alcohol, the symptoms of alcoholism can become apparent over time. These symptoms can be mistaken for other health problems, but if red flags are present and a need for help is acknowledged, then the first step should be to seek professional guidance for their loved one suffering from alcohol addiction.
By seeking out a rehab center that specializes in helping people overcome this type of addiction, the challenges involved in getting an alcoholic into treatment are significantly reduced.
If your loved one needs help in quitting, alcohol detox is the safest and most effective way to get on with an addiction-free life. The tools, coping strategies, and support available through a medically supervised program can set your loved one on a healthy path to an alcohol-free existence, along with the positive thinking necessary to avoid relapse.
Sending a family member to alcohol rehab is not an easy task. It might appear to be expensive and a waste of time, but this is not the case because it only gives your loved one another chance at life.
However, understand that alcoholism is not going to go away on its own. You need to take action before it gets worse. If you don’t take action, you’ll continue to struggle with the difficulties of living with a family member who has a drinking problem.
If you or someone you know needs help with addiction treatment contact NorthStar today. Call (888) 577-0550 for a free consultation.
There are several reasons why a couple may start to use and become addicted to drugs and alcohol:
Partners who struggle with stress and worries because of their mutual problems and individual issues may turn to illicit substances for comfort. These issues can include mental illness, job stress, and family strife. Alcohol and drugs may provide temporary relief from the symptoms of depression and anxiety that result from these stressors.
A couple can consume drugs or alcohol to seek pleasure and excitement, whether together or separately. The type of substances they prefer to use will depend on the type of psychological effects they want to experience.
Social pressure can play a role in the decision of a couple to abuse substances. While teenagers are particularly vulnerable to peer pressure, adults are not immune to being influenced by their friends to try drugs, especially if they belong to a social circle where drug use is prevalent.
Partners may choose to take stimulants to enhance their concentration and boost their performance in the workplace. They may also use drugs to increase their skills and abilities in sports and competitive recreational activities.
If you and your partner are struggling with addiction issues, there is hope for you. NorthStar Detox and Rehab Center can provide you with the individual rehab treatments and couples therapy that you both need to overcome drug and alcohol addiction. Our expert team is ready to lead you on the road to recovery in a professional yet compassionate way.
Call us at (888) 577-0550 or send us a message to take the first step to freedom from addiction as a couple.
Alcohol addiction has become a disease that is affecting thousands of people in the United States every day. According to a survey from NIH, 14.5 million Americans aged 12 and above face Alcohol Use Disorder because of addiction.
Based on this data, alcoholism is already prevalent which if not solved right away will destroy the lives of teenagers and families.
Alcohol addiction or alcoholism is when an individual has an excessive and uncontrollable desire to drink alcohol. It is a serious condition characterized by both physical and psychological dependence on alcohol.
For anyone who has had loved ones such as parents, children, or close friends afflicted by alcohol addiction, it can be a difficult thing to cope with. The addiction could lead the person to suffer from a variety of social and medical problems, including high-risk driving situations and legal consequences.
Understanding what alcoholism is and how to deal with it in a friend, family member, or co-worker can be the beginning of healing for everyone involved.
Likely, your loved one has already shown signs of a destructive addiction to alcohol. The problem you face is figuring out why they can’t stop drinking and how to convince them to go to a treatment center.
If you or someone you know needs help with addiction treatment contact NorthStar Detox & Rehab today. Call (888) 577-0550 for a free consultation.
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