Ask a Dietitian

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Eating During Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation

Drug and alcohol abuse can have many negative effects on the body such as liver impairment and neurological deficits.  It can also induce nutritional problems such as weight loss and malnutrition by reducing food intake during periods of altered state, or by depleting finances needed to purchase food.  

Good nutrition during recovery is important because it helps the body reverse the effects of substance abuse and increases the body’s ability to recover.  Since loss of appetite is a major consequence to substance abuse, it is important to reestablish a regular eating pattern (i.e. 3 balanced meals per day plus snacks). This is to help avoid blood sugar drops which may contribute to relapse.  Food should be attractive and enjoyable to facilitate intakes.  Balanced meals include high protein foods, whole grains, fruit and vegetables, a modest amount of fat, as well as an appropriate amount of calories for achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight.  Adequate hydration is important since dehydration is common during the recovery period. 

Many drug and alcohol addictions cause irregular eating habits as well as impaired digestion and absorption of nutrients, leading to vitamin and mineral deficiencies.  Although supplementation is recommended during recovery, consuming good food sources of these nutrients is beneficial. A list is provided below. 

• Vitamin A – orange and deep-yellow vegetables, dark green leafy vegetables
• Vitamin D – egg yolks, fish oils, vitamin D-fortified milk, cereal
• Thiamin – whole grains, pork, brewer’s yeast, wheat germ, soy products, legumes
• Vitamin B₆ – meat, whole grains, vegetables, nuts
• Folate – green leafy vegetables, oranges, asparagus
• Vitamin B₁₂ – low fat meat and dairy
• Zinc – shellfish, red meat, eggs
• Selenium – brazil nuts, meat, fish, seafood
• Calcium – low fat dairy, fortified soymilk, canned salmon with bones
• Magnesium – nuts, whole grains, vegetables, tofu

Lastly, substance substitution (replacing the drug of choice with caffeine, nicotine, or sugar) should be avoided since it continues the addictive behavior and can impair recovery progress.

Try to include some activity in your daily routine

It is important for those in drug and alcohol rehab to get medical and nutritional assessments to determine their exact treatment and nutritional deficiencies.

Diet and Substance abuse recovery.  University of Maryland Medical Centre.  http://www.umm.edu/ency/article/002149.htm

Mahan, L.K., & Escott-Stump, S. (2000). Krause’s Food Nutrition, & Diet Therapy. W. B. Saunders Company: Toronto.

Watch for the Eating for Energy segment every Tuesday on BCTV’s Noon News Hour!