Proper nutrition in rehab is a critical part of healing in early recovery and supports long-term sobriety. This is why Royal Life Centers employ the finest chefs. We ensure that the freshest ingredients and careful preparation go into each meal we serve. While in detox and residential treatment, guests enjoy three nourishing meals a day, and a variety of snacks and beverages are available at all hours of the day and night.
It’s important to know what quality of food a treatment center offers. Good nutrition in rehab is a critical component of healing physically and mentally and supports long-term recovery. To curb withdrawal symptoms during detox and recovery, quality treatment centers provide food that will rejuvenate your nutrition in rehab.
The Importance of a Balanced Diet and Nutrition in Rehab
To function properly, your body requires good food that is rich in nutritional value. While most people know that nutrition helps you maintain a healthy weight and lower body fat, it’s more than that. Integrating nutrition in rehab gives you energy, helps you sleep, and improves your overall health. Eating a balanced diet during treatment will make you feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally.
When beginning treatment for a substance use disorder (SUD), people are often nutritionally deficient. Unfortunately, substance abuse often results in irregular eating habits and poor diet. In fact, people in SUD treatment often mistake the body’s physiological hunger response for withdrawal symptoms or cravings.
The Effects of Substance Abuse on Nutritional Health
Prolonged substance abuse can result in low levels of essential vitamins and minerals, disrupting normal bodily function. Alcohol abuse commonly leads to folic acid and vitamin deficiency. Opiate withdrawal often involves vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration, and stimulants may decrease appetite and cause malnutrition, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
In fact, a study of the nutritional issues faced by people with drug and alcohol use disorders determined that chronic substance use affects nutrition and overall physical health. Regardless of whether you’re actively abusing addictive substances or undergoing treatment, you are at risk for malnutrition. For this reason, meal plans with nutrient-rich foods are vital for people undergoing inpatient treatment.
Addressing Disordered Eating and Substance Abuse
A study published in the Psychiatry Research journal found that 22% of people with eating disorders (EDs) also have a substance use disorder (SUD). Upon further examination, the research notes that 35% of people seeking treatment for substance abuse also have an eating disorder. Additionally, between 25-50% of individuals in treatment for an eating disorder also have a substance use disorder.
As a result, co-occurring eating disorders in individuals with SUDs appear to be 10 times higher than in individuals with eating disorders within the general population. The link between eating disorders (EDs) and substance use disorders (SUDs) further highlights the importance of healthy food and quality nutrition in rehab.
What Happens When You Have Poor Nutrition in Rehab?
Malnutrition happens when a person does not have the nutrients that he or she needs to properly function. This occurs when you do not have enough to eat, or if the foods you eat lack a sufficient amount of nutrients for your body’s needs.
You will likely lack energy when your body is malnourished for an extended amount of time. When you experience fatigue, your body is attempting to lower your energy consumption so that you don’t deplete what little nutrients are left.
The longer you maintain a poor diet, the fewer nutrients you will have. Eventually, your energy reserves will run out. To compensate for any nutrient deficiencies, your body will break down its own fat, muscle, and tissue for energy. If no nutritional changes are made to replenish the body’s nutrients, key organ systems will eventually shut down entirely.
Whether undereating, overeating, or eating the wrong foods, people often enter treatment with dysfunctional eating habits and poor nutrition. To offset the physical damage from substance abuse, at Royal, we ensure that your nutrition in rehab meets your dietary needs.
It is important to understand that nutrition in rehab is a key part of recovery because it helps you regain your physical health. Nutrient-rich meals also give you strength during detox and help you fight withdrawal symptoms.
Good, Healthy Meals in Inpatient Treatment Programs
Royal Life Centers’ inpatient facilities serve meals that are specifically made for people who are just starting their recovery. All of Royal’s chefs create nutritional regimens at our detox and residential facilities to cater to sensitive dietary needs and quell hunger cravings.
We know the significance of providing your body with nutritious meals while you are receiving treatment. For this reason, the kitchen staff at each of Royal’s detox and inpatient treatment centers receives training for meal preparation. Our insight on the best practice to modify meals works to satisfy the dietary and nutritional requirements of our guests.
Our standards for nutrition in rehab help our inpatient treatment guests rebuild their physical strength in early recovery. For example, our kitchen staff integrates several important nutrients into daily meals, such as:
- Complex carbs
- Vitamins,
- Proteins
- Fibers
- Healthy fats i
Similarly, our chefs take care to avoid processed foods and items that are heavy in sugar or caffeine.
A nutritious, well-balanced diet can also:
- Mend damaged organs and tissues
- Strengthen the immune system
- Boost energy
- Elevate mood
More importantly, we find that nutrition lessens the chance of relapse by improving our guest’s overall quality of life.
To meet the National Library of Medicine‘s standards, our nutrient-rich meal plans work to put you on the path to optimal nutritional health. In doing so, you can learn to maintain realistic, healthy eating habits on your own while honoring your dietary preferences and constraints.
Reach Out and Revitalize Your Nutrition in Rehab
We incorporate our commitment to your health and well-being into everything we do, including our excellent dietary programming. To learn more about our detox and residential programs, please reach out to our admissions team, available 24/7 at 877-RECOVERY to answer your questions.
