Choosing to enter a drug detox and rehab program is the best decision a person involved in substance abuse can make. Once there, the professional staff will help patients to begin the process of eliminating the harmful substances that have been loaded upon the body. The process of ceasing drug use and cleansing the body is referred to as drug detox. Although, drug detox is just the first step toward recovery, it is an all-important one and one where other new and better choices can be learned. Abuse of drugs takes a terrible toll on the human body. Stopping the use of drugs is step number one, but ridding the body of poisons is only a part of what needs to happen for the body to recover and become healthy once again. Some drugs have led users into terrible eating habits where meals are unplanned, irregular or skipped altogether because the drugs acted as appetite suppressants. Drugs also inhibit the body’s ability to absorb and process the valuable minerals and vitamins available from a healthy diet. The drug abuser’s body has been filled with toxins at the same time it has been deprived of the resources it needs to remain strong and healthy. Studies have shown that the person with a malnourished body is more susceptible to drug cravings and the negative symptoms of drug detox such as anxiety and depression. Furthermore, an under-nourished body will not be able to function well mentally and detox/rehab treatment requires that patients devote themselves to achieving a goal. All of which points to the necessity of improving eating habits as an integral part of overall drug detox and rehab treatment. Regular meals full of healthy foods can help to heal and replenish the body which has passed through the detox phase. Energy stores have been depleted and tissues have likely been strained and damaged through prolonged drug abuse. If nothing else, the body’s natural chemical balance is waiting to be restored. All of this can be achieved through healthy diet. Eating foods rich in protein, essential vitamins like B12, key fatty acids and even probiotics can restore the body to its healthful state in as little as three to four weeks. Often, dietary counseling is provided to help patients learn the best way to fuel their recovery. Again, statistics prove that patients who follow healthy eating recommendations enjoy greater success in living sober. High carbohydrate, high fat diets have been shown to result in stronger drug cravings. Instead of choosing high sugar, high fat, high caffeine convenience foods, patients can learn to make healthier food choices which can literally empower their recovery. Good nutrition cannot solve all the problems related to drug abuse. Counseling, exercise and other therapies all work together to bring patients to the place of recovery. Nevertheless, nutritional education plays a surprisingly important role in the recovery process.
