08 Jun Supplements for Addiction and Mental Health

Exercise is another healing method during withdrawal and recovery that helps detoxify your body while also boosting the production of endorphins in your brain. The best way to get the vitamins and nutrients your body needs are through proper diet. A nutrient-dense diet that is also protein-rich is vital to your path to healing and a key part of a holistic healing system. Proper diet also helps your body deal with the stress of detoxing and allows you to rest more soundly, both of which are vital to any recovery program. As a general rule, vitamin C, B vitamins, calcium and magnesium, and the most useful supplements to help you cope with withdrawal symptoms. Once you are past that point and healing, you’ll want to add plenty of lean protein along with a good multivitamin to give your brain and body the tools to rebuild and become strong again.

Protein

Secondly, addiction influences habits such as sporadic eating and poor nutrition that impair the body. One small study tested whether acetyl-L-carnitine helps people who are dependent on methadone. The study found some evidence it could help with sensitivity to pain. Acetyl-L-carnitine also showed some benefits for muscle tension, cramps, and trouble sleeping (insomnia). A well-known and heavily-promoted nutrient, Vitamin C is an important antioxidant and potent immune-system booster that is found in a broad range of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, research is beginning to show that Vitamin C may also be effective in reducing symptoms of withdrawal, including for opioids.

How Doctors and Nutritionists Can Help

When the body breaks down protein you eat, it can use the amino acids to rebuild damaged cells and create neurotransmitters in the brain that help regulate drug cravings. When detoxing, the body will deplete its reserves for several nutrients and need extra nutritional support. Be sure to talk to your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking any supplements, as they might not be right for your situation.

• Plenty of fruits and vegetables, along with pure water and healthy proteins, are vital to your recovery diet.
• Some studies have shown that adding Vitamin C to your diet can help alleviate symptoms not limited toalcohol withdrawalandheroin withdrawal.
• Researchers have concluded that chronic vitamin D deficiency is an environmental factor contributing to drug use.
• Some may have specific dietary restrictions such as veganism or celiac disease; others might require considerations based on age, gender, activity level, or underlying medical conditions.
• One study found that people with OUD are more likely to get too little vitamin D.

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During the recovery phase, fatigue and a decline in vitality are common. best vitamins for recovering drug addicts However, a balanced diet that includes carbohydrates and lean proteins serves as a source of energy required to regain strength and vigor. They provide sustained energy, helping to maintain balanced blood sugar levels. A poor diet rich in simple sugars can exacerbate mood swings and cravings, which are already challenging during recovery. The issue of opioid misuse offers a multifaceted challenge in the realm of disordered eating habits stemming from substance abuse.

These Alcohol Use Disorder essential fatty acids are also effective at preventing depression and anxiety, as well dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. When it comes to addiction, high levels of anxiety is a common reason for relapse. Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to reduce anxiety and help withdrawal symptoms in addicts.

Complex Carbohydrates: Sustained Energy for Recovery

Excessive urinary excretion of zinc and zinc deficiency have been found in drug addicts. And researchers recommend zinc supplementation to treat addiction and reduce withdrawal symptoms (70, 71). Every substance use disorder and addiction affects everyone in varying ways. Drug and alcohol addictions are chronic diseases characterized by relapsing, impulsive substance seeking, and abuse patterns. Individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds can suffer from various addictions. Some individuals suffer for only short amounts of time, receiving vital help in rehab programs early on to aid them in working past their condition.

In this article, we will explore the importance of vitamins for withdrawal and recovery and the common nutritional deficiencies that occur during this time. A big misconception about a healthy diet is that it only includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, recovering addicts do best when eating smaller meals throughout the day. Cravings for sugary sweets or even drugs often happen because our metabolism keeps fluctuating throughout the day. Only eating three large meals a day causes sugar spikes in our body that also create fluctuations in our mood and energy levels.

However, having better overall nutrition and added vitamin supplementation can help you become stronger in mind and body as you transition into a life without substance misuse. At Gateway Foundation, we understand the importance of nutrition for recovering addicts, and we incorporate it into our many recovery programs and services. Every individual has different nutritional needs that can impact their experience in treatment, which is why we work hard to provide customized treatment plans that address nutrition. The most important part of nutrition for recovering alcoholics and addicts is to find the foods that work for you and the ways you like to eat them.

• That’s why it’s important to eat three meals a day plus snacks as your body heals.
• Nutritious fats, especially those abundant in Omega-3 fatty acids, serve dual purposes.
• If you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Theanine is available in this anti-anxiety supplement, along with a number of other natural compounds that have helped me manage my anxiety over the years. It’s known to produce a calming effect on the brain by crossing the blood-brain barrier and increasing the production of both GABA and dopamine in the brain. Unlike prescription anti-anxiety medication, it does not cause sedation and drowsiness (13, 14, 15). But supplementing with citicoline has a more immediate, noticeable effect. And in my experience and research, high-quality bioavailable nutrients are an important aspect of combating and correcting this.