Addiction recovery isn’t just about achieving sobriety—it’s about rebuilding a healthier, more balanced life. One often-overlooked yet crucial piece of the recovery puzzle is nutrition. At Summit Behavioral Health, we recognize that a well-nourished body and mind are foundational for sustainable healing.
During active addiction, the body is often deprived of essential nutrients, leading to weakened physical health, emotional instability, and increased vulnerability to relapse. Proper nutrition helps reverse this damage and supports every stage of the recovery process.
How Addiction Impacts Nutrition
Substance use disrupts normal eating habits and damages the body’s ability to absorb and utilize nutrients. Common effects include:
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, especially B vitamins, magnesium, and potassium
- Blood sugar imbalances, leading to mood swings and energy crashes
- Gastrointestinal issues, affecting digestion and nutrient absorption
- Weakened immune system, increasing the risk of illness
At Summit Behavioral Health, addressing these nutritional deficits is a key component of our holistic treatment philosophy.
The Benefits of Proper Nutrition During Recovery
Prioritizing balanced, nutrient-rich meals during treatment can:
- Stabilize mood and emotions, reducing the risk of relapse
- Support brain function and cognitive healing
- Enhance physical energy for participating fully in therapy sessions
- Improve sleep quality, an important factor in emotional regulation
- Strengthen the immune system, promoting overall well-being
Clients in our programs work closely with healthcare professionals who understand the critical link between nutrition and addiction recovery.
Tips for Supporting Nutritional Health in Recovery
If you or a loved one is entering treatment, here are a few ways to support better nutrition:
- Eat regular, balanced meals with protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats.
- Incorporate plenty of fruits and vegetables to boost vitamin and antioxidant intake.
- Stay hydrated to help the body detoxify and repair.
- Limit processed foods and refined sugars, which can cause mood and energy crashes.
At Summit Helps, we encourage a holistic approach to wellness, including personalized nutrition education to help our clients build strong, sustainable habits.
A Whole-Person Approach to Recovery
Nutrition is just one part of our comprehensive care model. At Summit Behavioral Health, we also offer services like individual therapy, group counseling, and specialized dual diagnosis treatment to heal the whole person.
When the body is nourished and strong, the mind and spirit have a much better chance to heal, too.
If you’re ready to start your recovery journey with a team that sees and supports your whole self, contact Summit Behavioral Health today. Your healing starts from the inside out.
