Presented by: Kari W, Stenberg College Psychiatric Nursing Student

Effects of Addiction on your Body Substance use harms the body primarily in two ways (MedlinePlus, 2014): 1.The substance itself affects the body 2.It can lead to negative lifestyle changes Metabolism, organ function, and mental well-being can all be affected (NIH, 1993).

Possible Effects of Addiction on your Body The very act of using drugs or alcohol damages the body (Smiechowski, 2014).

Some of the Effects of Alcohol Can directly affect:  Nutrient breakdown  Nutrient absorption  Blood sugar control  Fluid balance Especially affected can be:  B Vitamins (B1, B6 & B12)  Folic Acid

Some of the Effects of Opiates Use can cause:  Stomach problems Withdrawal can lead to:  A lack of nutrients and electrolytes

Some of the Effects of Stimulants  Stimulants can limit one’s appetite

There is good news… Ensuring nutritional education and adequate nutritional intake can increase your success in achieving recovery and maintaining sobriety (Grant et al, 2004).

Why focus on nutrition?  The focus on nutrition may have taken a backseat to one’s addiction.  The substances used may have had a negative effect on how your body is able to process nutrients.  Attention to nutritional intake can help to repair physical damage.  Nutrition also plays an important role in mood.

Why focus on nutrition? Ensuring adequate intake of nutrients is important as many recovering addicts can MISINTERPRET HUNGER AS A DRUG OR ALCOHOL CRAVING (Smiechowski, 2014).

How to Begin the Healing  Nutrition is important…however – don’t be too hard on yourself!  For someone who has just given up an important source of pleasure making other drastic lifestyle changes can be too much.  Therefore, it is more important to avoid returning to substance use than sticking with a strict diet.

What should the recovering addict focus on?  During recovery, dehydration is common.  It is important to get enough fluids during and between meal times (MedlinePlus, 2014).

What should the recovering addict focus on?  Vitamin and nutrient rich foods (and possibly include a vitamin and mineral supplement)  Less sugar  Choose smart carbohydrates and consume fewer refined carbohydrates  More protein  More fibre  More healthy fats  Fewer processed foods  Less caffeine (Addiction Staff, 2014)

Remember….

References  Addiction Staff (2014). Nutrition for addicts: Healing the body. Retrieved from  Grant, L. P., Haughton, B. & Sachan, D. S. (2004). Nutrition education is positively associated with substance abuse treatment programs. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 104(4), p doi: /j.jada  MedlinePlus (2014). Diet and substance use recovery. Retrieved from  National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism [NIH]. (1993). Alcohol alert. Retrieved from  Smiechowski, J. (2014). Nutrition and recovery: How healthy eating can help you stay sober. Retrieved from healthy-eating-can-help-you-stay-sober?page=all

Thank-you! Any Questions??  Please remember that your feedback is very much appreciated…please fill out the forms and return them to Dale, Aberra, or myself.