Vitamins For Drug and Alcohol Addiction Recovery
Alcohol abuse and addiction take a toll on physical health and wellbeing. Most notably, alcohol can prevent the body from absorbing nutrients leading to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. When individuals are in the active phases of addiction, there is often a poor nutritional intake. The body is depleted of essential vitamins and nutrients needed for the healing process.
Here at Beachway Therapy Center, we support the healing process in every way, including providing vitamin supplements to aid the body during detoxification (when medically necessary). We use a combination of B Vitamins, Folic Acid, Magnesium, multivitamins, and other supplements under our medical team’s guidance to ensure a healthy recovery journey for each patient.
Common Vitamin Deficiencies in Substance Abusers
Reputable researchers believe that by nature, drug and alcohol abuse depletes certain vitamins and minerals because very little healthy sustenance is taken on board. Some patients have commonly discovered general malnutrition, anemia, and conspicuously decreased nutrient intake when recovery begins. In general, the nutrient intake can fall below two-thirds of the normally recommended allowances.
Researchers say the type of substance a person is addicted to can determine the type of vitamin deficiency. In alcohol addiction, for example, studies show there is typically a lack of vitamin B1 or thiamine. Vitamin B1 is essential for a healthy brain and nervous system and is typically included among provided vitamins for recovery during treatment. Studies have also shown that those who struggle with alcohol addiction also have trouble absorbing vitamins A, D, and E.
The patients who come to Beachway for treatment commonly have vitamin B1, B5, B6, vitamin C, and E. When crafting a customized nutritional plan for drug rehab, Beachway therapists typically include these vitamins to kickstart a general revitalization of the body.
Symptoms of Nutrient Deficiency
Researchers say that when minor vitamin depletion turns into serious nutrient deficiency, many serious health issues can arise. When malnutrition becomes an issue due to drug or alcohol abuse, symptoms may include:
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- Fatigue
- Tooth decay
- Dizziness
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Bone loss
- Muscle loss
- Dry skin
- Memory loss
- Bloating
- Menstrual troubles
- Digestive issues
- Breathing difficulties
- Liver problems
- Heart problems
- Kidney damage
Vitamin Therapy During Addiction Recovery
Vitamins for addiction recovery is an essential part of our high-quality drug and alcohol treatment program at Beachway Therapy Center. Since 2008, we have documented countless cases where the administration of high doses of vitamins has coincided with patients’ ability to cope with withdrawal symptoms, emotional and mental health improvements, and calming of the symptoms mentioned above.
The FDA is not authorized to review dietary and vitamin supplement products for safety and effectiveness before being marketed. At Beachway, however, we leave no stone unturned in treating the whole body and mind, which is why we incorporate synthetic vitamins into treatment protocols for our alcohol and drug recovery patients.
It can be tempting to regard alcohol and drug addiction primarily as behavioral issues, but it’s important to remember that there are many physical aspects involved as well. When we incorporate the deficient supplements and vitamins into treatment uniquely for each patient, we typically document a significant and noticeable reduction in the visible signs of symptoms listed above.
Recommended Foods & Vitamins for Addiction Recovery
At Beachway, vitamin supplementation is used when larger doses of vitamins for addiction recovery are recommended, but we also rely on the vitamins found in our chef’s menu that offers a wide range of flavorful, healthy foods. These vitamin supplements may be implemented as part of the diet for an inpatient treatment program or added to outpatient treatment for patients who make their meals at home.
Vitamins and Supplements Used At Beachway
Every patient at Beachway has their own unique treatment plan. Not everyone needs all the vitamins and supplements listed below; however, this list will provide some insight into some of the offerings.
B Vitamins
Vitamin B helps to convert sugar into energy. Deficiencies in Vitamin B can lead to low energy and fatigue and the development of Wernicke’s encephalopathy. During the detox process, the taking of Vitamin B supplements, in addition to Folic Acid, may help to improve energy and aid the healing process. Vitamin B is essential for helping the nervous system and brain to function normally and can help to alleviate some symptoms of withdrawal. It is most commonly found in dark green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, green peppers, asparagus, and romaine lettuce. Liver, beets, and lentils are also good sources of B vitamins.
Vitamin C
This immunity-boosting powerhouse vitamin can be found in citrus fruits, green peppers, broccoli, strawberries, cantaloupe, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts.
Calcium
Most commonly found in dairy products, dark leafy greens like kale and spinach, fortified cereals, and sardines, calcium is most widely known for making our bones stronger.
Magnesium
Magnesium levels are typically low among patients who struggle with alcohol abuse. This vitamin is used in almost every process in your body, including muscle movement and relaxation. The use of magnesium as a supplement in detoxing from alcohol helps the body to absorb other vitamins and nutrients that are essential to the healing process. Taking magnesium during the detox period will help with muscle aches and tension. It can be found in dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, avocado, bananas, wild salmon, tuna, and many other healthy foods.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle aids in the filtering of the liver. The use of milk thistle helps to remove pollutants, prevents free radical damage in the body, and helps to detoxify the liver.
Amino Acids
Lean meats, eggs, seafood, dairy, tofu, quinoa, seeds, and beans are all great sources of amino acids. There are nine essential amino acids, each of which performs different functions in the human roles in your body. They’re involved in important processes such as tissue growth, energy production, immune function and nutrient absorption.Top of Form
Multivitamins
In addition to the vitamins listed above, high-quality multivitamins work to replace missing essential nutrients depleted due to lack of proper nutritional intake. Multivitamins are also beneficial in helping with nutrient absorption as a whole.
Recovering Naturally With Beachway
If you or a family member are in a struggle with drug or alcohol addiction, Beachway recommends synthetic supplements and vitamins. Studies by reputable institutions indicate vitamins for drug and alcohol recovery can help reverse many types of health issues. Our rehab services work under the belief that a healthy body fueled by healthy food and vitamins contributes to a strong mind.
If you have questions about any aspect of drug or alcohol treatment, call Beachway at 877-239-3534 today.