One often overlooked aspect of inpatient alcohol and drug treatment programs is the quality and nutritional value of the food served to guests. In fact, nutritional needs become exceedingly important during extended stay residential treatment for drug of alcohol dependency. Proper nutrition promotes healing within the body, repairs damage caused by years of drug and alcohol addiction, and encourages long-term sobriety. Effective extended stay residential treatment programs will evaluate your nutritional needs through diagnostic tests, interviews and physical examinations, and work with you to make sure you receive the proper nutrition throughout your entire stay.
Nutritional Needs During Extended Stay Residential Treatment
Here are a few ways in which your nutritional needs during extended stay residential treatment can be addressed by the rehab facility of your choice.
- Nutritional Testing
It is important to run diagnostic tests during intake at extended stay residential treatment centers, in order to establish a baseline for your physical care. Additionally, nutritional testing can uncover deficiencies in vital nutrients such as B-complex vitamins, which can run dangerously low for those who have faced long-term or intense alcohol addictions. Diagnostic testing can also reveal nutritional imbalances such as a lack of key amino acids, vitamins or minerals, or a deficiency of antioxidants. Simple blood and urine tests can also bring to light any underlying nutritional causes that may contribute to your drug or alcohol addiction’s development. Your extended stay residential treatment staff will then provide supplements and a dietary plan to help engender necessary shifts in nutrient levels. - Dietary Advice
A dietitian will assess your nutritional needs during your extended stay residential treatment. Usually this involves a review of your nutritional testing results, interview questions and medical history. A dietitian will work with you to create diets that taste good while helping you to restore balance in the body. These plans can and should be modified over the course of your stay, as you work through detoxification, the initial stages of recovery, and begin planning for your aftercare. Your body’s need will be different at each stage of healing, and a dietitian’s professional experience will help improve your recovery process. - Nutritional Supplements
Additionally, dietitians can provide natural supplements to assist your recovery or eliminate any withdrawal symptoms that occur. For instance, the lack or excess of key amino acids can indicate underlying damage and ultimately prevent your body from healing. Nutritional supplements given in extended stay residential treatment can help boost levels of deficient amino acids to eliminate stress placed upon your body. Additionally, dietitians will often recommend an increase in certain antioxidants in order to promote healing and prevent further damage to your body. - Balanced Meals
Balanced meals can make a difference in how you feel during your extended stay residential treatment program—both physically and emotionally. Organic foods can minimize the introduction of new toxins, while you undergo the process of removing those stored up in the body during chemical dependency. Additionally, well-balanced meals provide the fuel you need to adjust metabolic rates, promote energy, provide focus, and ensure relaxation during your detox and alcohol or drug recovery process.
Call Passages Addiction Treatment Centers today if you or a loved one is battling an addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. Our admissions department is available 24/7 and can be reached directly by calling our toll-free number at (888) 397-0112. We look forward to speaking with you soon.
