Deciding to overcome substance addiction is a gutsy decision. It is a choice to reset your life that was once caught in the web of addiction. In the process of drug de-addiction, many aspects of treatment, therapy, and lifestyle play a paramount role, with nutrition and physical fitness standing out as consequential contributors.
In this article, we are going to discuss the importance of nutrition and physical fitness in recovery and understand how the rehabilitation centre for https://www.cadabamshospitals.com/drug-addiction/rehabilitation-centre-hyderabad/ drug addiction optimizes these features for optimal effectiveness.
Understanding Drug Addiction and How It Happens?
Before we get into the main topic, let’s briefly understand what drug addiction is and how one gets lost in the haze of substance misuse.
Definition of Drug Addiction
Drug addiction or substance misuse is a relapsing disorder that affects a person’s behavior and brain, leading to the inability to control the use of substances. It is considered a brain disorder and a person struggling with drug addiction often feels they can’t function normally without drugs.
How Does It Happen?
Addiction can start due to various reasons. It could start as experimentation in social gatherings, peer pressure, and even curiosity. At this stage, drug use is not yet a compulsion. However, over time, with frequent consumption people may develop a tolerance, leading to higher doses for desired effects.
Other mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or trauma can contribute to drug addiction, as a way to cope with emotional pain.
How Drug Addiction Affects the Body?
There are different types of drugs and each drug affects the body in different ways and may vary from person to person. Factors such as genetics and overall health too can dictate the body’s response to drug addiction. Here are a few general ways in which drug addiction impacts the body.
- Brain: If a person regularly uses drugs, his/ her brain may experience changes in structure and functioning, eventually affecting decision-making, impulse control, and the ability to enjoy pleasure without the use of drugs.
- Heart: Prolonged use of drugs can increase heart rate and may lead to cardiovascular issues such as heart attacks, stroke, peripheral artery disease, etc.
- Lungs: Smoking drugs can damage the respiratory system. Our lungs contain around 300 million air sacs that pull oxygen and release carbon dioxide. Smoking destroys these tiny air sacs.
- Liver: The liver is accountable for metabolizing drugs, and chronic drug use can lead to liver damage or failure, especially since substances like alcohol can impact the liver more severely than other drugs.
- Kidney: Kidneys filter blood to remove waste and excess water through a filtering system called nephrons. Drug misuse affects kidneys in many different ways, some drugs reduce the blood flow, cause dehydration, and can cause inflammation and infection.
Importance Of Nutrition And Physical Fitness In Recovery
Substance abuse can wreak mayhem on your body, leading to vitamin deficiencies, malnutrition, and a debilitated immune system. While recovering from drug abuse at a rehabilitation center for drug addiction, the professionals prioritize nutrition aspects along with other treatments.
When you are recovering, your body is quite weak and requires nutrients to rebuild the damage caused by substance abuse. Following proper nutrition, customized by professionals can help the person under recovery with essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Thus, strengthening the immune system, and regaining strength, and vitality which in turn support and improve mental health and overall well-being.
Role of Physical Fitness in Recovery
Physical fitness plays an important role in recovery. Involving in physical activity augments mood, eases stress levels, and even helps in controlling cravings. It can be your go-to remedy for negative emotions. The best part of partaking in physical activity for a person undergoing recovery is that it can work as a potent tool for relapse prevention.
When you are involved in physical activities, your brain stimulates endorphins, a chemical that creates a feeling of contentment, lowers stress, improves mood, and enriches your sense of well-being. By incorporating exercise into your schedule, professionals at a rehabilitation centre for drug addiction help you create a system wherein you can manage your stress more effectively and build a positive mind.
Physical Activity and Nutritional Tips
When it comes to finding the right activity for recovery, the first thing you need to keep in mind is that it shouldn’t feel like you are doing some chore. The key here is to find something that you enjoy. For example, hiking, walking, dancing, swimming, playing sports, or any activity that makes you feel good.
As far as nutrition is concerned a balanced diet is essential. You can include fruits, vegetables, leafy vegetables, lean protein, legumes, whole grains, healthy fats, etc.
At the same time, it is also important to bear in mind to avoid foods that aren’t healthy, such as junk food, high-sugar drinks, and caffeine.
And always remember to drink enough water to keep yourself hydrated. As a rule of thumb, try to drink at least 8 glasses of water.
Conclusion
Taking a step towards recovery from drug addiction is a brave decision that needs a holistic strategy, consisting of medications, therapies, physical fitness, and a healthy diet.
With the right approach and professional help, managing drug addiction is possible, leading to a healthier and more fulfilling life. So, let’s make a constant effort to achieve a life of sobriety and well-being.