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Addiction And Nutrition
Addiction and nutrition is a chronic condition marked by a dependence on alcohol, drugs and non-nutritive foods for self-medication. The effects are serious, causing gradual and progressive damage to the brain, organs, hormones, immune and nervous systems. Alcohol, drugs and junk foods are toxic. Simple refined sugar is a primary addiction, which sets off a succession of stages called hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which underlies virtually all substance abuse conditions. As a person's blood sugar is strongly affected by sugars, stimulants and chemicals, the energy and mood pattern of the individual will fluctuate greatly, generating anger, frustration, confusion, irritation, and irrational behavior. Specific Impact Of Different Drugs On Nutrition ALCOHOL - Addiction And Nutrition 
Alcoholism is one of the major causes of nutritional deficiency in the US. The most common deficiencies are of pyridoxine (vitamin B-6), thiamine, and folic acid. Deficiencies in these nutrients cause anemia (low blood count) and neurological problems. Korsakoff's syndrome ("wet brain") is caused by nutrient deficiencies related to absorption problems caused by heavy use of alcohol, rather than by the drinking itself.Alcohol intoxication also impairs two major organs involved in metabolism and nutrition: the liver and the pancreas. The liver detoxifies harmful substances and the pancreas regulates blood sugar and absorption of fat. Impairment of these two organs results in an imbalance of fluids, calories, and electrolytes. Other complications include permanent liver damage (or cirrhosis), seizures, diabetes, and severe malnutrition. Laboratory tests for protein, iron, and electrolytes may be needed to determine if there is liver disease in addition to the alcohol problem. Post-menopausal women who are alcoholic are at high risk of osteoporosis and require calcium supplementation. OPIATES - Addiction And Nutrition 
Opiates, which include codeine, heroin, and morphine, affect the gastrointestinal system. A very common symptom of abuse includes constipation. Symptoms common during withdrawal include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, which may lead to nutrient deprivation and electrolyte imbalances. Electrolytes include sodium, potassium, and chloride.Eating balanced meals may decrease the severity of STIMULANTS - Addiction And Nutrition 
Stimulant use, including use of crack, cocaine, and methamphetamine, results in a significant decrease in appetite, weight loss, and eventual malnutrition. Abusers of these drugs may stay up for days at a time and suffer dehydration and electrolyte imbalances during these prolonged episodes. Return to normal diet can be difficult if there has been profound weight loss. Alcohol, Malnutrition, And Medical Complications LIVER DISEASE - Addiction And Nutrition Although alcoholic liver damage is caused primarily by alcohol itself, poor nutrition may increase the risk of alcohol-related liver damage. For example, nutrients normally found in the liver, such as carotenoids, which are the major sources of vitamin A, and vitamin E compounds, are known to be affected by alcohol consumption. Decreases in such nutrients may play some role in alcohol-related liver damage. BRAIN - Addiction And Nutrition Nutritional deficiencies can have severe and permanent effects on brain function. Specifically, thiamine deficiencies, often seen in alcoholics, can cause severe neurological problems such as impaired movement and memory. Pregnancy - Addiction And Nutrition 
Alcohol has direct toxic effects on fetal development, causing alcohol-related birth defects, including
fetal alcohol syndrome.
Alcohol itself is toxic to the fetus, but accompanying nutritional deficiency can affect fetal development, perhaps compounding the risk of developmental damage.The nutritional needs during pregnancy are 10 to 30 percent greater than normal; food intake can increase by as much as 140 percent to cover the needs of both mother and fetus. 
Not only can nutritional deficiencies of an alcoholic mother adversely affect the nutrition of the fetus, but alcoholitself can also restrict nutrition flow to the fetus. Studies also have noted an association between alcohol consumption and an increased risk of breast cancer. The mechanism of this effect is not yet known, but the association may be due to carcinogenic actions of alcohol or its metabolites, to alcohol-induced changes in levels of hormones such as estrogens, or to some other process. A visit to a competent nutritionist is an essential part of treatment for substance abuse. The nutritionist will review the history, habits and dietary patterns of the person, and recommend a diet that will correct the hypoglycemia, nerve irritation and organ and endocrine imbalances. 
Food high in complex carbohydrates will be offered to replace simple sugars and sugar substitutes, fresh organic fruits and vegetables, seeds, legumes and nutritious "booster foods" will take the edge off of the sugar blues and detox shakes. An individual evaluation will provide the information to design a program of proper amino acid, essential fatty acid, vitamin, mineral and enzyme support, which will minimize the withdrawal or craving reaction as addictive substances and habits are weaned from the diet and lifestyle. Then, growth on all levels can resume in a healthy way. 
The road to recovery is much more effective with proper nutritional support. Treatment centers that provide nutritional programs have a greater than 70% success rate compared to only 20% or less when psychology and behavior modification are the only modalities. Mental, emotional and physical health will always improve when nutritional needs are met. Learning to eat well is an investment in the health of the whole family, not just the substance abuser. It can repair much of the damage of both substance abuse and a dysfunctional family system. It's never too late to learn how to live well. 
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