Recovery Nutrition Program
Individuals with a history of Substance Use Disorder are at higher risk for developing food-intake related dysfunction. After the immediate crisis of substance abuse has been resolved, residents can begin to benefit from the Recovery Nutrition Program at Welcome House.
Just as a well-balanced and diverse diet that is rich in whole foods from the five recommended food groups – fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins and dairy – is a good daily discipline to follow for anybody, it is especially important for those in recovery.
Welcome House supports residents in adopting a healthy diet and lifestyle by providing nutritious daily food options. Residents also have access to on-site learning opportunities to help maintain a healthy diet after their time at Welcome House.
Addiction’s effects on health and nutrition
One of the most substantial health burdens arising from addiction lies not in the direct effects of intoxication but in the secondary effects on physical health. There is strong evidence to support that food and drugs are competing for overlapping reward mechanisms. Effects of addiction include:
- Loss of appetite
- Poor eating choices
- Hypoglycemia
- Organ damage
- Gastrointestinal disorders.
As part of the Recovery Nutrition Program, Welcome House works to incorporate a variety of whole foods among its daily menus. These are foods containing amino acids, antioxidants, as well as those that boost gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical messenger in the brain that promotes calm and relaxation.