Breakthrough Addiction Recovery

Nutrition Education for Successful Recovery

At Breakthrough Addiction Recovery we realize poor nutrition is associated with alcohol and drug dependence, therefore, we strive to educate clients with clear, individualized guidelines to aid in their recovery.   Our program is designed to address the nutritional needs of each individual after a complete medical and psychological assessment.  We focus on developing a practical nutritional program to support healing and successful recovery.   Substance dependency can alter key nutritional balances, effecting mood, sleep, and concentration.   Overall health is usually compromised because of this and presents a challenge to the client’s recovery during the post-acute recovery phase.   We help patients in assessing daily menus and recommend proper supplementation for their specific needs.

Focus One – Daily Supplementation

When patients make poor nutritional choices they typically choose foods with inadequate vitamin and mineral content.   There is also a depletion of these important supplements due to poor absorption and increased excretion during alcohol and/or drug abuse.   Restoring proper levels of vitamins is extremely important to healing the mind and body.

• Blood work is examined to look for deficiencies and then follow up labs are scheduled to evaluate efficacy of the supplement program.
• Each patient receives a complete supplement list specific to their needs and a personal dosing schedule.
• An education session explains how each vitamin and mineral works in the body and how it helps in recovery and overall health.

Focus Two – Glucose Levels

Glucose is the energy source of the human body, therefore,  blood glucose level fluctuations can influence the way a person feels physically and emotionally.   During recovery it is important to avoid large swings in the levels brought on by the over-production of insulin in response to rapidly rising glucose levels.   Carbohydrates are the major form in which glucose is consumed but there is a big difference in the types of carbohydrate and their effects.   Foods with high levels of simple sugars are known as ‘bad’ carbohydrates because of how they quickly increase the blood glucose.   This increase is short lived, and the subsequent drop in blood glucose is a significant contributing factor to relapse in alcohol-dependent patients.   Consuming carbohydrates with the proper glycemic index is important for sustaining recovery, as well as, overall health.

• Laboratory tests are examined for glucose levels and ongoing glucose testing can be done in the office if necessary.
• An education session explains the difference in good and bad carbohydrates and their glycemic index.   Guidelines for menus and how to avoid excessive carbohydrate intake which can contribute to relapse are given.

Focus Three - Essential Fatty Acids

The essential fatty acids and their metabolites have been shown to be associated with depression in patients with substance dependency.   The healthy fats in foods such as canola and olive oil, nuts, fish and avocados contain essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.   The brain metabolizes these fatty acids to produce important substances that alleviate depression.   During post acute recovery an alcohol dependent patient can have increased depression which may increase cravings for alcohol, therefore, the proper balance of essential fatty acids through diet and supplementation is necessary for sustained recovery.

• Examine laboratory results for any signs of deficiency.
• An education session explains the difference between healthy and unhealthy dietary fats and their effect on overall health.
• A list of dietary supplements and how to identify foods rich in essential fatty acids is given to each patient.

Focus Four – Proteins

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and there are specific amino acids that have been shown to help with mood and energy levels.   The amino acids tyrosine and tryptophan are used by the brain to form neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin which are both essential for balancing mood.   The consumption of high quality protein foods can help relieve depression and greatly increase concentration during post acute recovery and beyond.  

• Examine laboratory results for any signs of deficiency.
• An education session explains the action of dopamine and serotonin in the brain and how tyrosine and tryptophan rich proteins are used to form these in the body.
• A list of dietary supplements and how to identify foods rich in high quality proteins is given to each patient.