Introduction 

Being addicted to substances can morph a person into a husk. It can take away your cognitive faculties, leaving you stranded and incomplete. The worst part of addiction is that you will have the realisation that you are slowly poisoning yourself, but you will not be able to stop. 

Think of addiction like riding a shopping cart downhill, with no means to stop the cart. Therefore, people who overcome that phase truly deserve respect. However, now that you are out of the trenches, you are finally ready to recover. 

In this article, we will look at the recovery phase closely. And learn more about the foods you can eat during that phase.  

Foods To Eat While Being In The Addiction Recovery Phase 

Visit any detox center in NYC or elsewhere, and you will notice that diet plays a crucial role. A recovering substance abuse patient needs to eat right. This is primarily because addiction can take a toll on one's health. 

Hence, you have to eat right to make up for the years of abuse on your body. However, eating right does not mean eating too much. With that in mind, here are some of the healthiest and most suitable foods a recovering substance abuse patient might consider. 

Small disclaimer: this is not a ranking list, so approach it in whichever way you prefer. Secondly, diet requirements can vary from person to person. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a professional before following a diet.  

Whole Grains 

Substance addiction can affect a person's mental prowess to another level. A person who does substances heavily can end up with cognitive disabilities. While some can be permanent, and do not have a solution.  

Others can be curbed using a proper diet, including whole grains. Whole grains are a great source of vitamins, protein, and antioxidants. They also enable people to burn fat and sleep more effectively. Therefore, helping the body to rest and remain healthy.  

Berries 

Berries are a complete food. This is why they are often staples in a dietitian’s food chart. Berries are perfect for people who are recovering from alcohol addiction. Vitamins and minerals in berries can help an ex-alcoholic improve their skin and gut health.  

Moreover, berries contain compounds such as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Therefore, rejuvenating your skin, hair, and even improving your overall immunity.   

Bananas (Potassium) 

Potassium is one of the basic and useful components for a person suffering from any form of addiction. Potassium can be found in foods such as papaya and oranges. However, bananas are a powerhouse for potassium.  

Bananas can help an individual control blood pressure, regulate the nervous system, and help manage urges. Therefore, include bananas in your daily diet at all costs.  

Lean Poultry & Fish 

Most addicts are not addicted to one single substance. Multi-drug addicts tend to be addicted to the feeling of happiness. Substance highs allow a person to release a rush of dopamine.  

This rush creates a vicious cycle and people get sucked in. Eating fish and lean meats will help your body regulate dopamine levels more effectively. This can help you manage urges and aid in your recovery process.  

Legumes & Beans 

Legumes and beans are excellent sources of nutrition. However, their effectiveness multiplies when the person having these has a history of substance abuse. In other words, people suffering from a substance abuse problem can have legumes and beans to regulate their nutritional levels. These come with high concentrations of folate, iron, Vitamin B, fiber, and protein. These nourish the nerve endings, allowing you to think more clearly.  

Leafy Greens 

We do not need to tell you the importance of green vegetables in your diet. Since we were young, we have been taught the importance of greens. These green vegetables not only make us healthier, but also help us manage addiction.  

Leafy vegetables provide our body with fiber and help us detox our bodies. The hack of greens is that the worse they taste, the better they are for your health.  

Cruciferous Vegetables 

Cruciferous vegetables are particularly important in the context of addiction recovery. Cruciferous vegetables are renowned for their ability to manage cancer and prevent the spread of toxins.  

Just 100 grams of these veggies can help you regulate your bowel movement, clear out your toxins, and other addictive materials. They also contain high levels of folic acid, calcium, and magnesium. Therefore, making them a staple in addiction recovery.  

Nuts and Seeds 

Nuts and seeds contain some important nutritional components. Minerals found in nuts and seeds can help you activate brain nerves and improve the process of digestion. People with a bad history of hallucinogenic abuse must include flax seeds and walnuts in their diet. You can even choose to have things like chia seeds, cashews, and other nuts to make your diet more wholesome.  

Tofu 

People with a bad history of addiction often end up losing their appetite completely. This is because addiction tends to affect a person’s taste buds, sense of smell, and other similar sensory arrays.  

Therefore, a recovering addict must start eating tofu. The bland taste of tofu might put you off at first, but the nutritional value of the substance is unparalleled. They provide the body with the necessary fat and protein that it needs to regulate weight.  

Eggs 

Any form of substance indulgence will leave its mark on your mind and body. This is where eggs come into the scene. Eggs are the best source of protein. Therefore, consuming eggs can help you increase your muscle mass and aid your body in effectively recovering lost nutrients.  

Eggs are great for your vision and can even serve as a natural antidepressant. Not only that, but the Vitamins and minerals of eggs can even help you improve your memory. A wholesome food all around.  

The End 

Having the right food is not only important for our health, but it is also crucial for addiction recovery. A healthy mind and body will make you realise that it is the most important thing you need.  

Therefore, do not lose sight of the goal of addiction recovery and try to follow a strict diet incorporating some of the foods we have listed to improve the chances of your addiction recovery.