Top 5 Vitamin Supplements for Stimulant Addiction Recovery
Stimulant addiction is hard on the organ systems in the body. Stimulants are often referred to as “speed” for a reason. They act to accelerate heartrate, blood flow and even metabolism. However, with this acceleration comes great physical cost. Taxing the heart and lungs can impact every other organ in the body. Vitamin, minerals and supplements can aid the body’s restorative process upon embarking upon recovery from stimulant abuse.
For help finding a stimulant addiction treatment program, call 888-414-2380 (Who Answers?) .
Physical Damage Caused by Stimulants
Stimulant abuse and dependence comes with lasting and severe health consequences. These powerful drugs affect the brain, nervous system and every other body system. The following are some ways stimulants negatively impact physical health:
- Insomnia
- Weight loss
- Nutritional deficits
- Psychosis
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Liver damage
- Dental damage from grinding teeth
- Paranoia
Nutritional Deficits
With vitamins and a healthy diet, bodily systems can begin to regenerate.
Amphetamines and other stimulants work by overstimulating catecholamine neurotransmitters in the brain. The impulses serve to speed all the body’s natural responses. Further, signals are sent to various parts of brain that control the hunger satiation sensation. People who habitually abuse stimulants experience serious nutritional deficits because of decreased appetite.
Protein
Protein is the building block of healthy muscles. Recovering stimulant addicts require a diet rich in protein to recoup losses in muscle mass and assist in repairing the damage of overstimulating the organs. Meats, legumes and whole grains are all sources of healthy proteins. Doctors and treatment center specialists may also recommend nutritional supplements to improve nutritional depletion during the early stages of recovery.
DHA
Extended use of stimulants have been known to cause psychosis for many years. In the 60’s, doctors began prescribing amphetamines to aid in weight loss. During this time, amphetamine induced psychosis was common. Because of the manner in which stimulants work in the brain, researchers looked specifically at nutrition and how certain deficits contributed to aggression and brain functioning. DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid is a building block for grey matter in the brain. The more functional and clear-headed a recovering addict feels, the better chance of sustaining sobriety. Thus, DHA supplements are critical during early recovery.
Iron
Early in recovery from stimulant addiction, patients often feel fatigued and lethargic. Some of this feeling can be attributed to removal of the drug. However, iron also contributes to energy levels and heart health. In addition to eating meat, eggs, fish and leafy green vegetables, those recovering from stimulant addiction should consider adding an iron tablet to their daily nutritional regime for improved energy and better overall body and brain processing.
Multivitamin
Because stimulant addiction has such far reaching effects on the body and mind, taking a daily multivitamin begin to restore the body’s natural balances. The important thing to remember is how hard the body was working during stimulant addiction. Replacing depleted stores and repairing damaged cells can help addicts to feel physically better during the early days in recovery. This wellness is one tool in the arsenal of relapse prevention.
Vitamin B Complex
Stopping stimulant use can cause a full plummet into the pits of depression and despair. To treat these symptoms naturally, taking a complex vitamin B tablet can help. Vitamin B and B16 are known to elevate mood and restore feelings of well-being. Some addicts find relief in administering Vitamin B with a time release patch that offers a continuous dose throughout the day.
Powerful Nutrition Restoration
Adding supplements to aid in recovery is recommended for patients with stimulant abuse disorder. Lack of proper nutrition, coupled with overtaxing the body serves to deplete cells. This depletion creates numerous problems for patients seeking recovery. With a healthy diet and recommended daily vitamins and supplements, some systems can begin to regenerate in spite of damage that may have occurred due to stimulant abuse. The road to recovery is long, but healthy routines make all the difference with regard to long-term success.
For more advice on stimulant addiction recovery or for help finding treatment, call 888-414-2380 (Who Answers?) .
Resources
Berman, S., Kuczenski, R., McCracken, J. & London, E. (2009). Potential adverse affects of amphetamine treatment on brain and behavior: A review. Mol Psychiatry. 14(2): 123-142. Retrieved on January 22, 2017 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2670101/
Liu, J., Zhao, S., & Reyes, T. (2015). Neurological and epigenetic implications of nutritional deficiencies on psychopathology: Conceptualization and review of evidence. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 16(8): 18129-18148. Retrieved on January 22, 2017 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4581239/
Miller, R. (2010). Nutrition in addiction recovery. Many Hands Sustainability Center. Retrieved on January 22, 2017 from: http://mhof.net/sites/default/files/Addiction%20and%20Recovery%20Report.pdf
Rasmussen, N. (2008). America’s first amphetamine epidemic.1929-1971. American Journal of Public Health. 98(6): 974-985. Retrieved on January 22, 2017 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2377281/
