Nutrition and Recovery

By William Steiniger, Ph.D., L.P.C.
Managing Director

In these days of health awareness, nutritional supplements and breakthrough medical advances, it is no surprise that the topic of nutrition is gaining interest—and results—as it relates to alcohol and drug addiction.

Medical testing and establishing a bio-nutritional program are one of the first steps we take with clients at our highly effective Treatment Center in Sedona, Arizona. Treatment begins with a medical testing and nutritional assessment that uncovers hidden physiological factors that can support and contribute to addiction, such as hypoglycemia, significant vitamin deficiency, brain chemistry imbalance, chemical sensitivities and allergies.

For example, research has shown that blood sugar levels can contribute to the cycle of addiction in alcoholics. Some of the strong cravings associated with alcoholism can often be traced back to the intense drive for sugar experienced by people with hypoglycemic tendencies. According to many studies, anywhere from 80 to 90 per cent of alcoholics have some degree of hypoglycemia (a difficulty in maintaining a level balance of blood sugar.)

“We find that by re-establishing balance in the physical body and by beginning the bio-chemical repair process, a foundation for healing and transformation is established,” says Lester Adler, M.D., and Medical Consultant to Desert Canyon Treatment Center. “In addition to looking at the usual medical problems associated with alcoholism, such as liver disease, neuropathy, cardiac, etc., we’re looking for bio-types.

“Some people have an allergic addiction process whereby different chemicals can trigger an alcoholic binge and this is part of an allergy addiction cycle. There may be an essential fatty acid deficiency-these individuals are likely to have had severe depression, improved by alcohol. We also look for hypoglycemia. These types get cravings for sugar and/or alcohol, which can set off a binge.”

We provide a set of nutritional supplements that are tailored to each individual’s needs. By following this program, many of our clients notice that addictive cravings and other symptoms are eliminated or greatly reduced within a very short period of time. In addition, other symptoms such as depression, anxiety and insomnia are addressed and minimized with this approach.

“Once the bio-type is identified, we put them on nutritional program with supplements of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids and enzymes to nutritionally replete the body with proper nutrition. Additionally they’re put on a hypoallergenic diet. The point is to become nutritionally balanced and prevent cravings or the binge cycles physiologically,” adds Dr. Adler. “To the degree we can find abnormalities in bio-chemistry, it also takes some of the stigma away from people thinking that they’re bad, or there’s something wrong with them. And without taking care of the nutritional metabolic component, it would also be more of an uphill battle for someone fighting addiction.”

Recommended nutritional strategies for anyone battling addiction are congruent with principles of good nutrition for the general population. Here are some suggestions:

1. If there’s any possibility of hypoglycemia, reduce quantities of sugar intake and begin balancing out meals with more vegetables and proteins. Watch for reactions to high sugar intake.
   
   
2. Take your vitamins. Nutritional supplements help people of all ages and levels of health to have more energy, mental acuity, reduce sluggishness, and improve sleep and more. This is especially true for those who are or have been chemically dependent.
   
   
3. If you or your loved one experience sluggishness and low energy levels, see a doctor.
   
   
4. Quit smoking. Nothing could be worse for your health.
   
   
5. Test for food allergies. This can be done in two ways: either in a blood test of by food elimination and subsequent provocateurs. See a nutritionally oriented M.D. or D.O. for further information.

Families who practice good nutrition, also can be helping in the fight against relapse. We have even added a well-known vegetarian chef to our program at Desert Canyon, who is more than willing to share recipes with the patients when they go home. By including the medical testing and nutritional assessment and teaching in our program, we believe we give our patients a head start on recovery by acknowledging the physiological effects of this disease.

For more information on our complete recovery program at Desert Canyon Treatment Center, call (888) 811-8371.