Substance abuse recovery and diet; Nutrition and substance abuse

Substance abuse harms the body in two distinct ways:

• The effect of the substance itself
• Negative lifestyle changes, such as irregular eating habits and poor diet

For example, infants who were exposed to alcohol while in the womb often have physical and mental problems. The alcohol affects the growing baby by crossing the placenta. After birth, the baby may have withdrawal symptoms. The mother's poor nutrition while she is drinking can harm the baby's growth development while still in the womb.

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Diet and substance abuse recovery Prevention

Review Date: 03/18/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)