Stimulant use (such as crack, cocaine, and methamphetamine) significantly decreases appetite, and leads to weight loss and malnutrition. Abusers of these drugs may stay up for days at a time. They may be dehydrated and have electrolyte imbalances during these episodes. Returning to a normal diet can be difficult if there has been significant weight loss.

MARIJUANA

Marijuana can increase appetite. Some long-term users may be overweight and need to cut back on fat, sugar, and total calories.

Nutrition and psychological aspects of substance abuse

When people feel better, they are less likely to relapse. Because balanced nutrition helps improve mood and health, it is important to encourage a healthy diet in people recovering from alcohol and other drug problems.

However, people who have just given up an important source of pleasure may not be ready to make other drastic lifestyle changes. It is more important that people avoid returning to substance abuse than that they stick to a strict diet.

General guidelines and assessment

• Stick to regular mealtimes
• Eat a low-fat diet
• Get more protein, complex carbohydrates, and dietary fiber
• Vitamin and mineral supplements may be helpful during recovery (this may include B-complex, zinc, and vitamins A and C)

People with substance abuse are more likely to relapse when they have poor eating habits. This is why regular meals are so important. People who are addicted to drugs and alcohol often forget what it's like to be hungry and instead interpret this feeling as a drug craving. They should be encouraged to consider the possibility that they may be hungry when cravings become strong.

During recovery from substance abuse, dehydration is common. It is important to get enough fluids during and in between meals. Appetite usually returns during recovery. People in recovery are often more likely to overeat, particularly if they were taking stimulants. Eat healthy meals and snacks and avoid high-calorie foods with low nutritional value (such as sweets), if possible.

The following tips can help improve the odds of a lasting and healthy recovery:

• Eat nutritious meals and snacks.
• Get physical activity and enough rest.
• Reduce caffeine intake and stop smoking, if possible.
• Seek help from counselors or support groups on a regular basis.
• Take vitamin and mineral supplements.

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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)