Nutrition Recovery
Nutrition and Recovery
Good nutrition is vital to the recovery process
March is National Nutrition Month
Alcoholism and drug addiction is a disease of the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of life. At the very basic level, alcoholism and drug addiction creates a lifestyle that starves the addict in all these areas. We have learned that a person’s physical needs must be met before they can make progress in other areas of their lives.
According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, physiological needs are first on the list. Food, water, warmth and rest are required before someone can move further up on the pyramid toward self-esteem and self-fulfillment. Thus, when students come to the Lodge they follow a schedule which provides time for meals, self-care and rest. They are offered three meals a day and snacks in between.
We have a nutritionist and kitchen staff that provide meals which have been designed to offer a balance of protein, carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, dairy, and fats. The students are encouraged to make balanced choices.
It is not only important to nourish the body; the brain has been compromised by lack of nutrition and needs to be nourished. Students who arrive at the Lodge are thinking with impaired brains. Their brains need time and nutrients to heal.
“Eating protein, high-quality grains and vegetables at every meal will help with anxiety. Small (4 oz.) servings of protein at every meal, preferably five or six small meals a day, will keep insulin stable, energy levels high and enable the neurons to fire properly. The carbohydrates from vegetables and whole grains help the brain to manufacture serotonin, which regulates the mood, sleep cycles and the ability to both concentrate and relax.” 1
Staff at the Lodge are aware that student’s brains are impaired and try to guide their thinking and decisions until they make better choices on their own. Therefore, our philosophy is to offer a structured environment and strict rules to help create new habits and neuropathways in the brain. Mrs. Delaney was aware of these factors when she designed the program of recovery at Alina Lodge. Today we respect the wisdom of her program and continue to offer a healthy alternative to living with an addiction.
“We have learned that a person’s physical needs must be met before they can make progress in other areas of their lives.”
It is clear, that good nutrition is vital to the recovery process. It is amazing to see how resilient our bodies and brains can be when given adequate food, rest and exercise.
As our students recover, they start to look better and feel better. They are then able to do the hard work of recovery and move toward meaningful, purposeful lives.
Eileen Reuter – MA, LPC, LCADC
Alina Lodge
Bibliography:
1. (Foods that Heal the Brain, Written by Jaime Stathis 08 July, 2011).
Alina Lodge has been helping men and women pursue addiction recovery and sobriety for the past 63 years. Let us not only help you learn tools to be abstinent but tools to be sober. Call Alina Lodge right now to start on your journey to sobriety – (800)575-6343. There is a place where “Hope can become Fact.”
Little Hill Foundation for the Rehabilitation of Alcoholics operates Alina Lodge and Haley House for Women for the purpose of helping people attain and maintain a life of sobriety.
Alina Lodge
61 Ward Road, Blairstown, NJ 07825
(908)362-6114
AlinaLodge.org
Alina Lodge is a premiere long term residential alcohol and drug addiction rehab facility specializing in the treatment of adults with a history of chronic relapse issues. More than just a 12 step program, our treatment program works where others have failed.
We treat all types of chemical dependency such as alcoholism and drug addictions including cocaine, heroin, opioids, marijuana, methamphetamine, as well as prescription drug addiction. If you or a loved one struggles to stay sober, contact us today.
