Detoxification is a fundamental medical procedure for treating drug and alcohol addiction. Typically, any substance use disorder treatment begins with detoxification, a set of therapeutic interventions aimed at managing acute intoxication and withdrawal. The process involves the removal of toxins from a patient’s body. Detox aims to minimize the physical damage caused by the presence of psychoactive substances in the body, whether deliberately or accidentally.
Depending on the type of substance being abused and the severity of the symptoms, various detoxification approaches may be considered for different patients. It can be performed in a wide range of settings and at multiple intensity levels. Conventionally, detoxification uses medications to remove toxins from the body. However, it is noteworthy that drug and alcohol abuse cause nutritional deficiencies in the body, which must be replenished for a healthy recovery. Therefore, health experts today recommend nutrient-based detoxification therapies. Here are some vital nutrients that people undergoing detox should consume:
- Vitamins B and C: Vitamins B1, B3, and B5 help the body convert sugar into energy, while vitamins B6 and B12 help make blood cells. Excessive alcohol and drug use use the foreign body’s ability to absorb these nutrients. Therefore, people struggling with addiction should take the proper dose of B vitamins for a healthy recovery. Detox clinics use the anti-addiction property of B vitamins to treat addicted people. Vitamin therapy, also known as NAD IV therapy, is a natural holistic detox procedure that helps patients manage withdrawal symptoms while preparing their body for further treatment. NAD or Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide is a coenzyme present in almost every cell in the body and helps metabolize fats, carbohydrates, and amino acids. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) deficiency makes people feel fatigued or depressed, which can make withdrawal symptoms worse. Patients undergoing detoxification treatment should increase their intake of vitamin C to counteract the unpleasant feelings caused by withdrawal symptoms.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: From improving heart health to helping alleviate depressive symptoms, omega-3s are known to offer a multitude of benefits. According to a study published in the journal Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, the antidepressant properties of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can be attributed to their anti-inflammatory effects and their role in causing structural changes in the brain. Drug addiction treatment centers now use omega-3 fatty acids in their detox programs for natural and sustained recovery. Flaxseed oil, fatty fish, walnuts, soybeans, and oysters are some of the rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
- Proteins: Hundreds or thousands of amino acids together form proteins that regulate various functions and play an important role in maintaining the living system. Proteins exist in seven types, which include enzymes, antibodies, and some hormones such as insulin. Speaking of mental health, tryptophan, an essential amino acid, is known to influence mood by producing the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin, also called nature’s Prozac, is associated with depression. Foods like meat, dairy products, fruits, and seeds are high in tryptophan. Many detox clinics use amino acid therapy to help patients get rid of harmful toxins without causing protein deficiency.
- Calcium: Studies suggest a positive association between calcium intake and lower levels of depression. Calcium can also have a calming effect on many mental health conditions and sleep-related problems. It is also known to have a protective effect on difficulty falling asleep, anxiety, and attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Seeking specialized treatment
Adequate intake of the nutrients mentioned above is important for people struggling with addiction. However, approaching a credible detox rehab is recommended for sustainable recovery.