Women living with addiction and mental health challenges experience a range of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual effects. Poor nutrition and disordered eating are common among women during early recovery. Nutritional therapy can help improve physical health, which promotes long-term progress.
The nutritional therapy program at The Willows at Red Oak Recovery® is supported by our culinary team and therapists. The young women we support at our center can build a more positive connection with food, including where is comes from and how it’s prepared. Find out if our young women’s therapy services designed for women aged 18–30 are right for you or a loved one by calling 828.518.6941.
What Is Nutritional Therapy?
Nutritional therapy can be an essential part of a holistic program designed to lessen or eliminate severe issues that result from substance abuse or mental illness. For some treatment centers, this might include a complete physical evaluation, bloodwork to check for nutrient deficiencies and educational tools to help people learn how to eat healthily.
Benefits of Nutritional Counseling
You can find the following benefits through a nutritional counseling program:
- Repairing damage – Damage can occur to many systems of the body because of substance abuse. Proper nutrition can help repair some of the damage that occurs. It also serves to boost the immune system for an improved quality of life.
- Stabilization of mood – Mood swings and emotional instability are common problems for those who have been influenced by addictive substances. Some changes in the brain can last for many years after entering recovery. Good nutrition can help those who have gone through treatment to gain better control of their moods and emotional state.
- Preventing stress – The stress of going through the rehabilitation process can also create some health issues. Some women may not feel that well during active addiction, leading to a tendency not to eat correctly. Nutritional counseling can help these individuals prevent additional damage from the stress of recovery.
- Reducing cravings – Cravings for addictive substances can continue for a long time following treatment. In many cases, proper nutrition can help reduce the severity of these cravings. If nothing else, a proper diet can help women manage the stress associated with cravings without giving into them.
- Encouraging self-love – Many women who have been through treatment for drug abuse have negative feelings toward themselves. Learning to care for their personal needs by maintaining a healthy diet can help these women practice self-respect.
Proper nutrition is important for good physical health. It’s the foundation for the body’s ability to fight off disease and infections. When a woman has struggled with addiction, it can take time to repair damaged systems—and nutritional therapy can help.
Call to Start Nutritional Therapy in North Carolina at The Willows at Red Oak Recovery®
Professional treatment is essential when recovering from substance abuse and mental health conditions. The Willows is a trusted rehab for women in North Carolina. Through holistic, innovative treatments in a women-only setting, every client receives the compassionate and safe care they deserve.
If you think nutritional therapy can support your recovery journey, turn to the professionals at The Willows to learn more. Get started by calling 828.518.6941 or completing our online form.
