Some people with substance abuse problems believe that their dependency does not affect their overall wellbeing. On the contrary, drugs impact the body’s core processes—including the body’s ability to take in nutrients and use them for normal function. This impaired operation often causes physical, mental, and emotional issues to which an addict might respond with a more urgent pursuit of drugs. This continuing pattern can eventually prompt significant nutritional deficiencies, which only addiction treatmentcanproperly address.
Detrimental Eating Habits
Chemical dependency can negatively impact a person’s appetite, causing him to eat far less than is considered a healthy amount. Some people might even substitute a fix for a meal if it provides enough energy to get through the day. Individuals with substance abuse problems typically do not consume the daily recommended amount of vitamins, minerals, and calories.
Nutritional Absorption Difficulties
What little food addicts eat is frequently poorly received by the body. The digestive tract is responsible for drawing out needed nutrients from food and sending them to the proper organs for energy conversion. Substance abuse often results in constipation or diarrhea, which can disrupt the body’s ability to retrieve vitamins and minerals. A poorly functioning digestive system can prevent addicts from having the strength and stamina necessary to carry out everyday tasks.
Damaged Metabolic Processes
The effects of drugs or alcohol go beyond appetite and digestion. Once nutrients are transported to organs, such as the pancreas and liver, they undergo vital metabolic processes that keep the body stable. Chemical dependency can cause great harm to these structures and hinder their ability to regulate nutritional levels and energy usage.
Las Encinas Hospital provides comprehensive chemical dependency treatment for patients in the greater Pasadena and Los Angeles areas. If you have a substance abuse problem, you can permanently overcome your addiction with professional help. For more information on our facility’s services, call (888) 348-2165.
