Addiction is a complex bio-behavioral problem that is further complicated by biochemical imbalances and faulty
dietary patterns. Some of the nutritional deficiencies associated with substance abuse are caused by a poor diet,
while others are due to nutrient depletion from drugs or alcohol.
Alcoholism and Malnutrition
By treating alcoholism as a complex multifactorial disease and correcting severe problems of malnutrition, alcohol
treatment programs have dramatically boosted success rates.
It's estimated that 76% of persons with alcoholism have a genetic disorder in metabolizing alcohol causing them to
crave the substance. In addition, alcoholism is frequently accompanied by respiratory and food allergies and nutrient
deficiencies. Other metabolic disturbances which are associated with alcoholism include insulin and adrenaline imbalances,
which can cause alcoholic hypoglycemia, immunological problems, heavy metal toxicities, and inborn impairment in
metabolism of essential fatty acids and glutamine.
In the 1950s, Roger Williams performed experiments showing that well-nourished animals would refuse alcohol, while
malnourished animals would consume large amounts. Restoring adequate nutrients to the malnourished animals caused
them to dramatically decrease their alcohol intake.
The same scenario has been repeated in human research. Not only do nutritional deficiencies increase alcohol cravings,
they increase the risk of heart disease, liver disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, and cancer.
All chronic alcoholics suffer from some level of nutritional deficiencies. In an effort to address this problem,
some treatment centers have begun to treat patients with nutritional therapy in conjunction with standard treatment.
Joan Matthews-Larson, author of "Seven Weeks to Sobriety" and director of Health Recovery Center, compiled statistics
after instituting a treatment program that utilized nutrition. Larson executed a study where 100 alcoholics
were treated with nutrition in addition to a regular substance abuse program. At discharge 7 weeks later,
85% were free of anxiety, 94% had no sleep problems, and 95% were depression-free. At the 6-month mark, 92% were
abstinent from alcohol, 85% of whom had remained continually abstinent since treatment. Three years later,
95 of the original 100 subjects were interviewed and 74% had remained sober.
Drug Addiction and Malnutrition
Substance abusers addicted to drugs face many of the same health problems as alcoholics, such as nutritional
deficiencies, immunological problems, heavy metal toxicity, and difficulty metabolizing essential fatty acids.
In one study of drug addicts in treatment, clinical signs of nutrient deficiency were diagnosed in 74%.
In addition, substance abusers often develop metabolic syndrome, a combination of medical disorders that increase
the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dementia. Nutritional deficiency in substance abusers
increases risk of developing metabolic syndrome by augmenting cell damage, excitotoxicity, reducing energy production,
and lowering the antioxidant potential of the cells. The only way to prevent brain damage from drug-induced metabolic
syndrome is through the use of neuroprotective nutrients.
In a study at Bard College Center in Amityville, New York, researchers treated 100 substance abuse patients who had
a low probability of success as they had been treated unsuccessfully numerous times. All were suffering from liver
disease, and were cross-addicted addicted to alcohol and drugs. In addition to standard counseling practices,
the researchers used nutrition to address immunological and neurological needs. At the one-year mark, more than
60% were abstinent and physically well.
The following are a number of diets that have been shown to help both addiction and alcoholism.
