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Home » Substance Abuse
Nutritional Needs with Substance Abuse
Yushi Li, PharmD
Narinder Duggal, BSc(Pharm), CDE, MD, FRCPC
Individuals with substance abuse issues are known have vitamin and nutrient deficiencies. Lack of proper nutrition may lead to gradual and progressive damage to overall physical and mental health, the brain and other vital organs, and immune and nervous systems.
ALCOHOLISM is one of the major causes of nutritional deficiency in the US. The most common deficiencies are of pyridoxine (vitamin B-6), thiamine (vitamin B-1), folic acid (vitamin B-9), and vitamin A. Deficiencies in these nutrients can lead to anemia,neurological problems such as Korsakoff's syndrome and Wernicke’s encephalopathy, abnormal visual adaptation to darkness, dry skin, dry hair, and decreased resistance to infections. As alcohol is broken down in the liver, oxidative products such as acetaldehyde are generated. These products can interfere with the normal metabolism of other nutrients, particularly lipids, and contribute to liver, pancreas, and intestinal tract damage, resulting in further absorption and metabolism of nutrients.
OPIATES such as codeine, heroin, and morphine alter normal gastrointestinal function, which may lead to nutrient deprivation and electrolyte imbalances. Deficiencies in A, B, C and E vitamins have been observed in opiate addicts. Moreover, higher number of abused drugs and longer periods of addiction have been associated with lower levels of vitamins. As individuals’ nutritional intake is often insufficient when they become dependent on opiates, proper nutritional supplementation may be necessary to correct and restore physiological needs of the body.
STIMULANTS—including crack, cocaine, and methamphetamine—cause significant suppression of appetite, weight loss, thus leading to eventual malnutrition. Abusers of these drugs may stay up for days at a time and suffer dehydration and electrolyte imbalances during these prolonged episodes. Return to normal diet can be difficult if profound weight loss has occurred. Consequently, appropriate nutritional supplements may play an important role in providing needed vitamins and electrolytes during recovery from addiction.
TOBACCO smoke contains oxidants and pro-oxidants capable of producing free radicals that can cause lipid peroxidation. Vitamins E, C, A and selenium are involved in cellular anti-oxidant defense against reactive oxygen species. Smoking has been shown to lower the level of vitamin C and A in plasma. Vitamin E, the principle lipid-soluble antioxidant, may be decreased in smokers. Tobacco constituents also have been shown to reduce levels of several B vitamins. Lastly, data from the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey indicates that smokers are less likely to receive an adequate diet high in fruits, vegetables, vitamin C and carotenes.
Treatment centers that provide nutritional programs have a greater than 70% success rate compared to only 20% or less when psychology and behavior modification are the only modalities. As vitamins A, B, C, and E are commonly associated with substance abuse, they should be supplemented to provide proper replacement. Lastly, fish oil supplement has been shown to influence serotonergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission in the brain, thus helping improve mental health comorbidities such as depression, impulsive tendencies and aggressive behavior. Proper nutritional supplementation, along with medical treatment and counseling, will ensure a strong mental and physical recovery from substance dependence.
Synergy Therapeutics RX products are evidence-based, medical and pharmacist-reviewed nutritional supplements which have been clinically proven to help patients with pain and addiction to improve their health status. The products are powered by nature and proven by science. The goal of Synergy Therapeutics RX is to synergize the evolution of nature, the revolution of science, with the dedication to optimize health.
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20(1):29-35.
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