At Destinations to Recovery we believe that proper nutrition and hydration are essential to the healing process. We find that proper nutrition helps restore physical and mental health and often improves the chance of recovery in our clients who suffer from substance abuse and mental health issues. Teens who suffer from substance abuse are more likely to relapse when they have poor eating habits. This is why having regular, healthy meals is so important. Teens that are addicted to drugs and alcohol often forget what it’s like to be hungry and confuse this feeling as a craving for drugs or alcohol. Our staff works with clients to help them consider the possibility that they might in fact be hungry when the cravings become strong and harder to manage. Dehydration is also very common during the recovery process, especially while detoxing from drugs and alcohol. It is important to get enough fluids during and in between meals. A teen’s appetite usually returns while they are in recovery, and they are more likely to overeat, particularly if they were taking stimulants. The key to battling this is eating mindfully. It is also important to avoid high-calorie foods with low nutritional value (such as food with a lot of sugar), if possible. The following tips can help improve the odds of a lasting and healthy recovery:
- A high quality diet with an emphasis on fresh vegetables and fruits
- Physical activity and plenty of rest
- Reduced caffeine intake and cessation of smoking
- Assistance from counselors and/or support groups on a regular basis
- Vitamin and mineral supplements, as directed
We take a holistic approach to treatment. Although this term can be confusing, to us it means providing our clients with evidence-based treatment that concurrently addresses their distinct physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual needs. This includes helping our clients achieve their nutritional goals. Every week, the Destinations to Recovery chefs will provide nutritious recipes that we’ll share here. We will also offer tips on how to stay healthy during recovery. We look forward to sharing our vision and experience, and hope you will join in our effort to help young people live long, healthy lives. Butternut Squash Soup 1 large butternut squash 1 medium yellow onion Butter/olive oil Salt Water 2-3 large sage leaves Preheat oven to 350. Skin the butternut squash. Then cut it in half long ways, and scoop out the seeds. Cut the squash into 1 inch cubes. Toss the squash with a drizzle of olive oil and salt. Place the cubes evenly on a sheet pan and cook until tender. Dice the onion and cook on medium heat in a large pot with butter or olive oil. Add salt and sage leaves once the onions are translucent. Add cooked butternut squash to the pot. Fill pot with water until the cubes are covered. Boil for 15 minutes, then proceed to blend the mixture. Voila! Add salt and pepper to taste. To learn more recipes to cook up your teen who’s battling addiction, give us a call at 877-466-0620.