Drug rehab forces healing subjects to experience various physical, mental, and emotional changes. Certain individuals might witness weight alterations both during and after their stint is completed.
Weight fluctuations can greatly impact an individual’s and others aesthetic perception of themselves. Moreover, some might wonder if rehab-induced weight alterations suggest that the recovering soul is experiencing some type of health problem.
Are Weight Changes Problematic During Rehab?
Healthcare providers and addiction specialists maintain that weight gain during and post-rehab are actually normal for the following reasons:
Alteration Of The Brain’s Reward Center
Persons who used drugs for extended durations grew accustomed to performing said task to satisfy cravings. Upon sufficing these fixes, addicts quenched the desires created by their brain’s reward center.
This portion of the brain release a hormone called dopamine, which increases one’s mood and sense of well-being. Certain foods are said to have similar impacts upon the brain, including:
- Fatty products
- Edibles laden with salt
- Processed goods
- Especially sugary items like candy
In addition to calming oversensitive dopamine receptors, many of these products are rife with calories, which contributes to weight gain.
Stress
Rehab and the post-rehabilitation period can prove to be a stress-laden time. Recovering addicts face numerous anxiety-inducing circumstances such as:
- Adjusting to sobriety
- Recapturing their career or establishing a new vocation
- Repairing important relationships
- Avoiding past triggers
- Fighting the typical mental and emotional struggles healing souls face
Sometimes, individuals react to stress by overeating.
Depression
Occasionally, addicts battle depression. Binge eating may be symptomatic of the mental ailment in certain subjects.
Regaining Health
In a discernible number of incidents, weight gain might simply be a manifestation of one ceasing their chemical dependency. Prolonged drug use might have adversely impacted the user’s nutritional habits or, in the most severe instances, precipitated nutritional deficiencies that caused said individuals to lose appreciable pounds.
However, once their physical addictions stop, they are more likely to consume a greater quantity of nutritious foods and their bodies respond by recovering previously lost weight.
Tips For Maintaining A Healthy Weight
Fortunately, a healthy weight may be maintained by adhering to the following tips:
Exercising
Most medical professionals and nutritional experts suggest that diet alone cannot guarantee weight maintenance. Attaining and keeping a healthy weight often hinges on how often and intensely they exercise. Therefore recovering addicts are urged to engage in some form of physical activity for at least 30 to 60 minutes each day.
Identifying Productive Stress-Busting Activities
Those who have not yet found healthy, productive stress-alleviating methods stand at greater risk of using food as a crutch. Therefore, rehabbing subjects or those fortunate enough to have completed such a program are implored to find fruitful, tension-easing endeavors to participate in.
Keeping Busy
Most people have heard their elders or other respected individuals warn them about the perils or idle time. These words, however, are prophetic. Idle time often leads to boredom, which can allow one’s mind to drift. Sometimes, a wandering mind stumbles on negative thoughts resulting in adverse actions such as binge eating.
Moving
While relatively physical, strenuous exercise has its value, simple movement often proves just as critical. Individuals can burn calories merely by standing, stretching, and taking a short walk.
Consuming A Nutritious Diet
Naturally, the products one ingests will have a measurable impact upon one weight. Ergo, rehabbing individuals are encouraged to eat items known for their nutritional worth like:
- Vegetables
- Fruit
- Lean meats like poultry
- Fish
- Wholegrain products
- Nuts
- Unsaturated fats
It is permissible to enjoy an occasional treat. However, any such vices should be given into in strict moderation.
Remain Hydrated
Adequate water intake is an often overlooked facet of maintaining a healthy weight. Water proves critical to the quick and efficient function of the digestive system.
When To Be Concerned?
Those in or past rehab who practice the preceding tips and still experience difficulties losing weight should consider consulting with a healthcare provider. Such subjects might have an underlying condition like a hormonal imbalance.
Moreover, unintentional weight loss is never a good sign. Those who notice that they lose appreciable quantities of weight without actively attempting to are implored to undergo a full medical evaluation. Such events could be the result of countless issues.
Reaching Out To Us
Those either experiencing the throes of dependency or witnessing a close relation’s struggles are encouraged to reach out to us. Our Columbus, Ohio-based facility has helped countless individuals overcome their demons and continue on with healthy, fruitful lives.
Members of our highly-trained and compassionate staff are always confident we can produce the same results for many others. Please contact us at 833-820-2922.