Have you noticed that you got sick more often while struggling with an opioid addiction? It is common for a drug addiction to cause a person to neglect their body and properly nurture it. If you’re tired of being sick and tired – getting sober is the first step.
Adopting Healthy Eating Habits
While struggling with addiction, your food choices may not have been the best. Odd cravings can lead to eating fattier foods. The nutritional value of these foods may be lacking due to the ingredients and preparation of the items.
Starting healthy eating habits can begin at some of the best rehab centers in Colorado. Eating balanced meals on a schedule is part of getting healthy. This process may not start until you are done with withdrawal because your stomach can be sensitive while the opioids are leaving your body.
Getting Active
Does the rehab facility you went to or are going to have an exercise or activity plan? This is another item for your What to look for in a rehab center checklist. Activity is important. It helps build muscle and improve circulation.
Activity is good for the body. It may also help increase your metabolism if it slowed due to lack of activity while struggling through the addiction. During the withdrawal process, muscles can start to ache. Working those muscles through activity and exercise may help them relax. It may seem like the opposite would be the right path, but moving those muscles can help them heal too.
Being active while in a treatment program can also help you adopt a routine for when you return to normal life. It is good to keep some of the routine that you had in treatment once you graduate. Doing so may help you better maintain your sobriety.
Resisting Temptation
Resisting temptation is hard. Temptation is everywhere. Triggers can be anywhere. For some, working out or being active instead of using a drug works well. Instead of seeking your drug of choice, go to the gym and workout instead. Use that energy for something positive.
Change the workout routine often. Your body can become used to completing the same routine day after day, meaning that some days you may not feel as satisfied after a workout. Develop a rotation where you work different parts of the body each day.
Strengthening the Immune System
Strengthening your immune system after addiction just takes time. Eating a healthy, balanced diet is a good place to start. This includes incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables that have higher levels of antioxidants and vitamins. Fresh is always better – it is more expensive, but it is worth it.
If you notice digestive issues from the abrupt change of diet, make a few changes. Seek assistance from a dietician to develop a transitional diet that is easier for your body to digest. This may include eating a little more carbohydrates and fiber. It is important to choose healthy carbohydrates such as whole grains and whole grain pasta.
Maintaining Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Maintaining the healthy lifestyle habits you’ve adopted is hard work. It’s easier to give up and go back to your old ways. Some days will be harder than others, but it is important to remember how far you’ve come in your recovery. Remember what life was like during your bout with opioids and allow those bad memories to fuel your drive to continue the healthy living habits you’ve adopted.
Write down ways to constructively resist temptation, triggers and stress. Stress is a common factor in relapses. Instead of stress eating and choosing unhealthy foods, research ways to make those foods in a healthier way. If there is a menu item that you love from a fast food restaurant, but it is something you often chose while under the influence of your opioid of choice, make it at home instead.
Once your body gets healthy again and you notice how good you feel, these lifestyle changes will come naturally. You’ll make healthier eating choices and will choose to be active just out of habit. When you realize that you’re happier because you feel better, all of that hard work will have been worth it and you’ll be able to set new goals to maintain your new, healthy body.
Closing Thoughts
Getting sober is difficult. The effects of addiction can also weaken the immune system. The withdrawal process can be intense and may further breakdown the body’s ability to heal itself. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits and a healthy diet may help your body strengthen itself, making you less susceptible to illness down the road.