Why does nutrition and recovery go hand in hand?  Think about it this way.  If you are thinking about or have decided to stop using substances to better your health and well-being, do you want to feel a little bit better or a lot better?  There are many links between addiction, nutrition and substance abuse and people often don’t spend the time working on their health after dealing with their issues.

Nutrition plays a key role in how fast your body can get back to baseline, you know that place that you were before you started using substances?  Even if you haven’t made the decision to completely get sober, you can start managing your sobriety by making good nutritional choices.

Here are some nutrition tips to get you started:

1. Take a look at your portion sizes.  Start by eating 2-4 portion controlled meals per day.  Eating too much or not enough can be detrimental not only physically but psychologically as well.

2. Eat during regular meal times.  Try and eat your meals at breakfast, lunch, and dinner time.  Do not wait until you are too hungry because then you might gorge or make unhealthy choices.

3.Cut out the junk.  Seriously, junk food will not help in any way during your recovery process.  It will only slow you down.  Try and eat whole foods that include fruits and vegetables.  Get rid of the processed stuff.  Generally speaking, if it comes in a can or box, you can do better.

4. Plan your meals.  Meal planning can take time but it’s definitely worth it.  Start by making a grocery list, looking up healthy recipes, and stick to it.  Your body will thank you later.

We often speak with clients who are upset about the way they were treated during treatment or counseling.  There are some things to know and look for when seeking a counselor who is competent, trustworthy, and fits your needs.

Counselors must be licensed through the state that they are providing a service in.  Somewhere during your initial meeting or assessment, the agency or office should provide you with a disclosure which indicates your counselor’s credentials.  Each state requires different credentials but it typically involves completing a higher education program, a license through the state, and continuing education hours.  Do not be afraid to ask for their credentials up front if you are not provided with it.  If the information is not given to you right away be very weary of their practice.

Also, take a very close look at the paperwork provided to you and read the fine print.  Make sure that the treatment center, agency, or office matches your desires and goals.  For example, are you attending a treatment facility that advocates for total abstinence?  What are the rules about relapse?  What type of problems are addressed and does that include the same problems you are having?  Remember, not everyone fits into the same box so it’s beneficial to look at all of your options.  This is your life we are talking about.

Last, ask your counselor how much experience he or she has in counseling individuals in your demographic.  Will your counselor support your lifestyle and more importantly, understand your lifestyle?  You have the right to be treated with respect at all times and that includes being respected by not just your counselor but everyone that you interact with while getting the treatment that you deserve.