If you or someone you care about is struggling with meth abuse, you should consider a meth addiction treatment program. But until an assessment is done at a treatment facility, professional help won’t be able to improve a potential client’s health.
It’s no secret that addiction is difficult on the body. However, simply quitting an addictive substance won’t immediately get your physical health back. Addiction depletes essential nutrients that the body needs to function properly. The first step of detoxification must be done while also dealing with nutrient deficiencies. But what vitamins does meth addiction deplete? Learn which vitamins you need to replenish in the body below.
Searching for a meth addiction treatment program near Boston, MA? Reach out to Rockland Recovery today by calling 855.732.4842 or contacting our team online.
What Vitamins Does Meth Deplete?
As mentioned above, the detox process is the first step in meth addiction recovery. While dealing with meth withdrawal symptoms is the main priority, key nutrient supplements are also administered to clients during this process — such as:
- Vitamin B12: This is an essential B vitamin known for giving the body energy. It also helps improve the transmission of nerve impulses in the body. A deficiency can cause stammering while speaking or difficulty walking because it causes peripheral neuropathy. During meth addiction, nerve damage is common. Therefore, taking B12 supplements can help heal the consequences of meth abuse, especially in the nervous system and the liver.
- Vitamin C: Many studies focus on meth and vitamin C deficiency because it’s a negative health consequence of meth addiction common in most cases.
- Other B vitamins: These can also help meth recovery by boosting the body’s energy and reducing stress. Vitamin B5, also called pantothenic acid, can help minimize the anxiety associated with meth withdrawals and improve the production of norepinephrine and serotonin. These natural hormones can help rebuild memory and other brain functions.
- Essential amino acids, Omega-3, and vitamin D: These essential nutrients can help rebuild the brain after addiction changes its chemistry and functions. Replenishing these nutrients in the body can reduce meth cravings and boost immunity. They can also enhance focus, improve full-body health, and reduce depression.
Meth also dehydrates the body. This contributes to malnutrition because dehydration makes it difficult to produce enough saliva, which aids in the breakdown of foods. Constant dehydration can damage the body’s muscles, joints, and organs. During addiction recovery, make sure to drink plenty of clean water.
What’s the Connection Between Meth and Vitamin C?
Struggling with vitamin C deficiency is common in cases of meth addiction. A deficiency in vitamin C and meth addiction may each indicate the presence of the other. However, a nutrient deficiency isn’t enough to diagnose addiction. Other indications of a problem with meth — along with a vitamin C deficiency — could point to needing admittance into a meth addiction treatment program.
Symptoms of a vitamin C deficiency include the following:
- Bleeding gums
- Depression
- Easy bruising
- Frequent infections
- Lack of energy
- Poor attitude
Meth detox and vitamin C supplementation go together well because the latter can not only reduce meth craving but also help the body repair damaged tissue. It also boosts the immune system. Plus, whatever the body can’t use is easily flushed out of the system. So high doses of vitamin C supplements during the healing process won’t have any negative consequences.
What Are Good Sources of Vitamin C?
When struggling with meth, vitamin C and other nutrient supplements can be crucial additions to a client’s routine. However, these important nutrients aren’t only available as supplements.
Vitamin C — also called ascorbic acid — is commonly found in citrus fruits. They were commonly said to prevent scurvy, a disease that killed many sailors between 1500 and 1800. The vitamin can also be found in bell peppers, cruciferous vegetables, strawberries, tomatoes, and white potatoes. Along with addiction treatment, clients may also benefit from a diet that includes these food items in its rotation.
Ready To Learn More About Rockland Recovery’s Meth Addiction Treatment Program?
If you’re looking for a meth addiction treatment program near Boston, MA, contact Rockland Recovery today. Reach out to our team online or call 855.732.4842.
