5 Reasons to Steer Clear of Sugar in Addiction Recovery

Being in addiction recovery allows you the chance to focus on your health and wellness first and foremost. Washington state addiction treatment offers many healthy resources for you to improve the quality of your life in every aspect. This even extends to what you eat and drink, as the link between nutrition and addiction is stronger than you may at first think.

Did you know that research shows that a diet high in sugar can reduce the impact of opioids, like oxycodone, in the body and thus increase tolerance and drug seeking behavior? That is just one of the five main reasons to steer clear of sugar in addiction recovery. Here are four more reasons why consuming sugar in while in recovery might not be such a sweet idea.

1. Post-Addiction Predisposition

A study conducted through the National Institute of Health examined the link between using opiates and developing an increased preference for sweet tastes. This means that if you were suffering from a substance use disorder involving a substance that impacted opiate receptors in the brain, you could have an increased craving for sugary foods and drinks. This can lead to many health complications, such as weight gain, dental problems, and glycemic issues like diabetes. With a higher risk to start, why even take the chance just for a sugar rush?

2. Trading Addictions 

It is common, particularly in the early stages, in addiction recovery to supplement the substance use disorder with another obsessive or compulsive habit. For example, “love addiction” is commonly associated with people in recovery as the void from the substance use is looking to be filled by other means. Sugar is no exception to this process. Access to food is widespread in this day and age, making it something easy to grab and easy to get carried away with, if not properly monitored. When you are working so hard to conquer unhealthy behaviors, do not let a craving for sugar derail your incredible progress.

3. Unhealthy

Whether you are in addiction recovery or not, it is just a good idea to stay away from the sweet stuff! A study found that a sugary diet is directly related to an increased chance of dying from heart disease. Additional research found that sugar impacts the body’s natural ability to regulate feeling full versus feeling hungry, making you feel hungrier than a low sugar diet. This can lead to weight gain or even obesity. Your health is the most important part of recovery and a diet full of sugar never adds up to a healthy lifestyle.

4. Depression

Sugar has been shown to increase the risk of depression in older adults in the United States. Depression is also common in addiction recovery, as co-occurring disorders are treated through dual diagnosis programs to address any mental health issues associated with the substance use disorder. Consuming sugar during addiction recovery can negatively enhance mental health issues like depression and impact your quality of life. Give yourself the chance to live your best life and leave sweet treats in the past.

If you are looking to make healthier choices in your life, contact us today and find out how we can help you on the journey to wellness.