Nutritional Support and Addiction

Abstract

Nutrition occupies a central position in the treatment of SUDs. Given the paradox that food can have apparently opposing effects in either causing addiction or in influencing its remedy, it is important to clarify this difference. Evidence is mounting that diseases such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and mental health disorders including addiction have a common root cause related to the increase in sugar and processed food consumption rather than fat consumption as has been commonly held. In addition to new integrative approach models encompassing a holistic perspective, new developments in genetics and epigenetics as well as the human microbiome and gut-brain health provide further evidence of the mechanisms by which a healthy approach to nutrition can change outcomes. Building upon the neurobiological theory of addiction and reward deficiency, these breakthroughs lead to new hope for a successful approach to recovery.