Nutrition Program

We at Blueprints For Recovery have added the services of CAN (Center For Addiction Nutrition) to provide our clients with meal plans, weekly cooking classes, and education about nutrition and how our diets effect mood and overall health. Addiction nutrition is the science of diet and health directly related to helping those with chemical and process addictions. Though relatively new to the addiction treatment field, addiction nutrition is a fast-growing and dynamic addition to present treatment modalities. The following is an excerpt from Victoria Abel MA, MNT, Founder and Lead Nutritionist at CAN “Substance abuse and poor nutrition often go hand-in-hand, with one issue exacerbating the other. These nutrient imbalances often can make cravings for alcohol and drugs intensify, and can worsen depression and anxiety.

Many addicts newly in recovery are suffering from depression. This form of depression is often caused by a decrease in levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. When the addict is using substances and engaging in compulsive behaviors, excitable neurotransmitters are released. This repeated rush of chemicals can ultimately cause depletion within the brain; hence the client will struggle to feel “positive” emotions. These occurrences also can increase individuals’ anxiety and anger.

Many addicts report increases in sugar and caffeine cravings when newly sober, because of the brain’s repeated exposure to mood-altering chemicals. These individuals are craving any other feeling than the discomfort that comes from detoxification and low neurochemical levels.

At Blueprints For Recovery we want to give our clients every opportunity to succeed, and we are very grateful to CAN for allowing us to add another tool in our clients toolbox.

For more information on CAN, please visit Center For Addiction Nutrition.