This post was most recently updated on October 17th, 2023
Opioid and opiate addiction recovery can be quite challenging. Around 60 million individuals used opioids all over the world in 2021, and 80,000 people in the U.S. died from opioid overdoses in the same year, creating a real opioid epidemic. Meanwhile, in 2010, 210 million opiate prescriptions were released by pharmacies.
Due to the opiate’s addictive nature, recovery is very difficult once you’ve started using the drugs regularly. Also, you’re very likely to experience withdrawal when you’re trying to escape the dependence prison.
Drinking a lot of water and maintaining a healthy diet are great ways to ensure that your withdrawal symptoms are easier to handle. Even though you may be tempted to treat yourself to your favorite dessert, you should stay away from it and focus on healthier alternatives instead.
But what can you eat to help with opiate withdrawal symptoms? Here are 7 foods that will help with withdrawal.
1. Raspberries
Did you know that raspberries are some of the best fruits you can eat while recovering from an opiate addiction? They are sweet and delicious, and they also contain a good amount of fiber. That being said, you will take the necessary fiber intake while satisfying your cravings for something sweet.
Eating raspberries will help you stay away from less healthy alternatives, such as processed sweets.
2. Whole Grains
Whole grains should not be overlooked while you are recovering from an addiction to opiates. They are full of nutrients, including antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, fiber, and protein.
While detoxing from opiates, whole grains should become part of a balanced diet. They will ensure that you retain water properly in your body and stay hydrated while boosting digestion through the fiber content. Not only that, but your body will also get all the vitamins and minerals it needs in order to stay healthy.
What’s even better is that whole grains help you feel full for a longer time. Therefore, you will be less likely to cheat with some unhealthy snacks.
3. Beans
Yes, this is another option that is full of fiber. Fiber is very important, as it helps support your digestive health. If you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms while recovering from an opiate addiction, beans can help during the recovery process. They will combat withdrawal by giving your body helpful amino acids and supporting digestive health.
4. Colorful Vegetables
You have so many options when it comes to vegetables that it’s hard to choose only one. Well, the good news is that you can take advantage of a variety of colorful vegetables during your opiate addiction recovery.
Usually, vegetables with richer colors contain more nutrients, which makes them even more useful when your body needs these nutrients. So, consider stocking up on different vegetables such as spinach, kale, and dark leafy greens, among others.
5. Eggs
Many people who are going through an opiate detox lack certain minerals and vitamins. When you are experiencing withdrawal, it’s very likely that you are having a B vitamin deficiency. Luckily, you can take vitamin B from foods, and eggs are the perfect candidate here.
Eggs are a great source of vitamin B, and they also contain proteins. So, they are a great ingredient to add to your diet.
6. Healthy Fat Foods
Healthy fats are very important, and more people are learning about their amazing powers. This type of fat can support your liver, brain function, and other organs and functions.
But where do you take healthy fats from? You have many options at hand, but some of the best sources of healthy fats include salmon and avocado.
7. Herbal Teas
Do not underestimate the power of herbal teas in addiction recovery. Drinking plenty of tea can help you stay hydrated, while the herbs used in them will promote your health in different ways.
Now, there are various teas that you can consume during opiate recovery, including ginger tea and chamomile tea. Ginger tea is great for withdrawal patients as it stimulates sweating and helps patients eliminate toxins faster. On the other hand, chamomile tea can improve sleep. It also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Final Thoughts
If you are in an intensive outpatient program and want to recover easily without struggling too much with withdrawal, eating healthy foods is a must. You can try out many different ingredients, including eggs, avocados, salmon, raspberries, as well as herbal teas.
Maintaining a healthy diet will make it easier to combat withdrawal symptoms and make a full recovery following your opiate addiction.
