In dealing with the chemical imbalances that can be a cause of meth abuse and a result of long-term meth addiction, nutrition for recovering meth addicts is very important in the recovery process.

Nutritional Supplements, Vitamins and Herbs

Nutritional supplements such as herbs, amino acids, vitamins and other nutrients restore the proper biochemical balance in the brain. As well, eliminating certain substances such as sugars and simple starches and increasing protein intake can help to rebalance brain chemistry for the recovering meth addict. Good nutrition can also help heal the damage caused to the body by the depletion of nutrients common in substance abuse.

Meth addiction and prolonged meth use and abuse damages neurotransmitters in the brain. So an important area of the use of nutrition in recovery and relapse prevention is the addition of appropriate amino acids. The neurotransmitters epinephrine and norepinephrine, GABA, serotonin and dopamine, are indicated in addictive behavior.

Using various amino acids, the brain chemistry can be changed to help normalize and restore deficiencies in the neurotransmitters that spur cravings that can lead to meth addiction and abuse.

The use of L-Phenylalanine or L-Tyrosine is useful in the nutrition for recovering meth addicts by restoring the brain chemicals Norepinephrine and Dopamine.

These amino acids can counteract the symptoms of depression, low energy, lack of focus and concentration. The expected behavior changes when restoring these depleted amino acids are: Anti-craving. Anti-depression. Increased energy. Improved mental focus.

To increase the effects of amino-acid nutritional therapy, the use of a multi-vitamin/mineral formula is recommended. Many vitamins and minerals serve as co-factors in repairing neurotransmitters. They also serve to restore general balance, vitality and well-being to a recovering meth addict who typically is in a state of poor nutritional health.

Some recovering meth addicts may decide to work directly with a nutritionist. The American Dietetic Association (ADA) web site can help you locate a nutritionist for your area.

A more in depth look at the foods, herbs and nutrients for the proper nutrition for the recovering meth addict will be examined in later parts of this series.