Addiction takes a significant toll on the body. Those struggling face harsh physical side effects that impact their health and appearance. It is also not uncommon for someone struggling with addiction to neglect their health and well-being as well. Not taking proper care of themselves can lead to additional risks. Seeking professional treatment can help you or a loved one overcome addiction. With the right care and support, individuals can heal and restore their physical and mental health.
At Calvary Healing Center, we provide robust addiction treatment programs to help through every stage of their healing journey. As patients heal and move through recovery, they may notice changes in their appearance, such as weight gain. This is normal and common in recovery. Our team is dedicated to helping you navigate these changes as you quit substances and become healthier. For more information about our treatment options, give us a call at 888.492.5113.
Why Is Weight Gain in Recovery Common?
Our society is often preoccupied with physical appearance, which can lead to insecurities and body image issues. Individuals in recovery often gain weight after quitting substances. Treatment and recovery is an especially vulnerable time, but weight gain is normal. So, why is weight gain in recovery common? Addiction is characterized by many unhealthy habits and risks, such as lack of sleep and poor nutrition. When receiving proper treatment, these poor habits and conditions are reversed. Since your body is better taken care of and well nourished, it is likely to result in weight gain.
During recovery, your body takes time to heal as you adjust to a new lifestyle. Eating more balanced and nutritious meals will aid in your recovery and can lead to weight gain. Exercising during treatment can also be a healthy coping mechanism and outlet, and can lead to muscle gain. This can also make your weight increase.
Weight Gain After Quitting Alcohol
Quitting alcohol can also make your weight fluctuate. While some may find themselves losing weight, it is not uncommon for people to experience weight gain after quitting alcohol.
There are a few different reasons for this:
- Some people consume more sugary drinks like soda after they quit drinking. They may use soda as a substitute for alcohol whenever they have cravings.
- Heavy drinkers can also experience low blood sugar, which can linger during recovery. When your blood sugar is low, people try to remedy it with sugary foods. However, this will only lead to a temporary boost followed by a crash.
- Those who have quit alcohol can develop a big sweet tooth, which can help them put extra weight on.
Some weight gain is not necessarily bad, and gaining weight during recovery can indicate that you are restoring your health. If you are concerned about putting on weight, it is possible to prevent excessive weight gain after quitting alcohol. Focusing on your nutrition, adopting healthy habits like exercise, and prioritizing sleep will help you remain healthy and prevent excessive weight gain. However, it is essential to remember to give yourself and your body grace. Your body needs to heal, and you should not feel discouraged if you gain weight in recovery.
Learn More About Calvary Healing Center’s Addiction Treatment Program
At Calvary Healing Center, we aim to support throughout treatment. We provide many treatment programs to help individuals heal physically and mentally so they can enjoy lasting recovery.
Some of the therapies and addiction treatment programs we provide are:
- Drug and alcohol detox
- Intensive outpatient treatment
- Substance outpatient treatment programs
- Residential treatment
- Faith-based substance treatment
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- CBT treatment
- EMDR therapy
- MAT therapy
- Group therapy
Do not wait to create a healthier and brighter future for yourself. Contact our team at 888.492.5113 to get started.