It's a Bigger Problem Than We Realize: Drug Addiction

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Malnutrition & Drug Addiction



Addiction is a very real problem in our world and can affect anyone.

Addiction is defined as the persistent compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be physically, psychologically, or socially harmful



Here’s the facts:
  • Over 20 million Americans over the age of 12 have an addiction (excluding tobacco).
  • 100 people die every day from drug overdoses. This rate has tripled in the past 20 years.
  • Over 5 million emergency room visits in 2011 were drug related.
  • 2.6 million people with addictions have a dependence on both alcohol and illicit drugs.
  • 9.4 million people in 2011 reported driving under the influence of illicit drugs.
  • 6.8 million people with an addiction have a mental illness.
  • Rates of illicit drug use are highest among those aged 18 to 25.
  • Over 90% of those with an addiction began drinking, smoking or using illicit drugs before the age of 18.
  • 10.6% of people aged 12 years and over have used an illicit drug in the past month (2016)
So, now do we understand the magnitude of drug addiction throughout the world?

So how does this relate to malnutrition?

According to the World Health Organization, “Malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses or imbalances in a person’s intake of energy and/or nutrients.” (“What is Malnutrition”, 2016)

Addictions can cause poor appetite, cravings for sugar and sweets, constipation, and lack of motivation to prepare meals, which can cause an overall poor nutritional status in individuals with addictions.

A poor nutritional status may result from primary malnutrition from insufficient food or nutrient intake, or secondary malnutrition due to alteration in absorption, digestion, metabolism, or excretion of nutrients.


A study showed 70% of addicts suffered Vitamin D deficiency and low levels of Vitamin C and another showed 50% were either deficient in iron or vitamins (vitamins A, E and C were most common).


The reason I bring this up is because as nutrition professionals we don’t always look at addictions as a “nutrition problem”. We often associate addiction with mental health, but the truth is that people suffering from addiction require help from the entire health care team, and our role as nutrition professionals is extremely important.


If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction call: 
SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357)


-NB

References

Addiction Statistics - Facts on Drug and Alcohol Addiction. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.addictioncenter.com/addiction/addiction-statistics/
Mahan, L. K. & Raymond, J. L. (2017). Krause's food & the nutrition care process. St. Louis, Mo.:Elsevier/Saunders.
Ritchie, H., & Roser, M. (2019). Substance Use. Retrieved from https://ourworldindata.org/substance-use
Salz, A. (2014). Substance Abuse and Nutrition. Retrieved from
Ross, L. J., Wilson, M., Rezannah, F., & Daglish, M. (2012). Prevalence of malnutrition and nutritional risk factors in patients undergoing alcohol and drug treatment. Nutrition, 28(7-8), 738-743. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2011.11.003
https://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/120914p44.shtml
What is malnutrition? (2017). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/features/qa/malnutrition/en/
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
https://alternativemedicine.com/healing-your-body-after-drug-addiction/






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