Overcoming a substance use disorder (SUD) is a personal process that looks different for everyone. However, a shared experience for those in the early stages of recovery is discovering fun activities that do not involve drugs or alcohol. While this can be challenging, adopting new hobbies like cooking is vital in strengthening your resolve in sobriety.
Beyond being a safe and enjoyable way to pass the time, developing your culinary skills can improve your mental and physical health. Here are five benefits of cooking during addiction recovery.
Returning to familiar environments, relationships and behaviors previously associated with drug or alcohol use is one of the main reasons why people experience a setback in their sobriety. While relapsing is not shameful, replacing old habits with new ones can help you stay sober. Learning exciting recipes is a fulfilling way to keep busy and reduce your risk of relapsing due to boredom, which is another common trigger.
Additionally, those in active addiction may not always be able to look after themselves — cooking is an excellent way to relearn how to do so. Preparing your meals rather than ordering takeout or heading to a drive-through is a wonderful way to nurture yourself and regain independence.
Even if you start by making very basic meals, the daily routine of cooking can help you establish structure in your life. A set schedule leaves little room to ruminate on the past or pursue potentially triggering experiences, allowing you to continue your recovery journey.
Drugs and alcohol can suppress your appetite and affect how your body functions and metabolizes food. These changes in metabolism and nutrition typically lead to inadequate food intake and poor nutrient absorption, which is why so many people recovering from SUDs show signs of malnutrition.
Learning about nutrition and honing your cooking skills can be vital in taking a holistic approach to recovery. When you cook your own meals, you become more aware of what you put into your body. With this increased awareness, you may be more likely to choose nutritious options instead of highly processed and sugary foods.
While eating a balanced diet is beneficial for anyone, here's how preparing healthy food helps those recovering from an addiction:
Prioritizing your emotional well-being is just as crucial as improving your physical health, especially because SUDs often occur at the same time as other mental health conditions. Additionally, challenging emotions can be common triggers for relapse. Although eating a balanced diet can decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression, the benefits of cooking on one's mental health go beyond nutrition.
The simple practice of preparing a meal can be a healthy coping mechanism, allowing you to take charge when things feel overwhelming. You can experiment and use your creativity as you control which ingredients to use and how much of each. Alternatively, you can strictly follow a recipe you've made repeatedly to create a familiar and comforting outcome. Whichever option you choose, you will be in the driver's seat.
Confidence also plays a key role in recovery — when you believe in yourself, you are more likely to maintain your newfound healthy habits, commit to treatment plans and avoid relapse. Growing your culinary skills can give you a sense of accomplishment and increase your self-esteem. As time passes, you'll master new techniques and get even more confident in the kitchen, which can also expand to other areas of your life.
After the initial withdrawal stage, those on the road to recovery often experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). Symptoms of PAWS develop as your brain adjusts to functioning without drugs or alcohol and can last anywhere from six months to two years. They tend to be more emotional or psychological and can include cognitive impacts, such as:
One of the most significant benefits of cooking in recovery is that this activity requires you to rely on a range of cognitive skills impacted by PAWS and can be an excellent way to sharpen your mind. Gathering ingredients, following a recipe's steps and using different cooking utensils can all help you extend your attention span and enhance your concentration.
Each meal you prepare is an opportunity to recover your cognitive abilities. Start by making simple meals, and gradually work up to more complex dishes.
While SUDs can result in isolation and feelings of loneliness, a lack of social connection can also contribute to the development of an addiction. Connecting with others is an essential part of your recovery, as your relationships are a key source of support. Cooking can be an excellent bonding experience to help you form new connections or rekindle old ones. Whether preparing a meal with family members or a friend from your support group, you'll work together to make something delicious.
If you are a beginner, you can be responsible for basic techniques like chopping and measuring. Cooking with others allows you to learn tips and tricks and expand your culinary repertoire.
At Diamond House Detox, we understand the journey to recovery is deeply personal and requires an approach that addresses your physical and mental health. That's why we prioritize a comprehensive care strategy and specialize in treating co-occurring disorders. Many of our clients have successfully reached their sobriety goals with the help of our experienced health care practitioners, psychological support and Incidental Medical Services, which allow for individualized treatment and medication adjustment.
After completing our residential rehabilitation program, you can take the next step in maintaining your recovery and achieving overall wellness with our sober living housing option. These homes serve as a safe space where you can learn or relearn essential skills, such as grocery shopping and preparing meals, to continue these practices as you transition to living independently.
Overcoming an SUD is a lifelong commitment. In addition to seeking continuous treatment and support to help you stay sober, finding activities that you enjoy and creating a healthy routine can enhance your recovery.
Transitioning to everyday life can be a jarring aspect of recovery, but Diamond House Detox is here to help. We create warm and welcoming environments where you feel empowered to continue practicing healthy habits, such as preparing nourishing meals and pursuing hobbies that bring you joy. Our goal is for all our clients to live more meaningful lives.
Along with providing rules and guidelines, such as requiring you to perform daily chores, we implement evidence-based treatments and personalized care. This way, we enable you to build a strong foundation to maintain your sobriety and become the person you aspire to be. At our sober living home in Sacramento, California, you can create connections with others who share your goals, regardless of whether you opt for a shared or private room.
Contact us today to learn more about our sober living housing and how you can incorporate practices, like cooking, to enhance your recovery.
