Opioid addiction is a biological disease, and results in serious negative consequences for the individual and the social environment. Among the consequences are serious physical and emotional difficulties,legal, and negative social ramifications. In a study of drug harms in the United Kingdom heroin was found to be the most harmful to the individual, and in contrast, alcohol was the most harmful to others.
This research proposal will concentrate upon the physical health of the person with addiction, noting that addiction is a very complicated process with many layers and ramifications impacting individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. The effects of malnutrition and changes in the neurochemistry of persons resulting from opioid addiction, and interventions to improve nutrition, neurotransmitter functioning, reduce craving, and promote social functioning is the focus of this proposal. The hypothesis is that providing nutritional food to patients enrolled in a methadone maintenance program will improve their health status, reduce craving, improve relapse rates, resulting in higher levels of social functioning. This paper will cover a review of the literature regarding the negative health effects resulting from opioid addiction, metabolic and emotional craving of the substance, and nutritional interventions. This will be followed by a discussion of the literature review findings, and how it applies to the proposed pilot study; a description of the study and methodology; rationale for the approach selected; followed by references cited.
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