Substance Abuse & Nutrition - The US has a significant narcotic epidemic, affecting approximately 1 in 5 Americans in their lifetime [5][6] - In the last year, 20.4% or 4 million Americans struggled with substance abuse disorder and a co-occurring mental health disorder [8] - The relapse rate for substance abuse is between 40% and 60% [8] - In 2023 alone, there were over 105,000 deaths from overdose on fentanyl [8] Electrolyte & Nutrient Imbalance - 20% of people in substance abuse rehabilitation suffer from electrolyte imbalance, leading to symptoms like chronic fatigue and muscle weakness [15] - Alcohol consumption interferes with calcium absorption, potentially leading to osteopenia and osteoporosis [18][19] - Cocaine addiction is associated with vitamin B1 (thiamin) deficiency, which can resemble Wernicke encephalopathy [19][20] - Nutrient absorption as a whole is a struggle for people suffering from addiction, including protein [21] Treatment & Recovery - Addressing the symptoms of malnutrition can drastically reduce the risk of relapse and promote long-lasting healing and recovery [26] - The industry should prioritize addressing addiction and remove the stigma around the conversation [25]