Gut Health & Addiction Recovery: Can Probiotics Curb Cravings?

Gut health plays a powerful role in addiction recovery—because your gut and brain are directly connected through the gut-brain axis. Trillions of gut bacteria produce neurotransmitters (like dopamine and serotonin) that influence your mood and cravings. They also create short-chain fatty acids like butyrate that strengthen the gut lining and support your nervous system and brain function.

When your microbiome is balanced, it regulates mood and stress, supports immunity, and keeps the brain’s reward system in check. But when it’s not (gut dysbiosis), it can spell trouble.

Gut Dysbiosis in Substance Use Disorders

It’s now well established that addiction affects the brain and also disrupts the gut. People with substance use disorders (SUDs) often show significant changes in their gut microbiome composition.

Generally, there is a decrease in beneficial, “healthy” bacteria and an overgrowth of pro-inflammatory microbes. For example, studies find lower levels of friendly bacteria that produce essential metabolites (like SCFAs) and higher levels of harmful species (such as certain Proteobacteria) in those abusing drugs or alcohol.

With fewer protective microbes, the intestinal wall can become more permeable (leaky), leading to increased inflammation throughout the gut and body. Chronic substance use often leads to gut inflammation and a weakened intestinal barrier. A leaky gut allows bacterial toxins to escape into the bloodstream and trigger immune responses, and those inflammatory cytokines can travel to the brain. This immune activation may disrupt the brain’s reward circuits and worsen anxiety and depression, intensifying cravings.

It can become a vicious cycle: substance use damages the gut, and the resulting inflammation drives stronger urges to use the substance as a form of self-medication.

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Leaky Gut, Mood Disorders, and Cravings

Growing evidence links leaky gut syndrome to worse outcomes in addiction. One study of alcohol-dependent patients found that those with leaky gut had much higher anxiety, depression, and alcohol cravings, and were more likely to relapse after detox. This group also showed more unhealthy gut bacteria, suggesting that microbial imbalance and gut permeability drive up inflammation and intensify cravings. Toxins escaping from a leaky gut (like LPS) can reach the brain’s reward and stress centers, amplifying negative moods and lowering the threshold for relapse.

Opioid addiction shows a similar gut-brain connection. Chronic opioid use disrupts the gut (opiate users often suffer constipation and dysbiosis), and animal studies show long-term morphine can cause a leaky gut and brain inflammation, worsening tolerance and withdrawal symptoms.

Intriguingly, transferring gut microbes from morphine-dependent mice to healthy mice transferred opioid tolerance, indicating gut bacteria help mediate the body’s adaptation to opioids. Conversely, transplanting healthy microbiota into dependent mice reduced the severity of withdrawal. While more research is needed, this suggests that healing the gut could ease some of the physical and mental anguish of opioid withdrawal.

Many people in recovery notice intense sugar cravings, and the gut may be partly to blame. Sugar activates the same brain reward pathways as drugs, and an imbalanced microbiome can heighten a sweet tooth as the body seeks quick dopamine hits.

A recent study found that people with intense sugar cravings often lack a key gut bacterium (Bacteroides vulgatus) that helps regulate appetite. Without it, the signal for fullness is weaker, leading to more intense cravings. On the flip side, frequent sugar binges can further disrupt the gut microbes and increase inflammation, potentially worsening mood swings and cravings over time.

Can Probiotics and Fermented Foods Curb Drug Cravings?

With the gut so deeply intertwined with mood and addiction, an exciting area of research is whether improving gut health can aid in recovery. Probiotics (supplements or foods containing beneficial live bacteria) and fermented foods (like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi) are front and center in this discussion.

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These foods introduce helpful microbes and nutrients that can restore balance in an unhealthy microbiome. Scientists have already seen promising results in early studies: one study found that a probiotic mixture rich in Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus strains reversed opioid tolerance in morphine-dependent mice.

In an alcohol use disorder clinical trial, patients who received a fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) from a healthy donor (with high levels of Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae bacteria) had a 90% reduction in alcohol cravings, compared to only 30% in the placebo group. These examples illustrate that boosting the presence of beneficial gut bacteria can directly influence the brain and behavior, reducing the drive to seek out substances.

How Do Probiotics and Fermented Foods Achieve These Effects?

A big part of the answer lies in reducing inflammation and repairing gut-brain communication. Certain probiotic strains produce anti-inflammatory substances and help seal up a leaky gut barrier, lowering the production of those harmful cytokines that can impair mood and decision-making. For example, restoring butyrate-producing bacteria (common in fermented, fiber-rich foods) nourishes the gut lining and calms the immune system.

Probiotics also synthesize neurotransmitters and neuromodulators – Lactobacillus rhamnosus, for instance, can produce GABA (a calming brain chemical) and has been shown to reduce anxiety and alcohol intake in some studies. A healthier gut microbiome can improve mood, reduce stress, and even enhance cognitive function in recovery by raising feel-good neurotransmitters and reducing inflammatory signals. It’s important to remember that probiotics are supportive tools, not standalone cures.

Nutrition Tips for a Gut-Healing Recovery

A holistic, gut-friendly diet can be a powerful adjunct to traditional addiction treatment. Here are some science-backed nutrition tips to support your gut and overall health during recovery:

Eat Plenty of Fiber

Vegetables, fruits, beans, and whole grains contain prebiotic fibers that nourish good gut bacteria. Mix at least half your plate with colorful produce and include high-fiber foods at each meal. Eating healthy foods rich in fiber helps your microbes produce beneficial compounds that reduce inflammation and heal your gut lining.

Add Fermented Foods

Aim for at least one fermented food daily. Options include live-culture yogurt or kefir, raw sauerkraut or kimchi, miso, or kombucha. These foods deliver probiotics that crowd out harmful microbes and support a healthy balance in your gut. Even a few forkfuls of fermented veggies or a cup of yogurt daily can help repopulate your gut with beneficial bacteria.

Consider Probiotic Supplements

In early recovery, a high-quality probiotic supplement (with strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) can help re-seed your gut with beneficial microbes. This may stabilize mood and potentially reduce cravings. Always consult your healthcare provider about the right probiotic regimen for you.

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Choose Lean Proteins and Healthy Fats

Include proteins like fish, poultry, or legumes to supply amino acids that support your brain’s neurotransmitters. Pair them with healthy fats – especially omega-3s from fish, flaxseed, or walnuts – which help reduce inflammation in the gut and brain. Omega-3s have even been linked to reduced drug-seeking behavior in animal studies.

Limit Sugar and Processed Foods

Refined sugar and junk food feed the wrong kind of bacteria in your gut, worsening inflammation and dysbiosis. They also cause blood sugar spikes and crashes that can trigger mood swings and cravings. Opt for naturally sweet whole foods (fruit, sweet potatoes) when you need a treat, and save desserts or sugary drinks for occasional indulgences.

Stay Hydrated and Sleep Well

Drinking enough water supports digestion and detoxification. Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep per night, since poor sleep can disrupt the gut microbiome and increase stress hormones that drive cravings. Consistent rest and hydration allow your body to repair the gut and restore balance.

Manage Stress

Mental stress can disrupt your gut barrier and microbiome. Practice mindfulness, deep breathing, yoga, or regular exercise to control stress. Reducing stress improves your mood, increases beneficial gut bacteria, and lowers inflammation. A calmer mind and a healthier gut together mean fewer anxiety-driven urges to relapse or binge.

A Holistic Path to Lasting Recovery

Integrating gut healing into addiction treatment offers a powerful, science-backed layer of support. As research continues to confirm the connection between the microbiome and mental health, more recovery programs are embracing nutrition and probiotic support as part of a whole-person approach. This added focus on physical wellness can make emotional healing more sustainable and recovery more successful.

If you’re ready to take a more holistic path to sobriety, More Than Rehab can help. Our team supports your recovery with personalized care that treats the mind and body. Reach out today and take the next step toward lasting wellness.

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Drugs & Food: When Do Addicts Overeat & Undereat?

When it comes to drugs and food, there are many different things that can happen. Some people may overeat when they are taking certain drugs, while others may undereat. It all depends on the drug and how it affects the person's hunger or food habits. In this article, we will discuss how drugs can affect someone's eating habits. We will also explore the reasons why people may overeat or undereat when they are taking drugs.

The Effect of Drugs on Hunger or Food Habits

One of the most widely held assumptions is that drugs only affect the mind. However, drugs can also have a profound effect on hunger and food habits. Many people who struggle with addiction find that their appetites change dramatically.

Some may lose their appetite altogether, while others may develop compulsive cravings for certain foods. These changes can lead to drastic weight loss or gain, further impacting physical and mental health. In addition, drugs can cause nutrient deficiencies that can weaken the immune system and contribute to other health problems.

For these reasons, it is essential to seek addiction treatment that includes nutrition counseling and care. By addressing both the mental and physical aspects of addiction, treatment providers can help you regain control of your life and body.

With that in mind, let's explore how different drugs affect hunger or food habits:

Marijuana Munchies

Marijuana is well-known for increasing appetite, a phenomenon colloquially known as "the munchies." While the exact mechanisms are not yet fully understood, marijuana is known to increase the production of ghrelin, a hormone that signals the body to eat. Ghrelin levels are usually highest before meals, but they are also increased by stress and lack of sleep.

Marijuana also affects the brain's cannabinoid receptors, which play a role in regulating food intake. These receptors are located in the hypothalamus, a brain region that controls hunger and satiety.

When THC binds to these receptors, it mimics the effects of endocannabinoids, natural compounds that increase appetite. THC also increases orexigenic neurons' activity, which promotes hunger, and reduces the activity of anorexigenic neurons, which signal the body to stop eating.

As a result, eating or smoking weed can make one feel hungry and eat more than they would otherwise. In fact, medicinal marijuana has been prescribed as part of treatment for those who lose weight due to not eating or other health issues. But it's worth noting that not everyone experiences the munchies to the same degree. Some people may find that smoking weed decreases their appetite instead.

The Skinny on Cocaine

Cocaine addiction can lead to weight loss for a variety of reasons. For one, cocaine use leads to a decrease in appetite. This causes the body to release a hormone called cortisol, which suppresses hunger.

In addition, cocaine causes the body to burn more calories and decreases fat absorption from food. Its use can result in dehydration and gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea and nausea, contributing to weight loss. This explains why cocaine-dependent people lose a lot of weight.

Some people deliberately use cocaine to try to shed some weight. But it is not a healthy way to lose weight and can have serious consequences. Cocaine interferes with the brain's ability to process hunger signals. So those abusing the drug may not feel hungry - or they may binge eat and then purge. The changes in food habits can cause malnutrition and other health problems.

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The Skinny on Amphetamines

Amphetamines are central nervous system stimulants that increase alertness and produce feelings of well-being. They are also appetite suppressants, so some people use them for weight loss. However, long-term use of amphetamines can cause profound metabolic alterations, exposing one to serious health problems.

People who abuse amphetamines often experience a decrease in appetite, leading to weight loss, anorexia, malnourishment, or other eating disorders. Amphetamines can cause a dramatic metabolic increase, leading to excessive weight loss and muscle wasting. They can also interfere with the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels and put one at risk for diabetes.

Hallucinogens and the Senses

When someone takes a hallucinogen, they usually experience a change in their sense of taste. Foods they normally enjoy may taste strange or unpleasant, and they may lose their appetite altogether. There are several reasons for this.

First of all, hallucinogens alter how the brain processes information from the senses. This can cause people to see, hear, and smell things that aren't there, which can make eating seem unappealing.

Additionally, many hallucinogens produce feelings of nausea and vomiting, which can also discourage someone from eating. Besides, the intense emotions and sensations that are common on a trip can make it hard to focus on anything else, including food.

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Heroin and Your Appetite

Heroin use can have a significant impact on appetite and diet. Many users often have a decreased interest in food and sometimes even a complete loss of appetite. This can lead to weight loss and malnutrition.

In addition, heroin can cause nausea and vomiting, making it difficult for addicts to keep food down. In fact, their bodies reject all kinds of foods, including fatty foods. As a result, many heroin addicts are significantly underweight and may suffer from health problems due to their poor diet. Heroin use can interfere with the body's ability to absorb nutrients, further exacerbating the problem of malnutrition.

However, some people struggling with heroin addiction also overeat compulsively. This is because the drug can increase levels of the hormone ghrelin, which is responsible for stimulating appetite. For these addicts, maintaining a healthy weight can be a constant struggle.

Addiction and Food Habits

Substance abuse is a complex disease that affects the brain in many ways. One of the most insidious effects is how it can alter the brain's circuitry for regulating mood and impulse control. This can lead to changes in eating habits that can be either overeating or undereating.

Unfortunately, these changes can further compound the problems associated with addiction, creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to break free from. Overeating can lead to obesity and associated health problems, while undereating can lead to malnutrition and extreme weight loss. In either case, these changes in eating habits can make it even harder for addicts to recover from their disease.

If you are struggling with addiction and its effects on your eating habits, it is important to seek professional help. Many addiction treatment centers exist to help you overcome addiction and establish healthy eating habits.

We can help. Give us a call today. We are open 24/7. You'll be glad you did.