When Recovery From One Thing Becomes a Struggle With Another

Almost everyone in recovery has felt it. You put one thing down, and something else gets loud. Usually food. Here is what I think is actually happening, and why the standard explanation leaves people feeling like they failed twice. The pattern almost everyone recognizes Someone puts down alcohol, and six months later they cannot stop […]
The Body Image Conversation Recovery Keeps Skipping

When someone enters treatment for a substance use disorder, the questions tend to follow a familiar script. What were you using? How much? How long? What’s your plan to stay stopped? Here’s a question that rarely makes the intake form: How do you feel about your body, and did that have anything to do with […]
Wellness Farms to Treat Substance Use Disorders and Addictions

Can Wellness Farms Treat Substance Use Disorders? As a pioneering mental health nutritionist specializing in eating disorders and nutrition for addiction recovery, I’m frequently asked about the intersection of food and substance use disorders (SUDs). Recently, I had the opportunity to share my thoughts on a proposed “wellness farm” concept for individuals struggling with addictions. […]
Co-occurrence of an Eating Disorder and a Substance Use Disorder

The co-occurrence of an eating disorder and a substance use disorder is a complex and challenging issue that many individuals face. These two disorders often intertwine, creating a cycle of physical and emotional distress that can be difficult to break. Understanding the relationship between eating disorders and substance use disorders is crucial for effective treatment […]
The Role of Exercise in Addiction Recovery

Exercise in Addiction Recovery: Healing The Mind and Body In the journey of addiction recovery, the importance of holistic approaches cannot be overstated. While therapy and medication play vital roles, integrating exercise into the recovery process can have profound effects on both mental and physical well-being. In this blog, we’ll explore the significance of exercise […]
Why Nutrition Matters in Recovery

Is Nutrition the Missing Link for Recovery and Long-Term Sobriety? In this discussion, we will explore the profound significance of why nutrition matters in recovery, as well as how it can influence our overall well-being and mental health. With a wealth of experience and expertise, Dr. David Wiss will guide us through this essential topic, […]
Perceived Social Support Moderates the Association Between Household Dysfunction Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Self-Reported Drug Use Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Los Angeles, California Journal Article

I am always excited to make a new contribution to peer-reviewed literature. This paper was generated from my PhD dissertation research from UCLA’s Fielding School of Public Health, so it has particular significance to me. The entire process of conceptualizing a study, conducting an extensive literature review, proposing and defending methodology, analyzing the data with […]
Nutrition in Recovery: Where Have We Been and Where Are We Headed?

Overall recommendation for recovery from all substance use disorders Are you interested in the connection between substance use disorders and nutrition? I sure am. That is why we created Nutrition in Recovery. I’m so glad you’re here. I have put forth a tremendous amount of effort to raise awareness on the topic, as well as […]
NUTRITION IN RECOVERY CURRICULUM

Nutrition in Recovery Group Curriculum is now Available! In 2012, I ran my first weekly nutrition group at a residential drug and alcohol treatment center in Los Angeles where I taught people about the link between nutrition and behavioral health. We did not have a TV, so I put together various handouts as reading material for group […]
Nutrition and Substance Use Disorder Video

We have been interested in the intersection between nutrition and substance use disorder for many years. David Wiss has published several peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on this topic. There has been some progress in the field, but we are still lacking prospective research which shows that nutrition can improve addiction-related outcomes. This is a […]