Earlier this year, the Pacific Southwest ROTA-R launched the Healthy Living, Sustainable Recovery Fact Sheets, a set of resources on nutrition, substance use, and recovery topics authored by Anne R. Lindsay, Ph.D. (University of Nevada, Reno Extension), Cortney S. Warren, Ph.D., A.B.P.P. (UNLV-School of Medicine), and Lauren Ganim, M.S., R.D.N. (University of Nevada, Reno Extension). The Pacific Southwest ROTA-R will be hosting a two-part webinar series showcasing the Healthy Living, Sustainable Recovery Fact Sheets. Please join us to learn more and ask questions about the resources!
Overview
It has been long known that diet plays a role in recovery from substance use. Eating carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are vital for body development, maintenance, metabolism, and overall mental health, especially during recovery. Vitamins and minerals are also necessary to support critical body functions, organ system stability, bone health, and mental health. There is also a strong connection between the brain and the gut, often referred to as the “second brain” as its numerous neurons communicate with the brain to influence nutrient absorption and usage and can impact anxiety, depression, hunger, satiety, and cravings, which are crucial factors in substance use recovery. This webinar will define the critical nutrients, discuss their impact on recovery, and provide practical and simple messaging and resources to help improve treatment outcomes.
Learning Objectives:
- Explain how carbohydrates, fats, and proteins support physical energy, brain health, and overall mental well-being during recovery from substance use.
- Recognize the importance of vitamins and minerals in maintaining mental health, bone health, and organ function, and how deficiencies can contribute to symptoms like depression, anxiety, and poor cognitive function.
- Describe the relationship between gut health and brain function, particularly how it influences nutrient absorption, cravings, mood, and recovery outcomes.
- Apply Nutritional Strategies for Recovery and provide practical tools, resources, and messaging to improve the nutritional status of individuals in substance use recovery, reducing cravings and recurrence.
The Healthy Living, Sustainable Recovery Fact Sheets Webinar Series is a two part series. Part two is on November 14, 2024.
