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 […]
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, […]
Has the Nutrition Field Become Toxic?
Marginalization in the Nutrition Field I’m sharing a response answering a question from an esteemed colleague who asked “has the nutrition field become toxic?” and for statements from those who have experienced marginalization in the nutrition field, specifically by the eating disorder community. It started with a paragraph and turned into an essay. The […]
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 […]
Dr. David Wiss Dissertation
Earlier this year, I earned my Ph.D. from UCLA’s Fielding School of Public in the Community Health Sciences Department. We called my dissertation the Wissertation 🙂 My dissertation“Adverse Childhood Experiences and Mental Health Over the Life Course Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Los Angeles County” was truly a life-changing experience. I was […]
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 […]
