Open help menu

The Role of Nutrition in Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery for Women

Tonya Spaulding, RD
|

Information

PLEASE NOTE:

This virtual event is cancelled

Date & Time

  • -

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Identify three significant nutritional deficiencies that are particularly prevalent among women with substance use disorders.

  • Describe the rationale for nutritional stabilization as a primary treatment goal in substance use disorder recovery for women, emphasizing how balanced nutrition supports physical recovery, emotional health, and the development of a positive relationship with food and body image.

  • Recognize two significant barriers to nutritional stabilization in women with substance use disorders focusing on challenges such as body image concerns, societal pressures and the effects of hormonal fluctuations during recovery.

Educational Goal

1. Analyze the impact of substance use on nutritional status and recognize common nutritional deficiencies associated with substance use disorders. 2. Increase knowledge of evidence-based, nutritious dietary strategies for women in recovery from substance use disorders. 3. Examine the role of nutrition in supporting relapse prevention and promoting sustained recovery for women and their unique needs.

Description

Proper nutrition and hydration are vital components of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment for women, playing a key role in restoring both physical and mental well-being. Women with SUD often face unique nutritional challenges due to hormonal fluctuations, higher rates of co-occurring mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression, and a greater risk for conditions like osteoporosis, anemia, and disordered eating. Nutrition therapy tailored to women focuses on repairing the physiological damage caused by substance misuse, while supporting mood stabilization, reducing stress, and minimizing cravings for drugs and alcohol. By adopting a whole-person, gender-responsive approach grounded in the Health at Every Size (HAES) framework, this care model addresses co-occurring medical conditions and trauma histories while promoting body respect, positive self-care practices, and a nurturing relationship with food and the body.

Target Audience

  • Addiction Professional
  • Counselor
  • Marriage & Family Therapist
  • Psychologist
  • Social Worker

Presenters

Tonya Spaulding, RD
Tonya Spaulding, BS, RDN LD, (she/her) is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian and CertifiedIntuitive Eating Counselor, with a practice grounded in the empirical principles of Health at Every Size® (HAES®). Tonya has delivered weight-inclusive nutrition therapy to individuals with eating and substance use disorders across residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient settings. She currently specializes in working with individuals who have lived experience with eating disorders, substance use disorders, chronic dieting histories, and compulsive exercise behaviors to cultivate self compassion and foster body image and self acceptance, and she focuses on understanding their personal nutrition needs.