Substance Abuse, Use, and Addiction with Hannah Belcher, MS, RDN, LD

Описание: Welcome back to The Be Well Collective! In this episode, hosts Sara Hillring, MS, RDN, CD, SFP-MRC and Riley Speth, CMHC sit down with guest Hannah Belcher, MS, RDN to discuss substance use, abuse and addiction.

In this powerful and deeply informative episode, Sara and Riley sit down with registered dietitian Hannah Belcher, MS, RDN to explore substance use, abuse, addiction, and the critical yet often overlooked role nutrition plays in recovery.

Guest Information
● Guest Name: Hannah Belcher
● Bio: Hannah is a registered dietitian whose unconventional career path led her to substance use treatment after initially pursuing sports nutrition. She served as the first dietitian at House of Hope, a nonprofit residential and outpatient program for women recovering from substance use disorders.
Her work includes:
• Designing therapeutic menus to address malnutrition in early recovery
• Counseling clients on the nutritional and physiological impact of substance use
• Advocating for dietitians’ inclusion in addiction treatment teams
• Teaching nutrition in recovery at the University of Utah
She currently practices remotely from Seward, Alaska, providing telehealth nutrition support for individuals experiencing food insecurity.

Episode Outline
This episode blends clinical insight, personal experience, and practical advice, making it valuable for healthcare professionals, people in recovery, and anyone impacted by addiction. This episode unpacks:
1. The distinction between use, abuse, and addiction
2. How to recognize harmful patterns in yourself or loved ones
3. Why addiction is a chronic brain disease—not a moral failing
4. The physiological and psychological toll of substance misuse
5. The importance of whole-person, integrative care
6. How nutrition and mental health intersect in the recovery process
7. Myths, misconceptions, and the realities of relapse
8. What clinicians need to know to better support this population

Additional Resources & References: https://opaque-cymbal-853.notion.site/Subs...

Host & Show Info
● Hosts Names: Sara Hillring, MS, RDN, CD, SFP-MRC and Riley Speth, CMHC

About the Hosts:
○ Sara Hillring (she/her) is a Sport and Clinical Registered Dietitian, as well as certified running coach. She specializes in Women's Health, GI Health, Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating, and Sports Nutritional Care. Outside of providing patient-centered and collaborative care, Sara loves to- coach, run, hike, strength train, practice yoga, play tennis, kayak, travel, cook, and adventure through life and share new experiences with friends + family.
○ Riley Speth (she/her) is a Clinical Mental Health Therapist. She practices through a multicultural lens and supports clients across diverse identities and life experiences. Her clinical focus includes working with trauma (PTSD), substance use, depression, anxiety, body image and eating concerns, grief, life and faith transitions, and attachment issues. In her personal time, she enjoys cooking, being near large bodies of water, biking, running, and spending time with friends/family.

● Key Advice from Hannah
● Addiction is treatable—and recovery looks different for everyone.
● You’re not alone; support is available.
● Nutrition and mental health are inseparable in the recovery process.
● Professional collaboration creates better outcomes.
● If someone you love is struggling, compassion and communication matter more than perfection.

Contact the show: [email protected]

Thank you to our guest Hannah Belcher, MS, RDN, as well as our audio engineer for this episode, Isaac Acosta-Alvarez!

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This episode is for educational purposes only and does not substitute medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals regarding diagnosis, treatment, or changes to your care plan.