The Missing Link in Addiction Recovery: Brain Chemistry and Nutrition with Dr. Arwen Podesta S02E23

Why Feeding the Brain Is Essential for Lasting Recovery

In this episode of Power Up Recovery with Nutrition, Christina Veselak, MS, LMFT, CN sits down with Dr. Arwen Podesta, a New Orleans–based psychiatrist board-certified in adult psychiatry, addiction medicine, forensic psychiatry, and integrative medicine.

Dr. Podesta is the author of Hooked: A Concise Guide to the Underlying Mechanics of Addiction and Treatment and a nationally recognized speaker, educator, and consultant. She is a Distinguished Fellow of both the American Psychiatric Association and the American Society of Addiction Medicine and a former president of the Louisiana Psychiatric Medical Association.

In this powerful conversation, Dr. Podesta explains why addiction recovery must address brain chemistry, nutrient depletion, and metabolic health—not just the removal of substances. She shares how food, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and targeted nutritional support help rebuild neurotransmitters, stabilize mood, reduce cravings, and lower relapse risk.

Together, Christina and Dr. Podesta explore the biological drivers of addiction, the role of genetics and methylation, the impact of blood sugar instability, and why feeding the brain is essential for sustainable recovery and mental health stability.

Meet Our Guest

New Orleans based psychiatrist, Arwen Podesta MD is boarded in adult Psychiatry, Addiction Medicine, Forensic Psychiatry, and Holistic & Integrative Medicine. She is the author of HOOKED: A Concise Guide to the Underlying Mechanics of Addiction and Treatment (available on Amazon; more at www.podestawellness.com).

Dr. Podesta was recently honored as a Distinguished Fellow of both the American Psychiatric Association and the American Society of Addiction Medicine, and she is the immediate past President of the Louisiana Psychiatric Medical Association.

A nationally recognized speaker, educator, and consultant, she champions integrative best practices for treating addiction and psychiatric conditions. Dr. Podesta also offers a comprehensive online Masterclass in Addiction—designed for professionals and the public alike
To Connect:
Website: 
www.DrArwen.com 
https://podestawellness.com/
Social Media:
www.linkedin.com/in/arwen-podesta-md-8a396042
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572730410015
https://www.instagram.com/doctor.arwen/

Key Topics Covered

• Why addiction recovery fails when brain nutrition is ignored

• The three drivers of addiction: biology, stress, and substances

• Nutrient depletion and weakened brain resilience in addiction

• Amino acids as building blocks for neurotransmitter repair

• The role of blood sugar instability in cravings and relapse

• MTHFR gene variants, methylation, and dopamine deficiency

• Why sugar becomes a substitute addiction in recovery

• Recovery capital and resilience at the cellular level

• Supplements as “purified food,” not pharmaceuticals

• Zinc, magnesium, B vitamins, omega-3s, and mental health

• Supporting early recovery and reducing post-acute withdrawal

• Why food is a treatment modality, not an afterthought

People & Experts Mentioned

• David Best, Ph.D.
  Researcher known for developing the concept of recovery capital, highlighting the resources required to sustain long-term recovery.

• Dr. John Umhau
  Psychiatrist and researcher recognized for work on nutrition, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and mental health.

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References & Concepts Discussed

• Nutritional psychiatry

• Addiction as a brain-based condition

• Recovery capital and resilience capital

• Amino acid therapy for neurotransmitter support

• Methylation and MTHFR gene variants

• Dopamine deficiency and reward-seeking behavior

• Reactive hypoglycemia and relapse risk

• Omega-3 fatty acids and brain health

• Zinc–copper balance and mood regulation

• Supplements as medical foods / purified nutrition

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Key Takeaway

Addiction recovery is not a failure of willpower—it is often the result of a starved, depleted brain. When the brain is properly nourished, people gain the clarity, stability, and resilience needed to engage in therapy, avoid relapse, and sustain long-term recovery.

 

Discover More Unlock a world of resources at https://aminoacidtherapy.com/ where you’ll find expert insights, transformative training, and actionable tools to support your recovery journey. Whether you're looking for professional courses like our Level 1 Core Training

Learn more at https://feedtherecoveringbrain.com 
Support Our Mission Check out our nonprofit initiative, Eating Protein Saves Lives, at https://eatingproteinsaveslives.org/  Learn how we’re improving lives and communities through better nutrition, the science of amino acid therapy, and our simple yet powerful message: Eat protein every 4 hours.

Also, if you’re just starting out or want a solid foundation, check out Eat: A Guide to Radiant Recovery Using Food and Amino Acids to Repair the Addicted Brain and Reduce Cravings by Christina Veselak. It’s a clear, powerful intro to the core concepts. Grab your copy here: https://www.eatforrecovery.com/

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information shared is meant to inform and empower listeners but should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized care and treatment.

Music by: Bensound
License code: GFZAESIUP3ZUNGXM

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