In this compelling episode, host Bianca D. McCall reconnects with Dr. Annie Lindsay to dive deeper into the gendered realities of opioid and stimulant use among women. Dr. Lindsay breaks down why women of reproductive age are one of the fastest-growing groups affected by substance use, highlighting the overlooked role of methamphetamine, the weight of trauma, and the profound impact of limited social and human capital. Together, they explore how biology, caregiving demands, body image pressures, and generational patterns shape women’s experiences with use, recovery, and the healthcare systems meant to support them.
The conversation also shines a light on the critical—and often ignored—role of nutrition in early recovery. Dr. Lindsay explains how cravings, emotional eating, blood sugar instability, and nutrient deficiencies interact with anxiety, depression, and relapse risk. She offers practical pathways for integrating nutrition, supplementation, and family-based education into treatment, showing how these approaches can stabilize the brain, support healing, and help families “sidestep” harmful generational cycles. This episode is essential listening for providers, advocates, and anyone seeking a more complete picture of women’s recovery journeys.
Annie R. Lindsay, PhD, FACSM
Dr. Lindsay is a Professor and Extension Specialist at the University of Nevada Reno. She conducts research, assesses, identifies, and responds to public and behavioral health issues across the lifespan. She has conducted interdisciplinary health-related research approaches to help individuals in recovery with a focus on resilience and evidence-based programming addressing poor nutrition, eating pathology, physical inactivity, and body dissatisfaction to augment existing treatment for substance use in prisons and recovery centers.
She serves as expert panel for the Pacific Southwest Rural Opioid Technical Assistance project and conducts clinical trainings for the Center for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies and Addiction Technology Transfer Center Networks. Dr. Lindsay has published several peer reviewed journal articles, fact sheets and creative audio-visual projects. A fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, she serves on numerous local/national committees, advisory boards and editorial panels; and has received several awards for her work.
