As Extension Program Assistants, one never knows what speed bump they may have to cross.  That is why one needs to be flexible in their programming and be ready to help see that the program they work in, is always one that people requests and want to participate in.  With that being said, the local substance abuse rehab, had a few hurdles of their own.  One entailed having to get used to three different directors throughout the past year.   As the assistant worked with each “new” director, she felt a need to help the transition period for them and the clients go as smooth as possible.  The only way this could be achieved, would be to teach the clients to be patient with changes and realize that they are the ones that are going to be affected either in a positive or negative manner from the nutrition classes that she teaches through the “Healthy Choices for Every Body” curriculum.  

One of the things that seems to be difficult for the clients attending the rehab, is realizing the importance of sobriety and healthy eating.  That’s where the classes she conducts on a regular basis, comes into play.  The classes are conducted on a weekly basis and consists of lecture material, food demos, and various different ice breakers/nutrition information presented in many different forms.  One of the main items that the assistant tries to instill in the clients is that so many times when a person is abusing substances, one of the things that is drastically affected, is the lack of desire to take care of their health through a balanced diet.  Upon becoming sober, they start enjoying food, and start looking at the fact that they are gaining weight.  It is important to get them to understand that during their time of substance abuse that they were more than likely undernourished.  According to Today’s Dietician, The Magazine for Nutrition Professionals;  “Substance abuse general leads to a lack of proper nutrition, either as a result of not eating enough throughout the day or eating foods that are low in necessary nutrients.  It leads to vitamin and mineral deficiencies that threaten physical and mental health, damage vital organs and the nervous system, and decrease immunity.  Four harmful lifestyles often are associated with addiction, such as poor eating patterns, lack of exercise, and changes in sleep patterns.”

At the end of the 2021 Federal Program year, there were 25 clients that graduated from this program.  Of these 25 clients:  100% of the graduates showed a positive change in any food group, 59% of the graduates showed improvement in their Diet Quality, 63% showed improvement in their Food Resource Management, and 54% showed improvement in their Food Safety Behavior.