Success StoryIndividuals In Recovery For Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Improve Their Health By Increasing Their Nutrition Knowledge



Individuals In Recovery For Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Improve Their Health By Increasing Their Nutrition Knowledge

Author: Barry Rose

Planning Unit: Fayette County CES

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

Outcome: Initial Outcome

According to a 2020 study published by the National Institute of Health, nearly 5% of the world population use drugs daily.  People who have or currently use drugs (PWUD) are a susceptible population and research shows that their nutritional status is characterized by malnutrition.  By offering programs to increase nutrition knowledge, it is hoped that these individuals will make healthier food choices, improving their overall health and increasing their success in their recovery from SUD.

 Chrysalis House is an addiction treatment center in Lexington, Kentucky that participates in nutrition programming offered by the Fayette County Cooperative Extension Service.  According to the survey data collected following the completion of nutrition classes in the Fall of 2022, 83 percent of participants showed improvement in food resource management practices, such as, cooking dinner at home more often, planning meals before shopping, comparing food prices and utilizing a shopping list.  It is hoped that by properly planning and cooking more meals at home, individuals in recovery for SUD will eat more nutrient rich foods, save money, explore new interests and be more successful in their recovery journey.

 During a recent trip to the grocery store, the Fayette County Nutrition Education Program Assistant was stopped by a former participant from Chrysalis House.  She wanted to tell me that she is doing great in her recovery journey and wanted to thank me for helping to improve her nutrition knowledge and encouraging her to cook more, especially with fruits and vegetables.  She was excited to show me the fresh produce she was purchasing and tell me about the recipes she had been cooking. 






Stories by Barry Rose


NEP Curriculums Inspire Volunteerism

about 2 months ago by Barry Rose

According to the most recent US Census Bureau and AmeriCorps survey, volunteer participation dropped... Read More


Stories by Fayette County CES


Creative Technology at William Wells Brown Elementary

Creative Technology at William Wells Brown Elementary

about 1 months ago by Genaea Sarantakos

Fayette County 4-H established a relationship with William Wells Brown Elementary in 2023 with 4th g... Read More


In the Face of Disaster Bluegrass Area Collective Programming

In the Face of Disaster Bluegrass Area Collective Programming

about 1 months ago by Maranda Brooks

Kentuckians have experienced firsthand how natural disasters can occur any time and often with littl... Read More