According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), one in 6 Americans reports experiencing a substance use disorder (SUD).

Thankfully, many who suffer with SUD seek help to overcome addiction and get healthy.

Long- term data shows that healthy behaviors including good nutrition and physical activity are beneficial for long-term recovery results. They improve both health and mood and this in turn makes a person feel better and less likely to return to substance abuse.

The Christian County Senior Nutrition Education Program Assistant taught the Heathy Choices for Your Recovering Body (HCYRB) curriculum at a women’s recovery center. Healthy snacks and meal ideas were prepared and some of the topics discussed were nutrition, physical activity, cooking skills, food safety and budgeting.

According to pre and post questionnaires, all 100% of participants agreed to use self-care strategies to improve their recovery and 96% agreed that the HCYRB classes increased their knowledge of recovery. Over 96% of the participants reported intentions to choose healthy foods including eating more fruit and over 98% agreed to eating high fiber foods. 100% agreed to drink more water. In addition, over 85% improved their physical activity behaviors.