According to the US National Library of Medicine, substance abuse hurts the body in multiple ways, including physically and mentally, having a particularly negative impact on lifestyle and nutrition.  Drugs and alcohol not only affect a person’s outer appearance, but also their internal systems like metabolism, organ function, and mental well-being.  Implementing proper nutrition can help someone recovering from addiction heal faster and more effectively.  When the body is out of balance, it throws everything off and nutrition can help bring the body back into balance to regain normal functions.  

The Carlisle County Drug Court program collaborated with the Carlisle County Extension Nutrition Education Education Program Assistant to offer monthly programs to recovering addicts in order to learn better nutrition, resource management, and physical activity to nineteen participants utilizing the Healthy Choices curriculum, using ice breaker games, power points, and hands-on cooking.   

100% of the graduated families had a positive change and consumed a diet of higher quality by increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, consuming 89% fewer sodas, and 78% fewer sweetened beverages.  Food safety was improved by 80% by cleaning surfaces, using a thermometer, and proper defrosting of meats.  67% of the families increased the number of days for physical activity, strength training and making changes in their daily routine.  Food resource management was improved by 75% of families learned to cook meals at home, plan meals ahead of time, check the food on hand, and use a grocery list to guide their purchases.  

One client stated, “I now enjoy preparing my family’s meals at home before we would just grab something out.”