Substance abuse increases the risk of malnutrition because users only rely on their drug of choice in replacement of food, drugs and other substances can cause the body to lose the ability to absorb the nutrients from food, and they often lose the sensation of hunger from prolong abuse causing them to not feel hungry. As people recover from addiction they start to replace drugs with food causing weight gain as a result of unhealthy eating habits. Rowan County SNAP Education decided to host nutrition classes at Blue Sky Recovery in order to aid women in recovery to make healthier choices and to educate those dedicated to live a healthier life after years of abuse.  

            In these classes women learn about a curriculum called Healthy Choices that has seven lessons such as My Plate, Know Your Limits, Reading Labels, Breakfast made Easy, Budgeting, Food Safety, and Meal planning. These classes each provide information about nutrition and physical activity that help guides the women into making better choices with not only their eating habits but with their physical activity. After each class the women get to prepare a healthy recipe to show that not only healthy food can be delicious but also nutritious as well. Which ultimately was a success because the women loved trying new recipes especially ones that were healthy in an effort to improve their well-being. One woman decided to cut out sugary drinks after drinking “6 cans a day.” Ever since she finished her classes she no longer had any sugary sodas and plans not to in her future.

As a result of these classes women at Blue Sky Recovery improved in multiple Webneer categories. These categories include eating more fruit and vegetables, drink regular soda less often, and exercise for at least 30 minutes. Because of these classes women are benefiting from a healthy diet which is also reducing their risk of chronic illnesses and better health.