Success StoryA Healthier Lifestyle in Addiction Recovery



A Healthier Lifestyle in Addiction Recovery

Author: Stacey Stephens

Planning Unit: Harrison County CES

Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

   According to the position of The American Dietetic Association on the National Institutes of Health website. Nutrition has a positive impact on the rate and quality of physical recovery. This prepares individuals to function at a higher level in treatment. Improved nutritional status can make treatment more effective, while reducing drug and alcohol cravings; thereby preventing relapse. The American Dietetic Association state those individuals entering addiction recovery have irregular eating habits as well as a poor diet. The position of the American Dietetic Association points out attention to food and nutrition intake behaviors will aid the overall goal of quality sobriety and relapse prevention.

   To assist in the successful recovery for addiction through a healthier diet. The Harrison County Extension Service's Nutrition Education Program Assistant for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program partnered with My Turning Point Recovery. The patients were offered and eight-week Healthy Choices for Every Body series. During the eight-week education series participants learned the importance of a healthy diet, physical activity, as well as the importance of less sugar intake.

   At the end of the eight-week series, six participants improved their nutrition by utilizing the My Plate model and using the skills they learned to prepare delicious, healthy, and easy to make recipes. After completion of the series. 83% of participants were eating more vegetables and incorporated 30 minutes of physical activity into their daily routine, and 100% added fruit to their daily diet.

   Several participants in the group say going to the grocery is more fun. They enjoy reading nutrition labels, which now helps them ear healthier. In effort to reduce sugar consumption, participants state they have decreased their daily soda intake. The education series graduates now encourage other patients to attend Healthy Choices for Every Body classes.







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