For Individuals in recovery from addiction, maintaining a healthy diet and being physically active can play an important role in the recovery process.  Nutrition education has been positively associated with substance abuse treatment outcomes(Journal of American Dietetic Association, 2004)  

In an effort to improve nutrition and physical activity practices with the Substance Abuse Program (SAP) in Oldham County, the Oldham County Nutrition Education Program Assistant partnered with the program to bring healthy lifestyle changes to the SAP participants.  The Healthy Choices for Everybody curriculum, consisting of 7 lessons, was used.  The participants were taught the importance of exercise for a healthy mind and that you are what you eat.  At the conclusion of the program, 63% of participants exercised for at least 30 minutes more days a week, 88% strengthened muscles more days a week, and 89% made small changes to be active more often.