According to drugabuse.gov, in 2018 there were 989 deaths that involved opioids in Kentucky. Kentucky has above-average written prescriptions for opioids by provides at a rate of 79.5 per every 100 prescriptions written in 2018. The same year across the United States the rate was at 51.4 per 100 prescriptions written. Opioids have affected many families across Kentucky in some form or another. Opioid users can lose interest in activities, have a change in eating habits, miss work or school, become tired or sad, sleep odd hours, spend time alone, and have marks on their body of abuse usage. The use of opioids and other sources of illicit drugs can have a negative impact on the body, putting the user more at risk for other chronic health issues.

Shepherd’s Shelter is an all-male rehab treatment center located in Montgomery County, Kentucky that has partnered with Kentucky State University SNAP-Ed Program. Since the partnership over the last few years, the SNAP-Ed Assistant has been providing weekly nutrition lessons to the guys and encourage physical activity. While the in-person class was taking place, walking challenges were provided by the SNAP-ED Assistant to make sure physical activity was being encouraged throughout the week. However, due to COVID 19 in-person classes have not taken place since March and physical activity has been a little more challenging. Since SNAP-Ed changed to an online weekly programming in May 2020, physical activity and healthy eating habits have been encouraged to all participates with an average of 12 participants weekly. The guys have learned their total calorie intake versus their calorie output, and to stay within their recommended nutrition guidelines. During the MyPlate lesson, they figure their calorie intake by their age, gender, and activity level. They see the more activity they are the more calories they are allotted. Some of the guys enter the facility having inadequate eating habits and physical activity.

Since the online programming, the guys as a group at Shepherd’s Shelter do two workout routines daily to an aerobic video.  One guy will take lead to the video and the other guys will follow along with each movement. This allows the guys to have an average of 45 minutes throughout the day of physical activity. With the increase of physical activity the reduced rate of turnover for participates leaving Shepherd’s Shelter has decreased. With the fight against addiction, the body and mind crave the substance that was producing endorphins within the brain and has that high feeling. The vigorous exercise also releases endorphins causing an effect such as the chemical “high” but less intense than drug usages. Exercise helps the guys mentally deal with anxiety, depression, and withdrawals. It also helps the guys improve better sleeping patterns, build muscle, improve circulation, and have better control over weight. Increasing the physical activity and having a better quality diet the guys are reducing their risk for chronic diseases. With all participates in SNAP-Ed Nutrition programming at Shepherd’s Shelter, 39% had met recommended practices in physical activities.