TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Overcoming addiction is not easy.
With September being National Recovery Month, advocates are drawing attention to something you might not think about that can play a critical role in recovery: food insecurity.
Jill Rice, operations director at SENT, Inc. in Topeka’s HiCrest Neighborhood, visited Eye on NE Kansas to explain.
Rice said substance use disorder recovery is about more than clinical treatment and counseling. She said people are more likely to succeed when they are able to meet their basic needs, including food, housing and safety.
Food insecurity adds daily stress, and, Rice said, feeling hungry can make it more difficult to stay committed to recovery.
At SENT, she said the Southside Filling Station food pantry can be an entry point for people to begin their journey to recovery. Rice said people are able to meet an immediate need and build trust with people who can assist them.
For information about SENT and its programs, visit senttopeka.com. They’re located at 455 SE Golf Park Blvd. in Topeka.
Find more mental health resources at www.wibw.com/hearmeseeme.
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