Question 1

Module 1 — Understanding Substance Use

Accepted Answer

What this module covers:

Module 1 builds a clear, shame-free understanding of how problematic substance use develops and why it’s so hard to shift. You’ll explore patterns of use over time, what substance use has been doing for you (its “function”), and the short-term vs long-term costs that can keep people stuck. This module helps you move from self-criticism to clarity—because understanding the pattern is the first step to changing it.

You’ll learn about:
What “problematic substance use” can look like (beyond labels)
How habits form and why they become automatic
The role of coping, reinforcement, stress, and emotional relief
Why willpower alone often fails (and what works instead)
How to start mapping your own “use pattern” with honesty and self-respect

Intended outcomes:
Better insight into your triggers, motivations, and risk points
Less shame, more self-understanding and direction
A foundation for relapse prevention skills in later modules

Question 2

Module 2 — Ch-Ch-Changes: Making or Maintaining Change

Accepted Answer

What this module covers:

Module 2 focuses on how change actually happens—and why it often feels messy, slow, or frustrating. You’ll explore motivation without guilt, understand ambivalence (wanting change and not wanting change at the same time), and use values to build a stronger “why” that lasts.

You’ll learn about:
Why change can be hard even when you genuinely want it
Ambivalence and the “two sides” of substance use
Clarifying your values and connecting them to change for long-term motivation

Intended outcomes:
Reduced self-blame and more realistic expectations
Stronger intrinsic motivation
A clearer plan for maintaining change (not just starting)

Question 3

Module 3 — Identifying Triggers and High-Risk Situations

Accepted Answer

What this module covers:

Module 3 begins the “skills and tools” phase. You’ll learn how triggers work, how high-risk situations form, and how to map your personal patterns using the CBT Cycle. You’ll also be introduced to practical mindfulness skills to create space between a trigger and a reaction.

You’ll learn about:
The CBT Cycle and how it explains relapse risk
Mindfulness as a real-world skill (not “perfect calm”)
External vs internal triggers (people/places vs thoughts/emotions/body sensations)
Four common high-risk categories: negative emotions, conflict, social pressure, positive states
How to map and prioritise your personal trigger patterns

Intended outcomes:
You can spot risk earlier (before it escalates)
You can plan for high-risk contexts with confidence
You build “choice points” instead of autopilot

Question 4

Module 4 — Craving and Urge Management

Accepted Answer

What this module covers:

Module 4 teaches you how cravings work in the mind and body and how to respond without fighting yourself. You’ll learn the Craving Cycle and build practical strategies to manage urges.

You’ll learn about:
What cravings and urges are (and why they are normal)
How conditioning strengthens craving responses over time
The Craving Cycle and how to interrupt it
Urge management 
Handling strong or unexpected urges with “micro-strategies” and support plans

Intended outcomes:
Fewer “I must act now” moments
Better tolerance of discomfort without relapse
More confidence in high-risk moments

Question 5

Module 5 — Bouncing Back from Setbacks

Accepted Answer

What this module covers:

Module 5 reframes lapses as a moment in a process—not proof you’ve failed. You’ll learn the relapse process model, and build a practical lapse management plan so you know exactly what to do if you wobble.

You’ll learn about:
Lapse vs relapse 
Relapse as a process (multiple choice points)
Planning for lapses: coping responses + support contacts + next steps
The Abstinence Violation Effect (AVE) (“I’ve blown it” spiral) and how to interrupt it
Strengthening formal + informal support systems

Practical outcomes:
Faster recovery after setbacks
Less shame-driven escalation
More consistency and long-term stability

AOD Program for Court-Related Matters

A psychologist-developed online AOD program with structured engagement and documentation for legal matters

What is The Wagon - The Essentials?

Course Completion Timeframes

Topics Covered

Module 1 — Understanding Substance Use

Module 2 — Ch-Ch-Changes: Making or Maintaining Change

Module 3 — Identifying Triggers and High-Risk Situations

Module 4 — Craving and Urge Management

Module 5 — Bouncing Back from Setbacks

Sample Lesson of Module 4 - Urge Surfing.

Fee

Documentation - Participation or Completion Letter

How to Get Started

FAQs

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Will this be Accepted by the Court?

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