Yes. Some alcohol and other drug programs can be completed online.

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Online AOD programs vary considerably in their purpose, structure and level of support. Some involve contact with a health professional or alcohol and drug worker, while others are self-directed educational programs that participants complete independently.

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Whether an online program is suitable will depend on the individual, the reason they are participating and the level of support they require.

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What is an online AOD program?

An online AOD program provides alcohol and other drug education or support through an online platform rather than requiring participants to attend a particular location.

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Depending on the program, participants may work through written material, videos, activities, reflective exercises or other educational resources.

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Some programs are completed over a set timeframe, while self-paced programs allow participants to work through the material according to their own schedule.

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It is important to understand what a particular program provides before enrolling. An online educational program is not necessarily the same as individual counselling, psychological treatment or a specialist alcohol and drug treatment service.

 

What can an online alcohol and drug program cover?

The content will depend on the purpose of the program, but common areas may include:

• understanding patterns of alcohol or drug use

• recognising triggers and high-risk situations

• understanding cravings and urges

• exploring motivation and reasons for change

• developing strategies for responding to difficult situations

• understanding setbacks and relapse

• identifying personal values and goals

• planning for maintaining change

 

Some programs may also include individual assessment or professional support, while others focus specifically on education and self-reflection.

 

What are the advantages of completing an AOD program online?

For some people, an online format may provide a practical way to access structured AOD education.

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A self-paced online program may allow participants to:

• complete the material from their own location

• work through the content according to their own schedule

• revisit educational material when needed

• complete structured activities privately

• access a program when attending regular face-to-face sessions may be difficult

 

However, convenience alone does not mean that an online program will be suitable for every person or every situation.

 

When might an online program not be enough?

A self-directed online AOD program does not provide the same level of support as individual treatment or a specialist alcohol and drug service.

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People who require medical assessment, withdrawal management, individual psychological treatment, crisis support or more intensive alcohol and drug treatment should seek assistance from an appropriate health professional or specialist service.

An educational program may also be used alongside other forms of professional support where appropriate.

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Can you complete an online AOD program for a legal matter?

Some people choose to complete an alcohol and drug program when substance use has been connected with a legal matter.

 

An online format may provide a way to independently undertake structured AOD education. However, different legal matters have different requirements, and completing a particular program does not guarantee that it will be accepted for a particular purpose or result in any specific legal outcome.

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Anyone considering completing an AOD program in connection with a current legal matter should seek advice from their lawyer about their individual circumstances.

 

How do you choose an online alcohol and drug program?

Before enrolling, it can be useful to consider:

• who developed the program

• what topics are covered

• whether the program is educational or provides individual treatment

• how the program is delivered

• whether participants work independently or receive professional support

• how long access to the program is provided

• whether any completion documentation is available, if this is important to you

 

The most appropriate option will depend on what the person is looking for and the type of support they need.

 

Completing The Wagon online

The Wagon is a psychologist-developed, self-paced online alcohol and other drug psychoeducation program.

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The program provides structured education and reflective activities covering areas including patterns of substance use, motivation for change, triggers, cravings, coping strategies, setbacks and relapse prevention.

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Participants complete the program independently online and can work through the material at their own pace.

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The Wagon is educational in nature. It does not provide individual psychological treatment, medical care, withdrawal management or personalised legal advice.

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Written by Jay Beckley, Registered Psychologist