Online alcohol and other drug courses can vary considerably in their purpose, content and how they are delivered.

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Some provide general education about alcohol and other drug use. Others form part of counselling, treatment or a broader support program. Some are completed independently, while others involve contact with a health professional or alcohol and drug worker.

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Before enrolling, it can be useful to understand exactly what a course provides and whether it is appropriate for what you are looking for.

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What is the purpose of the course?

A useful starting point is to consider why you are looking for an alcohol and drug course.

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You may be looking to:

• better understand your own patterns of substance use

• learn about triggers and cravings

• develop strategies for responding to high-risk situations

• strengthen changes you have already made

• complete structured alcohol and drug education

• undertake a program in connection with a legal matter

 

Different courses are designed for different purposes. Understanding what you want from a program can help you consider whether its content and format are relevant to your circumstances.

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What does the course actually cover?

Course titles alone do not always tell you what participants will learn.

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Before enrolling, look for a clear description of the topics covered. An alcohol and drug course may include areas such as:

• understanding patterns of alcohol or drug use

• motivation and reasons for change

• identifying triggers and high-risk situations

• understanding cravings and urges

• strategies for responding to difficult situations

• personal values and goals

• setbacks and relapse prevention

• planning for maintaining change

 

A detailed course outline can help you understand the scope of the program before deciding whether to enrol.

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Who developed the course?

It can be useful to know who developed the program and what relevant professional background or experience they bring to the subject.

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This does not mean that a particular professional title automatically makes one course suitable for every person. However, clear information about the person or organisation responsible for the course can help you make a more informed decision about the program you are considering.

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You may also want to look at whether the course clearly explains its purpose, scope and limitations.

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Is the course education or treatment?

This is an important distinction.

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A self-directed online psychoeducation course generally provides information, structured learning and opportunities for personal reflection. It does not necessarily provide individual assessment, counselling or psychological treatment.

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Other online programs may involve direct contact with clinicians or alcohol and drug professionals.

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Before enrolling, check whether the course provides:

• self-directed education

• individual professional support

• group sessions

• assessment

• counselling or treatment

 

This can help ensure that your expectations match what the program actually provides.

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How is the course delivered?

Online courses may use different combinations of:

• videos

• written lessons

• downloadable resources

• reflective activities

• practical exercises

• quizzes or knowledge checks

 

Some people may prefer a highly structured program, while others may value the ability to work independently and revisit material when needed.

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It is also worth checking whether the course is self-paced, how long access is provided and whether there are deadlines for completion.

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Does the course clearly explain its limitations?

A responsible online alcohol and drug course should make it clear what it does and does not provide.

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For example, a self-directed educational program is not a substitute for medical care, withdrawal management, crisis support or individual psychological treatment.

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People who require more intensive, personalised or medically supervised support should seek assistance from an appropriate health professional or specialist alcohol and drug service.

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Is completion documentation available?

Some people may want documentation showing that they have completed a program.

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Before enrolling, check:

• whether a certificate of completion is available

• what requirements must be met before it is issued

• whether any additional completion documentation is offered

• whether there are additional fees associated with documentation

 

If you are completing a program in connection with a legal matter, you should also speak with your lawyer about what type of program or documentation may be relevant to your individual circumstances.

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Completing an alcohol and drug course does not guarantee any particular legal outcome.

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Should you choose a short or comprehensive program?

The length of a course does not necessarily tell you whether it is appropriate for your circumstances.

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A shorter program may suit someone seeking focused education across key areas, while a more comprehensive program may provide an opportunity to explore a broader range of topics in greater depth.

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It can be more useful to consider the actual content of the course, the level of reflection involved and what you are hoping to gain from participating.

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Is an online course suitable for everyone?

No single format will be appropriate for everyone.

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A self-paced online course may suit people who want structured education that they can complete independently. Other people may benefit from individual counselling, specialist AOD treatment, medical support or a more intensive program.

 

The most appropriate form of support will depend on the person's circumstances and needs.

 

Choosing between The Wagon programs

The Wagon provides two self-paced online alcohol and other drug psychoeducation options.

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The Wagon is the comprehensive 10-module program, covering patterns of substance use, motivation for change, triggers, cravings, coping strategies, values, setbacks and relapse prevention.

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The Essentials is a shorter 5-module program focused on key areas including insight into substance use, motivation, triggers, cravings and responding to setbacks.

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Both programs are completed independently online and are educational in nature.

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They do not provide individual psychological treatment, medical care, withdrawal management or personalised legal advice.

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Written by Jay Beckley, Registered Psychologist