Alcohol & Drug Program Content and Curriculum

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

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)

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

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

What this module covers: Module 5 targets the thinking patterns that can sabotage progress—especially during stress, cravings, or after a slip. You’ll learn to identify cognitive traps and apply CBT + ACT skills to respond differently. You’ll learn about: Why “thoughts aren’t facts” (and why your mind produces so many) Common cognitive traps CBT tools: checking accuracy, balanced reframing ACT tools: defusion (unhooking from thoughts) Daily practices to make flexible thinking automatic Intended outcomes: Less shame spiralling and “what’s the point” thinking More emotional stability under pressure Better decision-making when cravings hit

What this module covers: Module 6 builds emotional resilience—because negative emotional states are one of the biggest drivers of lapse/relapse. You’ll learn how emotions work, how they fit inside CBT and ACT models. You’ll learn about: What emotions are How emotions drive urges and coping choice You'll learn how to regulate intense emotion without using substances to escape. Building a personal Emotion Coping Plan for your common triggers Intended outcomes: Better tolerance of anxiety, shame, anger, loneliness, stress Reduced emotional “reactivity” More stable progress across tough weeks

What this module covers: Module 7 addresses one of the most common high-risk relapse pathways: interpersonal conflict and disconnection. You’ll learn how relationship stress fuels cravings, identify thinking/communication traps, and build practical communication skills. You’ll learn about: How relationships can protect or increase relapse risk Communication traps Thinking traps that escalate conflict Values-based communication skills Emotion management skills in relationship moments Building a supportive network (connection as relapse protection) Intended outcomes: Better boundaries and fewer conflict spirals More support around you (less isolation) Improved resilience in high-stress interpersonal moments

What this module covers: Module 8 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

What this module covers: Module 9 is about building a life that supports change. You’ll create sustainable lifestyle supports, routines, and resilience plans so progress holds up through stress, disruptions, and low-motivation phases. This is where your skills become a long-term way of living. You’ll learn about: Why long-term change is a process, not a finish line Lifestyle factors that reduce relapse vulnerability Building a resilient routine  Managing setbacks and life stressors with a resilience plan Shaping your ongoing support pathway after the program Intended outcomes: A realistic routine you can stick with Better recovery from disruptions A “whole life” relapse prevention approach

What this module covers: Module 10 consolidates everything you’ve learned into a clear, personalised plan. You’ll reflect on progress, identify what has changed, and create a forward plan that’s realistic, values-based, and supportive—especially for the next 3–6 months. This module is designed to help you keep momentum, keep practicing, and keep moving forward even when motivation dips. You’ll likely include: A guided reflection: what tools worked best for you (and when) Your personal relapse prevention “toolkit” Your updated values and reasons for change Early warning signs + what you’ll do when they show up Support plan: who/what you’ll lean on and how A simple maintenance routine you can actually keep