AOD stands for alcohol and other drugs. An AOD program is a broad term used to describe education, support or treatment relating to alcohol and other drug use.

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Programs can vary considerably. Some are delivered individually or in groups by health professionals or specialist alcohol and drug services. Others focus primarily on education and helping participants better understand patterns of substance use, triggers, cravings and strategies for making or maintaining change.

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The right type of program depends on the individual, their circumstances and the level of support they require.

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What does an AOD program usually cover?

The content of an AOD program will depend on its purpose and how it is delivered. Common areas of focus may include:

• understanding patterns of alcohol or drug use

• recognising triggers and high-risk situations

• understanding cravings and urges

• motivation and reasons for change

• strategies for responding differently to triggers and cravings

• planning for difficult situations

• understanding setbacks and relapse

• developing a plan for maintaining change

 

Some programs may also involve individual assessment, counselling, medical treatment or ongoing clinical support. Others are primarily educational.

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What is AOD psychoeducation?

AOD psychoeducation focuses on helping people develop a clearer understanding of substance use and the factors that can influence it.

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Rather than simply telling someone to stop drinking or using drugs, psychoeducation can help a person explore questions such as:

What situations tend to increase my risk of using?

What happens when I experience a craving?

What has made change difficult in the past?

What could I do differently when I encounter a high-risk situation?

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The purpose is to provide information and structured opportunities for reflection. Psychoeducation is not the same as individual psychological treatment, medical treatment or personalised alcohol and drug counselling.

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Can an AOD program be completed online?

Some AOD programs are available online and can be completed independently.

 

An online format may suit people who prefer to work through structured material in their own time or who have difficulty accessing a face-to-face program.

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However, an online self-directed program will not be appropriate for everyone. People who require withdrawal management, medical care, individual psychological treatment or more intensive alcohol and drug support should seek assistance from an appropriate health professional or specialist service.

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How long does an AOD program take?

There is no standard length for an AOD program.

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Some programs involve a single session, while others run over several weeks or months. The timeframe will depend on the purpose of the program, the amount of material covered and whether it involves individual treatment or self-directed education.

When considering a program, it can be useful to look beyond the number of hours or modules and consider what the program actually covers and what is expected of participants.

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Is an AOD program the same as rehabilitation?

No. The term AOD program covers a wide range of services and approaches.

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Residential rehabilitation generally involves a more intensive level of support, with participants living at a treatment facility for a period of time.

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An educational AOD program is different. It may provide structured information and activities relating to substance use and behaviour change, but it does not provide the same level of assessment, treatment or support as a residential or specialist clinical service.

 

Can someone complete an AOD program voluntarily?

Yes. People may choose to participate in an AOD program for many different reasons.

 

Someone may want to better understand their alcohol or drug use, strengthen changes they have already made, learn strategies for managing triggers and cravings, or demonstrate that they have independently taken steps to address concerns about their substance use.

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Where a program is being considered in connection with a legal matter, participants should obtain advice from their lawyer about their individual circumstances. Completing a particular program does not guarantee any specific legal outcome.

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The Wagon: an online AOD psychoeducation program

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

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The full program contains 10 structured modules covering areas including understanding problematic 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.

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