Alcohol and Other Drugs Program
About Alcohol and Other Drugs Program
This is a skills based program aimed at providing the strategies to manage urges and cravings and learn skilful ways to deal with issues often linked with addictions. The program runs twice a day for 90 minute sessions over three weeks. The program is based on the principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
This program may be suitable for you if:
- If you experience cravings and urges to engage in substance use or behavioural addictions.
- If you are wanting to cut back or stop your substance use and are struggling to do so.
- If your drug or alcohol use has started to affect your judgement, relationships or general health and wellbeing.
- If you are having difficulty fulfilling the different roles in your life e.g. work, family due to your alcohol and or substance use.
Program content
- Understanding Mood Disorders
- Understanding Anxiety Disorders
- Unhelp Thinking
- Challenging Beliefs
- Managing Distress
- Understanding and Managing Emotions
- Behavioural Activation
- Maintaining a Balanced Lifestyle
- Creating a Wellness Plan
What you will experience
Throughout this program you will participate in group sessions. The group will be led by a qualified allied health professional who will support group participants to share lived experiences, and to learn practical skills and evidence-based strategies for managing and reducing addiction behaviours. Once you complete a session, you will have time to practice your new skill before the next session.
Treatment objectives
Objective 1
Understanding addiction - Learn about why you may engage in addictive behaviours and develop strategies to increase motivation to make positive changes.
Objective 2
Understanding triggers, urges and cravings and learning strategies to manage and cope.
Objective 3
Understanding the cognitive model of addiction - Learn the impact thoughts have on mood and behaviours and how to challenge thoughts which perpetuate addiction.
Objective 4
Develop a healthy social support network - learn strategies to communicate effectively and develop healthy boundaries.
Objective 5
Understanding emotions - Develop emotional regulation and distress tolerance strategies to avoid self- medication.
Objective 6
Explore the concepts of identity and esteem - Working to develop a sense of identity and improve self-esteem and self-acceptance.
What's included
Education
To develop or refine new skills and strategies.
Workbooks
To guide you though education, reflection and exercises designed to tackle your symptoms.
Action Plan
Step-by-step activities to help you put new skills into practice.
Progress Tracking
Questionnaires to help you monitor your symptoms and/or progress.
Extra Resources
Tools to help you overcome common challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
South Coast Private has contract arrangements and approved programs with majority of private health funds, however, there may be some out of pocket expenses based on your level of cover. Patients that do not have private health insurance need to contact us to obtain cost estimate for day programs attendance.
Who will find this program helpful?
The program is for patients whose primary concern relates to the abuse and/or dependence on substances(both illicit and prescription) and gambling. This program also targets associated mood and anxiety disorders which commonly co-occur with substance misuse.
