recovery and psycho-educational groups

1. Introduction to Addiction (Symptomatic progression of Addiction)
• How addiction can be a disease in the causal model.
• Progression of physiological symptoms such as tolerance, withdrawal damage to organs, etc.
• Progression of negative side effects with continued use such as academic problems, legal problems, strained relationships, etc.



2. Addiction and the Brain (Basic neurobiology of addiction)
• Information about basic brain and neuron structure.
• Introduction to common neurotransmitters and how they function in the "reward center" of the brain. Introduction to how neurotransmitters function.
• Discussion on how the "reward center" of the brain functions in addiction.



3. Addictive Thinking (Distorted perceptions of reality)
• Explanation on how denial and "sincere delusion" enable the addicted person to continue using drugs in spite of evidence that indicates continued use would be harmful.
• Referencing to biology of disease to remove shame and/or guilt from the addictive behaviors.
• How the 12 Step model and other treatment models help the addicted person take responsibility for the actions and "clean up the wreckage of their past."



4. Identifying Feelings (Improving emotional health and constructive emoting)
• Assistance in identifying the numerous words used to describe feelings. This helps increasing the persons vocabulary so they have more ways to communicate their feelings.
• Discussion about how emotions do not need to dictate actions/behaviors. How rational thinking can be used to take different actions/behaviors despite emotional discomfort.
• Learning to express emotions in constructively. This not only covers verabal communication but emoting through physiological means.



5. Stress Management (Improving skills to cope with daily stressors)
• Instruction on new coping skills such as open mindedness, tolerance, and increase in self esteem.
• Using cognitive behavioral approaches to choose alternative actions/behaviors to reduce stress resulting from impulsive behaviors.
• Instruction on various techniques such as meditation, breath work, positive self-talk, time management to reduce stress.



6. Assertive Communication (Active listening and communicating needs and feelings constructively)
• " I feel Statements"
• Active Listening
• Communicating needs, wants and feelings constructively



7. Introduction to Twelve Steps
• Accessibility of 12 step support groups
• Science of 12 steps
• Relate Steps to Wilderness



8. Prayer, Meditation, and Spirituality
• Value of prayer
• Value of meditation
• Introduction to basic concepts of prayer and meditation



9. Trans Theoretical Model (Stages of change)
• Stages of change.
• Increasing motivation to change
• Removing obstacles to change



10. Relapse Prevention
• Warning signs
• Triggers
• Preparation for re-integration

Drug Abuse Treatment Center - Drug Abuse Treatment for Young Adults- Drug Abuse Treatment for Adults