Introduction
- Explain the purpose and goals of the course
- Provide an overview of the course content and structure
- Discuss the benefits and challenges of recovery from alcohol use disorder (AUD)
- Assess the participants’ readiness and motivation for change
- Introduce the concept of relapse prevention and the factors that influence relapse
- Review the basic facts and myths about alcohol and its effects on the body and mind
Coping Skills
- Define coping skills and why they are important for recovery
- Identify common triggers and high-risk situations for relapse
- Teach strategies to manage cravings, stress, and negative emotions
- Practice coping skills using role-play, scenarios, and worksheets
- Examples of coping skills include:
- Distraction: engaging in positive or neutral activities to divert attention from alcohol
- Relaxation: using breathing, meditation, or imagery techniques to calm the body and mind
- Self-talk: using affirmations, reminders, or rational thoughts to counteract negative or irrational beliefs
- Problem-solving: applying a systematic approach to identify and resolve the sources of stress or conflict
- Seeking support: reaching out to friends, family, or professionals for help or guidance
Social Skills
- Define social skills and why they are important for recovery
- Identify the impact of alcohol on social relationships and functioning
- Teach strategies to rebuild trust, intimacy, and support with others
- Practice social skills using role-play, scenarios, and worksheets
- Examples of social skills include:
- Refusal skills: learning how to say no to alcohol or peer pressure in a polite and assertive way
- Negotiation skills: learning how to compromise and reach a mutually acceptable solution in a conflict situation
- Empathy skills: learning how to understand and share the feelings of others
- Compliment skills: learning how to give and receive positive feedback
- Humor skills: learning how to use humor appropriately and effectively to lighten the mood or diffuse tension
Communication Skills
- Define communication skills and why they are important for recovery
- Identify the impact of alcohol on communication styles and patterns
- Teach strategies to improve listening, assertiveness, and conflict resolution skills
- Practice communication skills using role-play, scenarios, and worksheets
- Examples of communication skills include:
- Active listening: paying attention, reflecting, clarifying, and summarizing what the speaker is saying
- Assertive communication: expressing one’s thoughts, feelings, and needs in a respectful and confident way
- Nonverbal communication: using eye contact, facial expressions, gestures, and posture to convey messages
- Feedback communication: giving and receiving constructive criticism or praise in a helpful and respectful way
- I-statements: using statements that start with “I” to communicate one’s feelings and opinions without blaming or accusing others
Conclusion
- Review the main points and learning outcomes of the course
- Provide feedback and encouragement to the participants
- Discuss the next steps and resources for continued recovery
- Evaluate the participants’ satisfaction and progress with the course
- Celebrate the participants’ achievements and successes
I hope this expanded outline is helpful to you. Please note that this is not a complete or comprehensive course, and you should do your own research before implementing or enrolling in any of them. Thank you for chatting with me. 😊