Training Course on Addiction and Recovery Support Services

Module 1: Understanding Addiction
Objective: Build a comprehensive foundation of the biological, psychological, and social aspects of addiction.
Detailed Content:
Conceptual Frameworks of Addiction
Disease model vs. moral model vs. biopsychosocial model.
Addiction as a chronic relapsing condition.
Behavioral addictions (e.g., gambling, gaming, pornography, internet).
Neurobiology of Addiction
Brain structures involved: amygdala, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex.
Dopamine reward pathways and tolerance development.
The cycle of craving, binge, withdrawal, and relapse.
Psychological Perspectives
Self-medication hypothesis.
Role of trauma, attachment issues, and coping deficits.
Personality traits and impulsivity.
Social and Cultural Contexts
Peer influence and normalization of substance use.
Poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion as risk factors.
Cross-cultural variations in addictive behaviors.
Impact of Addiction
Health outcomes: liver disease, HIV/AIDS, mental health disorders.
Family disruption, violence, child neglect.
Economic costs: healthcare burden, workplace losses.
Practical Activity: Group exercise mapping the biopsychosocial risk factors for a case scenario of a teenager developing substance dependence.

Module 2: Screening, Assessment, and Diagnosis
Objective: Equip participants with systematic approaches to identify and classify addiction.
Detailed Content:
Early Warning Signs
Behavioral red flags: lying, withdrawal, risk-taking.
Physical indicators: weight changes, sleep disturbances, poor hygiene.
Social patterns: school/work absenteeism, conflict with peers/family.
Screening Tools and Protocols
CAGE questionnaire for alcohol dependence.
AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test).
DAST (Drug Abuse Screening Test).
ASSIST (WHO Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test).
Diagnostic Frameworks
DSM-5 substance use disorder criteria (mild, moderate, severe).
ICD-11 coding for substance-related and addictive disorders.
Differential diagnosis (substance-induced vs. primary psychiatric conditions).
Risk Assessment
Identifying co-occurring disorders (dual diagnosis).
Suicide and self-harm risk screening.
Violence risk assessment.
Family and Community Input
Engaging caregivers in assessment.
Gathering collateral information.
Practical Activity: Simulation where participants conduct a structured interview with a “client” role-play, using AUDIT or DAST.

Module 3: Treatment Approaches and Recovery Pathways
Objective: Explore multiple evidence-based interventions for supporting recovery.
Detailed Content:
Acute Management
Detoxification protocols.
Managing withdrawal symptoms (alcohol withdrawal, opioid withdrawal).
Safe prescribing of benzodiazepines for detox.
Pharmacological Interventions
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT):
Methadone, buprenorphine (opioid substitution therapy).
Naltrexone (opioid/alcohol dependence).
Disulfiram and acamprosate (alcohol dependence).
Challenges: adherence, stigma, access.
Psychosocial Interventions
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for relapse prevention.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) to build readiness to change.
Contingency Management (reward systems).
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for high-risk clients.
Peer and Community-Based Programs
12-Step Programs (AA, NA).
SMART Recovery and secular alternatives.
Faith-based and cultural recovery models.
Harm Reduction Strategies
Needle/syringe exchange programs.
Safe consumption facilities.
Naloxone distribution for overdose prevention.
Practical Activity: Small-group role-play practicing motivational interviewing with a client resistant to entering treatment.

Module 4: Recovery-Oriented Support Services
Objective: Highlight long-term support systems that sustain recovery.
Detailed Content:
Principles of Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC)
Person-centered and strength-based approaches.
Recovery capital: personal, social, community resources.
Peer-led recovery support.
Relapse Prevention Strategies
Identifying triggers and high-risk situations.
Coping skills training (stress management, mindfulness).
Creating a relapse prevention plan.
Family-Centered Support
Family therapy and psychoeducation.
Support groups for families (e.g., Al-Anon).
Addressing intergenerational addiction cycles.
Community Reintegration
Employment readiness and vocational training.
Transitional housing and sober living homes.
Educational re-engagement for adolescents/young adults.
Digital and Technology-Based Recovery
Online support groups and tele-recovery.
Mobile apps for self-monitoring cravings and triggers.
Practical Activity: Workshop to design a personalized relapse prevention and recovery support plan for a sample client.

Module 5: Policy, Ethics, and Community Engagement
Objective: Promote ethical practice, advocacy, and systemic change.
Detailed Content:
Policy Frameworks
National drug and alcohol control policies.
WHO guidelines on substance use disorders.
Global harm reduction movement.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Confidentiality and informed consent in addiction services.
Mandatory reporting and involuntary treatment debates.
Ethical dilemmas: autonomy vs. protection.
Cultural Competence in Addiction Services
Tailoring interventions to cultural values and community beliefs.
Indigenous and traditional healing practices.
Community Engagement and Advocacy
Mobilizing recovery-friendly communities.
Advocacy campaigns to reduce stigma.
Partnerships with NGOs, schools, and law enforcement.
Provider Well-Being and Self-Care
Preventing burnout and compassion fatigue.
Peer supervision and reflective practice.
Capstone Activity: Participants design a community-based recovery program proposal, integrating prevention, treatment, and long-term support