Foundations in Addictions Recovery Course

As part of our mission to EQUIP Christians responding to addictions, ISAAC Living Recovery have developed the Foundations in Addictions Recovery Course

The 10 modules cover the basic knowledge, frameworks, theology and tools that Christians responding to addictions where they are, need to know.

Developed from a university certificate course, our Biblically-based training is delivered by our experienced trainer Mark Wood via video and the learning and group work is facilitated by our trained team. This course will give you the knowledge and tools to work competently, safely, ethically and effectively with people in addictions/recovery. We are excited to share it with you!

Facilitated in-person or online groups (two and a half hours/session)
Videos, discussion and exercises
Access full course or any module
No prior qualification needed
Suitable for staff training, CPD and lifelong-learning
Certificate awarded on completion of each module and full course

For more information and to ask about in-person group bookings please email training@isaac-international.org.

We’d love to connect with you.

Module List and Learning Outcomes

Click on any module title below to read about the desired learning outcomes

Module 1: The Nature of Addiction

Outcome: You will know what constitutes an addiction and the basic causes.
By the end of this session’s learning you can:

1a) Differentiate addiction from ‘normal’ and recreational use of substances and involvement in behaviours.
1b) Describe relevant theories explaining addiction.
1c) Evaluate the nature of substance misuse and addictions in relation to individuals and families.

Module 2: Addictive Substances

Outcome: You will understand ways in which commonly abused substances affect people physically, psychologically, socially and spiritually.

By the end of this session’s learning you can:
2a) Classify different substances according to the main drug groups.
2b) Distinguish the effects of different groups of substances.

Module 3: Holistic, professional care

Outcome: You will understand how to care holistically and professionally for people with addictive behaviour

By the end of this session’s learning you can:
3a) Clarify the relationship of the theology of care and personal spirituality, to drug misuse and the working relationship.
3b) Explain the purpose and scope of relevant standards and priorities in the substance misuse and addiction field.

Module 4: Client-Centred Care and the Working Relationship

Outcome: You will be able to build and develop working relationships with this client group.

By the end of this session’s learning you can:
4a) Summarise how an individual’s rights and personal expression are central to establishing positive working relationships in recovery
4b) Implement appropriate counselling skills in order to build a rapport and grow trust with clients.

Module 5: Behavioural (process) addictions

Outcome: You will be able to build and develop working relationships with this client group.

Outcome: You will understand ways in which commonly abused behaviours affect people physically, psychologically, socially and spiritually.

By the end of this session’s learning you can:
5a) Apply a relevant model to addictions, both substances and behavioural.
5b) Differentiate between the nature and pattern of addictive behaviours.

Module 6: Recovery and change

Outcome: You will understand the concept of recovery and how to promote/facilitate change.

By the end of this session’s learning you can:
6a) Define recovery with reference to the ‘Cycle of change’ diagram.
6b) Illustrate the ‘Cycle of change’ with reference to behavioural examples.
6c) Apply motivational interviewing techniques to nurture client motivation.

Module 7: Addictive thinking and relapse prevention

Outcome: You will understand ‘addictive thinking’ patterns and relapse.
By the end of this session’s learning you can:

7a) Apply knowledge of addictive thinking, including denial, to examples.
7b) Describe the process of relapse.
7c) Implement relapse prevention strategies.

Module 8: Codependency

Outcome: You will know how to recognise and avoid codependency.

By the end of this session’s learning you can:
8a) Define codependency
8b) Analyse the effects of codependency, for self and others.

Module 9: Personal and professional boundaries

Outcome: You will be able to work safely and ethically.

9a) Describe and illustrate how professional boundaries are relevant to working with people with addictive behaviour.
9b) Implement relevant and appropriate boundaries and limits.

Module 10: Assessment and Care Planning

Outcome: You will be able to carry out an assessment in a variety of church-based/community/residential project settings.

10a) Evaluate an individual’s needs to determine the most appropriate method of assessment and related actions.
10b) Distinguish relevant information to inform the development of a comprehensive care plan.
10c) Clarify the processes for working in partnership with statutory and independent sector agencies.