Addiction, Substance Use, and Recovery Support Training Course

Course Introduction
Addiction and substance use disorders are complex public health challenges affecting individuals, families, and communities worldwide. This Addiction, Substance Use, and Recovery Support Training Course equips participants with knowledge and practical skills to understand, prevent, and support recovery from substance-related disorders.
Substance use can have profound physical, psychological, and social consequences, including disrupted relationships, reduced productivity, and co-occurring mental health conditions. The course emphasizes understanding the biopsychosocial determinants of addiction and the importance of holistic, evidence-based interventions.
Participants will gain insight into the neurobiology of addiction, risk factors, and the progression of substance use disorders. Emphasis is placed on early identification, harm reduction approaches, and recognizing behavioral, emotional, and social indicators of substance misuse.
Practical skills are central to the course, enabling participants to provide empathetic support, facilitate recovery-oriented conversations, and apply motivational strategies. Ethical considerations, confidentiality, and boundaries are emphasized to ensure safe and professional engagement with individuals affected by substance use.
Emerging issues such as polysubstance abuse, prescription medication misuse, digital addiction, and opioid crises are addressed. Participants will also explore strategies for relapse prevention, community-based recovery programs, and integration of mental health and psychosocial support services.
By the end of the training, participants will be able to design and implement recovery support interventions, advocate for substance use prevention, and contribute to building supportive, resilient communities while enhancing their own professional competence in addiction support.

Who Should Attend

• Addiction counselors and recovery support workers
• Health and mental health professionals
• Social workers and community development staff
• NGO and humanitarian program coordinators
• Educators and academic administrators
• Policy makers and public health officials
• Law enforcement and criminal justice personnel
• Human resource and workplace wellbeing professionals
• Caregivers, family support workers, and volunteers
• Anyone interested in substance use prevention and recovery support

Duration

5 days

Course Objectives

• Develop participants’ understanding of the biopsychosocial determinants and risk factors associated with addiction and substance use disorders.
• Equip learners with knowledge of the neurobiology of addiction and the progression of substance use disorders to support early detection and intervention.
• Enhance skills for empathetic communication, active listening, and motivational engagement with individuals affected by substance use.
• Strengthen understanding of ethical considerations, confidentiality, and professional boundaries in addiction support and recovery services.
• Introduce evidence-based prevention strategies targeting at-risk populations, including youth, workplace, and community interventions.
• Build capacity to design and implement recovery-oriented support programs, including harm reduction, relapse prevention, and psychosocial interventions.
• Increase participants’ awareness of emerging issues, including opioid crises, polysubstance abuse, prescription medication misuse, and digital addiction.
• Improve participants’ ability to collaborate with multi-sectoral stakeholders, including health, social services, law enforcement, and community organizations.
• Promote strategies to support family and caregiver involvement in recovery and community reintegration.
• Empower participants to monitor, evaluate, and continuously improve addiction prevention and recovery support initiatives in professional and community settings.

Comprehensive Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Addiction and Substance Use

• Definitions, prevalence, and global trends
• Types of substances and patterns of use
• Social, cultural, and environmental determinants
• Public health and societal impact

Module 2: Neurobiology of Addiction

• Brain mechanisms and reward pathways
• Tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal
• Co-occurring mental health disorders
• Behavioral and psychological manifestations

Module 3: Risk Factors and Early Identification

• Genetic, psychological, and environmental risk factors
• Early warning signs and behavioral indicators
• Vulnerable populations and high-risk groups
• Screening tools and assessment approaches

Module 4: Psychosocial Impact

• Emotional, social, and familial consequences
• Educational and occupational effects
• Community and societal implications
• Stigma and discrimination associated with substance use

Module 5: Prevention Strategies

• Primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention
• Awareness campaigns and community education
• School and workplace prevention programs
• Harm reduction approaches

Module 6: Recovery Support Interventions

• Motivational interviewing and counseling skills
• Relapse prevention and coping strategies
• Peer support and community-based programs
• Integration of mental health services

Module 7: Emerging Issues in Addiction

• Opioid and prescription medication misuse
• Polysubstance abuse and behavioral addictions
• Digital addiction and screen-related behaviors
• Pandemic and crisis-related substance use trends

Module 8: Ethical and Professional Practice

• Confidentiality and informed consent
• Professional boundaries and duty of care
• Cultural sensitivity in addiction support
• Risk management and safeguarding

Module 9: Multi-Sectoral Coordination

• Collaboration with healthcare providers and social services
• Law enforcement and criminal justice considerations
• Community and NGO partnerships
• Case management and referral systems

Module 10: Program Planning and Evaluation

• Designing prevention and recovery initiatives
• Monitoring and evaluating outcomes
• Sustainability and scaling best practices
• Continuous improvement and professional development

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: training@upskilldevelopment.com Tel: +254 721 331 808

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Upskill Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, airport transfers, Upskill gift package and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Upskill certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: training@upskilldevelopment.com, +254 721 331 808

Terms of Payment

Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties payment of the course fee should be done 3 working days before commencement of the training so as to enable us to prepare better