Week Day Topic Objectives Video / Media Worksheet / Handout Facilitator Notes
1. Foundations of Recovery Mon Orientation, Group Norms, Stages of Change Introduce group structure, establish safety, identify current stage of change Stages of Change Explained (YouTube) “My Readiness for Change” Include grounding exercise and group introductions
Tue ASAM Dimensions & Level of Care Learn 6 dimensions and how they guide treatment ASAM Overview (NAADAC video) “Understanding My Needs” self-assessment Encourage self-awareness and honesty
Wed Check-In / Mindfulness & Grounding Develop self-regulation using sensory awareness 5-4-3-2-1 Mindfulness “My Grounding Tools” Practice together in session
Thu Understanding Addiction Identify addiction as a brain disease Pleasure Unwoven “The Hijacked Brain” worksheet Normalize addiction as medical, not moral
Fri Processing Group Reflect on first week experiences N/A Journaling: “What Recovery Means to Me” Reinforce peer support and group cohesion
Day Topic Objectives Video / Media Worksheet / Handout Facilitator Notes
2. Understanding Addiction Mon Brain Chemistry of Addiction Explain dopamine and reward systems Your Brain on Dopamine “Addiction Cycle” diagram Link to relapse prevention
Tue Cross-Addiction & Gambling Identify replacement addictions Cross Addiction in Recovery “My Risk Areas” Explore patterns of substitution
Wed Triggers & Cravings Recognize triggers and coping tools Craving Brain clip Trigger/Response worksheet Roleplay trigger scenarios
Thu HALT & Craving Management Identify hunger, anger, loneliness, tiredness cues HALT Recovery Tool “HALT Self-Check” Encourage daily check-ins
Fri Process Group Integrate coping & awareness — “One Change I’ll Make” Use CBT reflection questions
Day Topic Objectives Video / Media Worksheet / Handout Facilitator Notes
3. Emotional Regulation (DBT Focus) Mon Wise Mind & Mindfulness Learn DBT “Wise Mind” concept Marsha Linehan video “3 States of Mind” worksheet Facilitate guided meditation
Tue Emotion Regulation Skills Identify emotions & opposite action DBT Emotion Reg Skills Emotion Wheel + worksheet Model vulnerability
Wed Shame & Vulnerability Understand shame vs guilt Brené Brown TED Talk “Releasing Shame” Reflect on healing language
Thu Self-Compassion & Acceptance Practice radical acceptance Kristin Neff video “Self-Talk Reframe” Tie to relapse prevention
Fri Process Group Reflect on emotion awareness — “One Emotion I Managed Better” Document growth
Day Topic Objectives Video / Media Worksheet / Handout Facilitator Notes
4. Cognitive Restructuring (CBT Focus) Mon Automatic Thoughts Identify cognitive distortions Inside Out clip “Thought Log” Introduce ABC model
Tue Core Beliefs Explore origins of beliefs Understanding Core Beliefs “Belief to Behavior” Encourage reframing
Wed Negative Thinking Patterns Challenge maladaptive thoughts Cognitive Triangle “Catch it, Check it, Change it” Practice in pairs
Thu Gratitude & Growth Mindset Foster positive perspective The Science of Gratitude Gratitude Journal Group gratitude circle
Fri Process Group Apply CBT skills to real situations — “Reframing a Trigger” Encourage peer feedback
Day Topic Objectives Video / Media Worksheet / Handout Facilitator Notes
5. Relapse Prevention I Mon Relapse as Process Identify early warning signs Relapse Isn’t Failure “Relapse Warning Signs” Normalize relapse risk
Tue Coping Skills Review Integrate DBT/CBT coping tools Relapse Prevention Plan “My Toolbox” Update plan together
Wed Mind-Body Connection Recognize stress symptoms Stress & Recovery “Stress Response Tracker” Include grounding
Thu Managing Cravings Practice urge surfing Alan Marlatt video “Urge Surf Log” Demonstrate mindfulness
Fri Process Group Apply relapse concepts — “Relapse Roleplay Reflection” Group scenario work
Day Topic Objectives Video / Media Worksheet / Handout Facilitator Notes
6. Relapse Prevention II Mon Support Systems Identify sober supports Building Your Network “My Recovery Network” Explore peer resources
Tue Aftercare Planning Outline ongoing supports — “Aftercare Map” Discuss barriers
Wed Boundaries & Safety Reinforce personal boundaries Boundaries in Recovery Boundary Builder Worksheet Roleplay assertiveness
Thu Crisis Planning Create emergency plan — “Crisis Response Template” Link to ASAM Dimension 1
Fri Integration Reflect & review relapse prevention — “Letter to My Future Self” Ceremony of commitment
Day Topic Objectives Video / Media Worksheet / Handout Facilitator Notes
Week 7: Co-Occurring Disorders Mon Understanding Co-Occurring Disorders Define dual diagnosis and its impact on recovery Co-Occurring Disorders Explained (SAMHSA) “My Mental Health & Substance Use” self-inventory Normalize overlap between SUD & MH
Tue Anxiety & Depression Explore symptoms and coping techniques Anxiety & Recovery (TEDx) “CBT Thought Record” Introduce mindfulness for anxiety
Wed Trauma & PTSD Learn trauma responses and grounding What Trauma Does to the Brain “Window of Tolerance” worksheet Emphasize safety and stabilization
Thu Medication-Assisted Recovery Discuss MAT options and stigma Myths About MAT “Medication Tracker” Encourage informed choices
Fri Process Group Reflect on mental health and recovery — “Managing Dual Recovery” journaling Peer validation and sharing
Day Topic Objectives Video / Media Worksheet / Handout Facilitator Notes
Week 8: Trauma & Healing Mon Understanding Trauma Explore trauma’s effect on the brain and body How Trauma Affects the Body (Bessel van der Kolk) “My Triggers Map” Introduce grounding and containment
Tue Shame & Resilience Learn the link between shame, vulnerability, and recovery Brené Brown on Shame “Shame Shields” worksheet Normalize vulnerability as strength
Wed Attachment & Healing Identify attachment styles and patterns Attachment Theory in Recovery “My Relationship Style” Link to family dynamics
Thu Art / Music Therapy Use creative expression for self-regulation Healing Through Art Art prompt: “My Safe Place” Provide optional sharing time
Fri Process Group Reflect on trauma insights and coping — “Healing Reflections” Reinforce safety, containment, and peer empathy
Day Topic Objectives Video / Media Worksheet / Handout Facilitator Notes
Week 9: Self-Esteem & Identity Mon Rebuilding Identity in Recovery Explore self-concept beyond addiction Who Am I Without Substances? “Identity Reconstruction” worksheet Encourage storytelling and self-discovery
Tue Values Clarification Identify personal values guiding recovery Living By Your Values “My Top 5 Values” Connect to relapse prevention
Wed Gratitude & Self-Worth Practice gratitude to improve self-esteem The Science of Gratitude “Gratitude Journal” Group sharing activity
Thu Goal Setting & Motivation Set short-term and long-term goals SMART Goals in Recovery “My 90-Day Goals” Tie to ASAM Dimension 6 (Recovery Environment)
Fri Process Group Reflect on personal growth — “Letter to My Future Self” Encourage recognition of progress
Day Topic Objectives Video / Media Worksheet / Handout Facilitator Notes
Week 10: Communication Skills Mon Healthy Communication Styles Identify passive, assertive, and aggressive styles Assertive vs Aggressive “Communication Styles Self-Check” Roleplay dialogue
Tue Active Listening Develop empathy through reflective listening Listening to Understand “Active Listening Practice” Use group pairs
Wed Conflict Resolution Apply DBT interpersonal skills (DEAR MAN) DBT Interpersonal Effectiveness “DEAR MAN Practice Sheet” Practice in dyads
Thu Expressing Emotions Safely Learn emotional boundaries and I-statements Healthy Emotional Expression “I-Statement Builder” Encourage group sharing
Fri Process Group Reflect on interpersonal changes — “What I’ve Learned About Communication” Highlight improved group cohesion
Day Topic Objectives Video / Media Worksheet / Handout Facilitator Notes
Week 11: Family & Relationships Mon Family Roles in Addiction Identify roles (hero, scapegoat, mascot, lost child) Family Roles in Addiction “My Family Role” Connect to shame and coping
Tue Codependency & Enabling Recognize unhealthy dynamics Codependency 101 “Healthy vs Unhealthy Support” Discuss boundary setting
Wed Rebuilding Trust Explore forgiveness and accountability Trust After Trauma “Trust Timeline” Encourage self-reflection
Thu Family Systems & Generational Healing Understand intergenerational trauma Healing Family Cycles “Family Genogram” Invite optional homework
Fri Process Group Reflect on relationship growth — “Family Reflection Journal” Offer optional family session referrals
Day Topic Objectives Video / Media Worksheet / Handout Facilitator Notes
Week 12: Spirituality & Forgiveness Mon Understanding Spirituality vs Religion Define personal spiritual meaning What is Spirituality? “My Source of Strength” Honor diverse beliefs
Tue The 12 Steps Overview Explore principles of honesty, humility, service Bill W Story / AA Documentary “Step Work Reflection” Connect to emotional recovery
Wed Honesty & Integrity Explore authenticity as foundation for trust The Power of Truth-Telling “Where I Can Be More Honest” Model self-disclosure
Thu Forgiveness Practice Learn self- and other-forgiveness tools The Power of Forgiveness “Letting Go Letter” Optional burning or release ritual
Fri Process Group Reflect on values and meaning — “My Recovery Principles” Close with meditation or prayer circle
Day Topic Objectives Video / Media Worksheet / Handout Facilitator Notes
Week 13: Health & Wellness Mon Mind-Body Connection Explore how health impacts sobriety The Science of Stress “My Body Awareness Map” Incorporate gentle stretching
Tue Nutrition & Recovery Learn basic nutrition for energy and mood Nutrition in Recovery “Meal Planning Basics” Include discussion on blood sugar & mood
Wed Sleep & Self-Care Understand sleep hygiene & rest Why We Sleep (Matthew Walker) “Sleep Tracker” Encourage realistic goals
Thu Movement & Exercise Explore physical activity for wellness Exercise and Mental Health “My Movement Plan” Emphasize accessibility
Fri Process Group Reflect on personal wellness — “My Wellness Commitment” Reinforce sustainable habits
Day Topic Objectives Video / Media Worksheet / Handout Facilitator Notes
Week 14: Life Skills Mon Time Management Build structure in recovery How to Prioritize What Matters “Weekly Planner Template” Discuss realistic scheduling
Tue Employment Readiness Resume building, interview skills Job Skills in Recovery “Employment Readiness Checklist” Partner with job coach or CPRS
Wed Budgeting & Financial Wellness Learn basic budgeting and credit Money Habits for Recovery “Monthly Budget Worksheet” Discuss spending triggers
Thu Housing & Community Resources Review sober housing, transportation, grants Community Resource Overview “Recovery Resource List” Distribute updated MN resource guide
Fri Process Group Reflect on independence & progress — “My Next Steps Plan” Connect goals to ASAM Dimension 6
Day Topic Objectives Video / Media Worksheet / Handout Facilitator Notes
Week 15: Integration & Aftercare Mon Review of Relapse Prevention Integrate all skills learned Relapse Prevention Recap “Personal Recovery Toolkit” Reinforce skill use
Tue Building a Support Network Identify ongoing supports Sober Support & Connection “Support Contact List” Encourage peer connection
Wed Coping in the Real World Identify triggers post-treatment Life After Treatment “Coping Plan” Practice roleplays
Thu Community Reintegration Identify local meetings and supports Finding Fellowship “Meeting Tracker” Provide 12-Step or SMART options
Fri Guest Speaker / CPRS Alumni speaker shares story — “Reflection on Hope” Encourage Q&A
Day Topic Objectives Video / Media Worksheet / Handout Facilitator Notes
Week 16: Reflection & Transition Mon Gratitude & Growth Reflect on journey and gratitude The Power of Gratitude “Gratitude Reflection” Encourage affirmations
Tue Letter to Self Write future reflection letter Letters to My Future Self “Goodbye Letter Template” Provide envelopes or journals
Wed Peer Recognition & Closure Reflect on shared growth Celebrating Recovery “Group Reflection Prompts” Encourage mutual affirmations
Thu Celebration & Transition Ceremony Acknowledge completion and progress Music playlist / slideshow “Certificate of Completion” Optional guest attendance
Fri Optional Alumni Group Orientation Introduce ongoing support & alumni network Alumni Success Stories “Staying Connected Plan” End with grounding and closure ritual

Facilitator's guide and expanded curriculum coming soon!

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