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Tools for Change (T4C) is a safe, confidential and non-judgemental group support program in Midland that helps people develop the skills, motivation and commitment to change their alcohol and other drug (AOD) use.

About the program

Offered through the Northeast Metropolitan Community Alcohol and Drug Service (NEMCADS), T4C provides a safe, caring group support environment that helps participants understand, assess and address their dependence on alcohol or other drugs. The program aims to provide:

    • an understanding of the patterns, triggers and drivers of alcohol and drug use
    • hope and the motivation and commitment to change
    • tools and coping strategies for putting this commitment into action.

The program is an opportunity to learn new skills and strategies that help people cope with life’s challenges without having to rely so much on alcohol or other drugs. It’s a great starting point for positive change and recovery.

How it works

Our T4C counsellors and participants use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – an evidence-based, mindfulness-focused behavioural therapy – across four weekly one-hour sessions that address key topics:

    • Session one: Understanding motivation to reduce or manage substance use.
    • Session two: Coping with cravings and lapses.
    • Session three: Managing thoughts and feelings and their impacts on substance use. Building emotional resilience and alternative pleasurable activities.
    • Session four: Refusal skills and preparation for future high-risk situations.

Participants are welcomed to the group by the group facilitator and given a booklet and an outline of the topics, so people can ask questions. There’s no pressure to share personal information.

The outcomes

After completing the program, many people feel more confident in making or maintaining changes to their substance use (or other behaviours) and coping with difficult emotions or situations. Often, they feel a new sense of hope and empowerment and move forward with an understanding of:

    • the relationship between motivation and change
    • how to develop a plan to self-monitor change
    • how to identify motivation or reasons to manage substance use
    • the triggers for substance use and how to respond to cravings
    • the relationships between thoughts, feelings and behaviours
    • strategies to manage unhelpful thoughts, feelings and behaviours
    • how to take values-based action that provides the best possible chance of maintaining positive changes to substance use.

Some participants find it helpful to attend individual counselling during or after the group so they can move forward and apply their new skills with one-to-one support.

 

FAQs

What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?

ACT is a mindfulness-based behavioural therapy that helps people develop a rich and meaningful life while accepting that it will contain both joy and sadness, pleasure and pain. As we learn to become more aware of our thoughts and feelings, we are better able to decide where we focus our attention in each moment and can choose to act in ways that move us towards the kind of life we want to live based on our own values.

 

I dislike groups/am anxious in groups because I don’t want to talk about myself in front of others. Will I need to talk about myself?

No, participants do not even have to introduce themselves. One of the major advantages of the T4C format is that the sessions are structured, so they aren’t ‘chat sessions’ in which participants share personal information. People can choose if and what they would like to share during skills activities.

 

I don’t have much time available. How long does this take?

ACT offers strategies you can start using straight away and this group program is a brief four-week intervention with one-hour sessions (i.e. one hour per week across four weeks).

 

Is this a lecture?

No. While T4C is informational, it’s also instructive and interactive. It aims to provide useful strategies, build insight and nurture skills participants can use in their lives and determine what works best for them.

 

I’m from a different culture. Will this be relevant to me?

ACT is cross-cultural. It’s based on universal laws of human behaviour. It also focuses on the participant’s goals, rather than attempting to impose the therapist’s goals on participants.

 

Is there research behind this program?

Yes. T4C is based on a program designed by the University of Newcastle and with rights to use the program granted by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. Studies and research show that ACT is effective in managing a wide range of mental and physical health issues, including substance use.

 

Will this help me feel better, especially as I experience anxiety/stress?

ACT emphasises getting better, rather than feeling better. Reduction of symptoms is a by-product of a values-led life, rather than the goal itself.

 

For more information, phone NEMCADS on 9274 7055 to speak to the group facilitator or register for the group. Then just show up with a willingness to learn!

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