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George Patriki

Hi, thank you for your interest in our 2 hour S.A.M.H.I. Chemically Speaking Two (Brief Intervention) training program. 

This program is an introduction and an ideal platform for the comprehensive Dual Diagnosis 2 day (12 hour) advanced S.A.M.H.I. (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Intervention) Training designed for front line workers that was released during 2018.

This program will help you develop the skills to deliver brief and early interventions to people struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues. This is part of our wider Community Development Response to ICE & Other Drugs.

Read more

Hi, thank you for your interest in our 2 hour S.A.M.H.I. Chemically Speaking Two (Brief Intervention) training program. 

This program is an introduction and an ideal platform for the comprehensive Dual Diagnosis 2 day (12 hour) advanced S.A.M.H.I. (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Intervention) Training designed for front line workers that was released during 2018.

This program will help you develop the skills to deliver brief and early interventions to people struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues. This is part of our wider Community Development Response to ICE & Other Drugs.

Chemically Speaking Two is the 2017 upgrade to the original Chemically Speaking produced in 1999 and now provides training in:

1.Substance Abuse & Mental Health (Dual Diagnosis)

2.Integrative Holistic Model

3.Needs & Underlying Issues that drive addictions

4.Grief Cycle & Anger

5.Drink & Drug Driving

6.Cycle of Addiction

  • Alcohol

  • Tobacco

  • Cannabis

  • Stimulants (Speed, Ice, Ecstacy, Cocaine)

7.Optimal Health

8.Stages of Change

9.Costs vs Benefits – doing a brief intervention.

10.Tripod of Support for the drug user to help them move forward & stay safe.

Look forward to hearing from you...:)

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Develop the skills to deliver brief and early interventions to people struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues. this is part of our wider community development response to ice & other drugs. contents 1. substance abuse & mental health (dual diagnosis) 2. integrative holistic model 3. needs & underlying issues 4. grief cycle & anger 5. drink & drug driving 6. cycle of addiction • alcohol • tobacco • cannabis • stimulants (speed, ice, ecstasy, cocaine) 7. optimal health 8. stages of change 9. costs vs benefits 10. tripod of support. participants will then have the confidence to help a drug user weigh up the costs vs the benefits of their drug use and help them to move forward & stay safe. this course will also help people to run family support groups and prepare them for the 2 day advanced dual diagnosis training that will be available towards the end of 2017.
  • Understand substance abuse & mental health (dual diagnosis)
  • Understand integrative holistic model
  • Understand needs & underlying issues that drive addictions
  • Understand grief cycle & anger
  • Understand drink & drug driving
  • Understand cycle of addiction
  • Understand harm associated with alcohol, tobacco, cannabis & stimulants (speed, ice, ecstasy, cocaine)
  • Understand optimal health
  • Understand stages of change
  • Understand costs vs benefits – doing a brief intervention
  • Understand tripod of support for the drug user to help them move forward & stay safe.
  • Show more
  • Show less

Syllabus

Introduction

This Chemically Speaking Two introduction provides an overview of the brief intervention program that will help you deliver brief and early interventions with people struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues.

This PDF copy of the PowerPoint of the SAMHI Chemically Speaking Two video will help participants to understand the key learning issues in each of the 10 parts of this 2 hour video.

This worksheet of the SAMHI Chemically Speaking Two video will help participants to understand the key learning issues in each of the 10 parts of this 2 hour video.

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Part 1 will help you understand how substance abuse and mental health interact with each other

Part 2 will help you understand how the 4 areas of the human being interact with each other and create a compunding effect

Part 3 will help you understand the underlying issues that drive addictive behaviour and they they predispose people towards unhealthy coping behaviours such as addcitions.

Part 4 will help you understand how grief and loss set people up to find unhealthy coping mechanisms such as addictions and how people get stuck in the grief cycle such as anger. This can create self harming behaviour or harm towards others through rage.

Part 5 will help you understand how alcohol and other drugs effect the visual spacial part of our brain and how this impairments causes unecessary crashes on our roads.

Part 6 will help you understand how people progress through their substance use from experimentation to full blown addiction when the reward system of the brain, (particulalry the dopamine system), gets hyjacked by the chemicals we use. 

The cycle of addiction will highlight how the 7 key areas of our lives; (health, legal, financial, relational, vocational, spiritual & coping mechanisms), are compromised by the chemicals we use.

Part 7 will help you understand the principles of orthomolecular science and functional medicine, called 'optimal health' that will help a person recover from subtance abuse. It will also help people to raise the standards from the minimum self care, to optimal health, to achieve greater functioning of the body and mind. The aim is achieve better outcomes for the people we want to help.

Parts 8, 9 & 10 will help you understand how people move forward through stages and how we can help them progress by helping them to weigh up the costs vs the benefits of theirsubstance use.

It will also help you to understand the importance of setting up the tripod of support to keep people safe while they are walking the road of recovery.

Finally, it will encourage you to be one of the legs of the tripod as a buddy/sponsor to walk with people in this journey.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides skills to deliver early interventions, which is valuable for front line workers dealing with substance abuse and mental health issues in community settings
Serves as an introduction to a more comprehensive 2-day training program, which may benefit those seeking in-depth knowledge
Explores the cycle of addiction and underlying issues, which can help learners understand the complexities of substance abuse
Examines the impact of alcohol and drugs on brain function, which is relevant to understanding impaired driving and addiction
Explores the grief cycle and its connection to addiction, which may provide insights into self-harming behaviors and anger management
Prepares learners for a 2-day advanced dual diagnosis training, which suggests that this course is best taken as part of a series

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Reviews summary

Intro to addiction & mental health interventions

According to learners, this course provides a concise overview of key concepts for delivering brief interventions in substance abuse and mental health. Students found it a good starting point, covering relevant topics like dual diagnosis, the cycle of addiction, and stages of change. While appreciated for its brevity and clarity for front-line workers or those involved in family support, some felt it lacks the depth needed for more experienced professionals or comprehensive practice.
Ideal for those new to the field.
"Perfect for front-line staff who need a quick but informative introduction."
"As a beginner, this course gave me a solid foundation."
"Helpful for understanding the basics before pursuing longer training."
Addresses key areas in addiction/mental health.
"The course covers relevant topics like dual diagnosis and stages of change."
"Understanding the cycle of addiction was particularly useful."
"The content is directly applicable to working with people struggling with substance abuse."
Provides a brief, clear introduction.
"This course offers a good, concise overview of important concepts."
"I found the introduction helpful and the content easy to follow."
"It's a great starting point for understanding brief interventions."
Too short for comprehensive coverage.
"While a good intro, the two hours isn't enough for true depth on these complex topics."
"I felt it was too brief for someone with prior experience."
"Could use more in-depth discussion on specific intervention techniques."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Addiction & Mental Health - Chemically Speaking Two (2hrs) with these activities:
Review the Stages of Change Model
Reinforce your understanding of the Stages of Change model to better assist individuals in their recovery journey.
Show steps
  • Read articles about the Stages of Change model.
  • Watch videos explaining each stage.
  • Reflect on how to apply this model.
Review 'In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts' by Gabor Maté
Gain a deeper understanding of the root causes of addiction and trauma's role.
View Scattered Minds on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book, taking notes on key concepts.
  • Reflect on how the concepts relate to the course.
  • Discuss the book with peers or colleagues.
Develop a Brief Intervention Script
Practice and refine your intervention skills by creating a script for a brief intervention scenario.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific substance abuse scenario.
  • Write a script incorporating course concepts.
  • Practice the script with a partner.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Review 'The Body Keeps the Score' by Bessel van der Kolk
Explore the connection between trauma, mental health, and addiction.
Show steps
  • Read the book, focusing on trauma's impact.
  • Consider how trauma relates to addiction.
  • Reflect on healing approaches discussed.
Design a Family Support Group Session
Apply your knowledge by designing a session plan for a family support group focused on addiction and mental health.
Show steps
  • Identify key topics for the session.
  • Develop activities and discussion prompts.
  • Outline resources for families to use.
Volunteer at a Local Support Group
Gain practical experience by volunteering at a support group for individuals struggling with addiction and mental health issues.
Show steps
  • Research local support groups in your area.
  • Contact the organization to inquire about volunteering.
  • Participate in support group activities.
Create a Resource Guide for Dual Diagnosis
Compile a comprehensive resource guide for individuals and families dealing with dual diagnosis (substance abuse and mental health).
Show steps
  • Research local and national resources.
  • Organize resources by category (e.g., treatment, support).
  • Write brief descriptions of each resource.
  • Format the guide for easy access and use.

Career center

Learners who complete Addiction & Mental Health - Chemically Speaking Two (2hrs) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Substance Abuse Counselor
A substance abuse counselor provides support and guidance to individuals struggling with addiction. This role involves assessing clients' needs, developing treatment plans, and offering counseling. This course on brief interventions in substance abuse and mental health may help in this role as it focuses on delivering early support to those struggling with addiction. This course's focus on understanding the cycle of addiction and the underlying issues driving it, along with strategies for intervention, will be directly useful for a substance abuse counselor.
Addiction Specialist
An addiction specialist works specifically with individuals struggling with substance use disorders, providing comprehensive assessment, treatment, and support. This role could involve developing and implementing individualized treatment plans, conducting group therapy sessions, and monitoring client progress. The Chemically Speaking Two program may be useful for an addiction specialist through its exploration of the cycle of addiction, the root causes, and the importance of early intervention. An addiction specialist will find the course's discussion on various substances and their effects invaluable.
Community Health Worker
Community health workers play a vital role in promoting health and wellness within communities, often focusing on underserved populations. This role involves health education, outreach, and connecting individuals with needed resources, particularly in addressing substance abuse and mental health. The course, with its community development response to substance abuse and its introduction to brief interventions, may be beneficial to a community health worker. Understanding the cycle of addiction, underlying issues, and effective intervention may help a community health worker better serve their communities.
Employee Assistance Program Counselor
An employee assistance program counselor provides support to employees facing a range of personal and work-related challenges, including substance abuse and mental health issues. This role may include counseling, resource referrals, and crisis intervention. This course's detailed discussion of brief interventions, dual diagnosis, and the cycle of addiction may be invaluable to an employee assistance program counselor. The course's insights into early intervention and support systems may improve their ability to effectively help employees.
Mental Health Counselor
Mental health counselors assist individuals with a range of emotional and psychological challenges. This work includes assessing the client’s needs, developing treatment strategies, and providing therapeutic counseling. This course, which includes a focus on dual diagnosis and how mental health and substance abuse intersect, may be especially relevant for a mental health counselor. It specifically explores underlying issues that drive unhealthy coping mechanisms. A mental health counselor can benefit from the program's emphasis on grief, anger, and their connections to addiction.
Behavioral Health Technician
A behavioral health technician provides direct care and support to individuals with behavioral and mental health challenges. This often involves assisting with daily living skills, implementing treatment plans, and monitoring client behavior. The Chemically Speaking Two program may enhance the work of a behavioral health technician through its introduction to dual diagnosis and effective brief interventions. The course's insights into the cycle of addiction and associated underlying issues will give the behavioral health technician an understanding of their client's challenges.
Family Support Specialist
A family support specialist works with families to provide support and guidance, often in situations where addiction or mental health challenges are present. This position includes providing education, advocacy, and connecting families with needed resources. This course on early interventions in substance abuse and mental health will be useful for a family support specialist. The course's emphasis on understanding the cycle of addiction, underlying issues, and the importance of a support tripod aligns with the role's responsibilities toward families.
Residential Counselor
Residential counselors provide support and supervision to individuals living in a residential facility, often those who are recovering from addiction or have mental health needs. This includes monitoring residents' behavior, implementing care plans, and providing direct support. This course, focusing on substance abuse and mental health, may enhance the skills of a residential counselor. The discussions on dual diagnosis, the cycle of addiction, and evidence based strategies, will inform how they work with those they support.
Social Worker
Social workers assist individuals and families with a range of challenges, addressing social and systemic issues. This position can involve case management, counseling, advocacy and connecting people with essential resources. This role may be improved by the course's material on dual diagnosis, its introduction to the complexities of addiction and related mental health issues, and its emphasis on brief interventions. A social worker addressing substance abuse and mental health in their work may also benefit from the course's approach to understanding grief, anger, and the cycle of addiction.
Health Educator
A health educator develops and implements health education programs to promote wellness, prevent disease, and encourage healthy behaviors within communities. The Chemically Speaking Two program may be relevant for a health educator who focuses on substance abuse and mental health in education. This course's comprehensive approach to the cycle of addiction, underlying issues, and strategies for early intervention may help a health educator create targeted and effective programs. The information about dual diagnosis and the effects of different substances may aid in program development.
Case Manager
Case managers coordinate and oversee services for clients, ensuring they receive the support they need. This position often involves assessing clients' needs, developing care plans, and monitoring progress. This course may help a case manager who works with individuals facing substance abuse and mental health challenges. The course's overview of dual diagnosis, understanding of the cycle of addiction, and the importance of a support tripod may all improve a case manager's ability to connect clients with the appropriate resources and support. The focus on early interventions may also inform case management strategies.
Rehabilitation Counselor
Rehabilitation counselors help individuals with disabilities, including those with substance use disorders, to achieve goals. This work includes vocational rehabilitation, independent living skills, and counseling support. The course's emphasis on dual diagnosis and underlying issues that drive addiction may be useful for a rehabilitation counselor. Understanding the effects of substances on brain function and the importance of a support system may improve a rehabilitation counselor's success in helping clients attain their goals.
Life Skills Coach
Life skills coaches work with individuals to improve their personal lives by developing coping mechanisms, strategies to improve their relationships and to better manage their overall wellbeing. Many people who are struggling with addiction or mental health issues may seek the help of one of these coaches. This course emphasizes understanding the cycle of addiction and its underlying issues making it highly relevant to those in this role. This course may also help a life skills coach better understand the need for intervention and support.
Youth Worker
Youth workers support young people's development and well-being, often in community or educational settings. This position involves mentoring, creating programs, and connecting youth with resources. The course material on substance abuse and mental health, and intervention strategies, may be helpful for a youth worker, especially if they are working with youth at risk of substance use. The course's content about the cycle of addiction and underlying issues will help youth workers create effective support and preventative programs.
Wellness Coordinator
Wellness coordinators develop programs and promote healthy lifestyles in workplaces, schools, or community organizations. This work involves health education, fitness activities, and stress management. This course, with its focus on substance abuse and mental health intervention, may be useful for a wellness coordinator, especially if they address these topics in their work. The course provides an understanding of the cycle of addiction, underlying issues, and the cost-benefit analysis of intervention, which may help a coordinator design effective wellness programs.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Addiction & Mental Health - Chemically Speaking Two (2hrs).
Provides a compassionate and insightful look into the world of addiction. It explores the root causes of addiction, linking it to trauma and early childhood experiences. It offers a holistic perspective that aligns with the course's integrative model. This book is highly recommended for those seeking a deeper understanding of the underlying issues driving addictive behaviors.
Explores the impact of trauma on the body and mind, and offers innovative approaches to healing. Given the course's focus on underlying issues and mental health, this book provides valuable insights into how trauma can contribute to addiction. It is particularly useful for understanding the connection between adverse experiences and unhealthy coping mechanisms. This book is commonly used by therapists and mental health professionals.

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