Next Step

The most important factors that will determine if someone is successful in overcoming an addiction is if they can overcome the issues that have propelled their addiction and if they have the support they need for long enough to finally break free of the lifestyle and patterns that have kept them trapped in an endless cycle of struggling and relapses. Next Step is an comprehensive aftercare program for those who have either been to treatment or who have some clean time accumulated and are now ready to tackle the issues that have fueled their recovery. A comprehensive treatment and aftercare program helps people in recovery uncover and deal with the underlying causes of their addiction and supports them for long enough to make the changes needed to fully break free of their addictive behaviors and establish a lifestyle that will support their recovery. 

Street Talk

Between the risk of getting caught up in addiction, the opioid crisis and the legalization of marijuana, the need for teenagers to make good choices about drugs is more crucial than ever. Good decisions are only possible when someone has access to all the facts and can weigh the pros and cons about something. When it comes to drugs, youth today are bombarded with a lot of “pro-drug” messaging and what is often missing from that conversation is where it can all lead.

In this short course, we’ve assembled a series of testimonials from people who got caught up in addiction and wound up hopelessly addicted to drugs, living on the streets and/or ruining their lives. What they share is that it all started with smoking marijuana, drinking and partying as teenagers and never thinking that it would ever lead to where they are today.

The course is made up of video clips each accompanied by a short quiz which must be answered correctly in order to progress through the course which forces participants to pay attention. The program also includes a comprehensive analysis of the participants answers so that parents, educators and counsellors can identify any lingering areas of concern that might need to be addressed once the course is over.

Next Step is both a 2nd Stage Treatment Program and a Support Recovery Program all in one!

How our program works

The Next Step Program is two programs in one. It begins with a 21 module treatment program that is meant to do 2 things. The first is to educate people about what real recovery from addiction is and the second is to help them address the issues that have caused them to become addicted in the first place. This suitable for people who have either attended a residential treatment program or who have achieved sobriety and would benefit from a program that will take their recovery to the next level. 

Once the treatment component is complete, the format switches to weekly support recovery meetings where graduates are supported and guided to apply what they've learned in treatment in their everyday lives. These weekly support meetings can do go on as long as you wish and there is a demand for it. Some organizations and communities just make this a regular part of their support resources and often replace on compliment attendance at 12 step meetings. 


Specifically Designed for Indigenous people

Due to the devastation colonization and the introduction of alcohol has had on Indigenous communities, there a need for a program to help them recover from what was done to them. The Next Step Program is support Indigenous people in a number of important ways.

First it devotes  several weeks and 6 modules out of 21 to issues that are at the core of the reasons why Indigenous people may develop an addiction. They include colonization, grief, trauma and the lost of their spiritual connection to the world. Participants are guided and supported as they work through these issues in a safe and non-threatening environment. 

Second it promotes the reconnection to  teachings, culture, ceremonies and tradition as a key for Indigenous people to heal. At every session, facilitators who deliver the program will ensure they include traditional components to each session. Examples include having an Elder present to support and share, having a Medicine person conduct some healing or arranging for participants to attend a healing/cleansing ceremony such as the sweatlodge, smudging and cold water bathing. Each group can choose whatever activity/teaching best fits with their traditional culture. 


What makes our program special

The Next Step Program is unique in number of key ways. First participants learn that recovery from addiction is much more than just quitting using. It also involves making core changes in belief systems and undoing dysfunctional coping strategies and patterns that have been deeply ingrained in anyone who has developed an addiction.  Making these kinds of changes takes years, not weeks and in order to be successful they will need to establish a lifestyle that supports on going growth and healing from addiction and the issues in their lives that have caused them to turn to addiction as a way to cope with their emotional and psychological pain. 

Second, it combines aftercare with treatment. Most people who attend a residential treatment program will relapse back into using within a few months of returning home. The Next Step Program ensures that people are supported once they've completed treatment AND makes it clear that recovery from addiction does not happen while in treatment but in what happens after treatment. In order to truly recover from addiction, people need to work at their recovery for long enough and establish a lifestyle that promotes on-going introspection, accountability and self-awareness. This program provides that. 


Phases of Recovery

Name
Description
Program

Phase 1: Putting the plug in the jug

Initial phase of recovery. Getting clean time, learning some healthy skills. Time frame: 0-3 months

Residential Treatment Program, One on One counselling, self directed.

Phase 2:Establishing a healthy lifestyle

Continue work began in Phase 1 plus establish a healthy lifestyle to promote long-term recovery. Time frame: 0-24 months

Next Step Program, weekly support group, 12 steps and other self -help programs

Phase 3: Underlying issues

Continue with work started in Phase 1 & 2 and begin to deal with underlying issues that fueled addiction such has unhealthy unconscious patterns and unresolved issues such as grief, trauma, dysfunctional childhood, etc.

Next Step Program, one on one counselling, support groups

PURCHASE THIS PROGRAM FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION OR COMMUNITY

How our program works

  • Communities or organizations interested in offering this program to their employees or members, purchase a license to deliver this program using their own counsellors
  • The program include 6 copies of  the 335 page Getting It Straight workbook,  a library of over 16 videos on addiction & recovery and ongoing support for your staff who deliver the program. Additional workbooks are available as new participants join your group. It also include permanent access to our private members website where all the resources you need for this program can be found and new members can choose to do the program online rather than in group if they wish. 
  • The treatment component is divided into 21 modules. How quickly you go through those modules is up to you. It can range from 6-24 weeks depending on what works best for your organization and whether you make the program a full time or part time one.  
  • Once the 2nd stage treatment program is complete and participants are done working through the modules, the group shifts to weekly support meetings where participants are supported to implement the needed changes the support recovery program they've designed. These weekly support groups can run for as long as they are needed. We recommend at least one year.
  • Graduates from the program can continue coming to the meeting for as long as they wish  which allows them to access ongoing support for as long as they need
  • The license to deliver this program includes all updates to the program, including new videos, in perpetuity. 
  • The program can run continuously by offering ongoing weekly support recovery meetings and arranging for a new round of treatment sessions when there are new recruits who wish to join the program. 

If interested in finding out more about the Next Step program complete the registration form below