All pathways

Understanding Substance Use

Move beyond judgement — explore addiction, harm reduction, the stages of change and how to work with ambivalence in recovery.

All rolesFoundation to Developing8 modules
  1. Foundation

    Understanding Addiction: Moving Beyond Judgement

    Explore what addiction really is — moving beyond moral judgements to a compassionate, evidence-informed understanding.

    20 min
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  2. Foundation

    The Stages of Change: Meeting People Where They Are

    Explore the Stages of Change model and how to apply it when supporting people in their recovery journey.

    18 min
    Read module
  3. Foundation

    Harm Reduction: What It Is and Why It Matters

    Understand harm reduction — its philosophy, its evidence base, and what it looks like in practice.

    15 min
    Read module
  4. Foundation

    Overdose Awareness: Signs, Response and Naloxone

    Understand the signs of overdose, the basic response, and the role of Naloxone in reducing drug-related deaths.

    15 min
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  5. Foundation

    Drug Treatment Services: What's Available

    Get to know the drug treatment services available through the NHS and community providers.

    15 min
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  6. Developing

    Common Substances: What Workers Need to Know

    A practical overview of common substances — their effects, risks and what workers may observe in the people they support.

    20 min
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  7. Developing

    Gambling and Hidden Addictions

    Explore gambling and other less visible addictions — often overlooked, but significantly impacting people's lives.

    18 min
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  8. Developing

    Working With Ambivalence in Recovery

    Explore how ambivalence shows up in recovery — and how to work alongside it with patience and skill.

    18 min
    Read module

Pathways suggest a sequence — but you can explore any module at any time. There's no obligation to follow the order.