Substance Abuse & Mental Health: Chemically Speaking Two

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

This program serves as an introductory and ideal platform for the comprehensive Dual Diagnosis (12 hours) Advanced S.A.M.H.I. (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Intervention) Training tailored specifically for frontline workers. This advanced training program was launched in 2018 and has been designed to provide a more in-depth understanding of the subject matter.

The primary objective of the Chemically Speaking Two program is to equip participants with the necessary skills to provide brief and early interventions for individuals who are grappling with substance abuse and mental health challenges. It is an integral part of our broader Community Development Response to ICE & Other Drugs initiative, which aims to address the growing concerns surrounding substance abuse and mental health issues within our communities.

Chemically Speaking Two: A 2017 Update

Chemically Speaking Two, released in 2017, is an upgraded version of the original Chemically Speaking program that was initially launched in 1999. This new version offers comprehensive training in various areas related to substance abuse and mental health. Participants will gain knowledge and skills in the following areas:

Substance Abuse & Mental Health (Dual Diagnosis)

Participants will learn about the intricate relationship between substance abuse and mental health disorders, and how to effectively address both issues simultaneously.

Integrative Holistic Model

This model emphasizes the importance of considering the individual as a whole, taking into account their physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing when developing intervention strategies.

Identifying Needs & Underlying Issues that Contribute to Addiction

Participants will learn how to identify the underlying factors that contribute to addiction, such as trauma, unresolved grief, and other co-occurring disorders.

Grief Cycle & Anger

Understanding the stages of grief and anger can provide valuable insights into the emotional challenges individuals face during their recovery journey.

Drink & Drug Driving

This module focuses on the dangers and consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and how to address this issue effectively.

Cycle of Addiction

Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the cycle of addiction, including the stages of initiation, maintenance, and recovery.

Alcohol, Tobacco, Cannabis, Stimulants (Speed, Ice, Ecstasy, Cocaine)

This section provides detailed information about the different types of substances commonly abused, their effects on the body and mind, and strategies for intervention.

Optimizing Health

Participants will learn about the importance of maintaining overall health and wellbeing during the recovery process, including strategies for promoting physical and mental wellness.

Stages of Change

Understanding the stages of change can help participants tailor their interventions to meet individuals where they are in their recovery journey.

Weighing Costs vs Benefits – Conducting a Brief Intervention

This module focuses on the importance of conducting a cost-benefit analysis when considering intervention strategies, and how to effectively communicate this analysis to individuals struggling with substance abuse.

Tripod of Support for the Drug User to Aid Their Progress and Ensure Their Safety

Participants will learn about the importance of establishing a strong support system for individuals in recovery, including family, friends, and community resources.

I am eager to receive your feedback and look forward to hearing from you! :)

Anyone who wants to learn how to deliver a brief intervention with loved ones using alcohol, ICE & other drugs

1. Excellent course great informative speaker- George is going through course in a concise way ~ E Vaught
2. This is hard hitting and truly shocking. Excellent wakeup call ~ R Craggs
3. Love the Integrative Holistic Model. Well spoken, and great resources. Inspired me to get back involved with addictions and recovery work again ~ J Littler
4. Really good stuff so far! Very clear and relevant. Easy to understand and assimilate ~ Oara V
5. This is a great overview of how drugs and addictions in general can have a dire affect on our lives. Being able to understand and relay this information on will go a long way to changing ourselves and our loved ones whom may be struggling with some form of drug or anger ~ C Kaye
6. I'm beyond impressed! This has actually taken me 4 hours because of notes and watching a few twice for all the information. Very well delivered with studies, facts, true heart concern, and evidences. Thank you! ~ K Burrell
7. Wow, lots of information, I need to listen to this again and again. In fact all the courses I've taken so far have been excellent. Very thankful I found this opportunity ~ Linda J
8. I really enjoyed the course. I'm currently in school to be a social service worker so figured I'd take a few extra courses on here to learn a few things the school may not offer, I thought it was very informative and interesting and really liked it! :) ~ Chelsea M
9. George is easy to watch & listen to, he knows what he is talking about & doesn't ramble on about irrevelant crap. He's very personable, I can tell he has lived experience which makes me relate to him & he's casual while still being professional. The course is enlightening & informative & I'm happy to now have this under my belt so I can help others & also draw on what I have learnt & use it for my own benefit ~ Nikki J

1. Develop the skills to deliver brief and early interventions to people struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues.
2. 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.
3. This course will also help people to run family support groups and prepare them for the Advanced Dual Diagnosis training.
4. Understand Substance Abuse & Mental Health (Dual Diagnosis)
5. Understand Integrative Holistic Model
6. Understand Needs & Underlying Issues that drive addictions
7. Understand Grief Cycle & Anger
8. Understand Drink & Drug Driving
9. Understand Cycle of Addiction
10. Understand harm associated with Alcohol, Tobacco, Cannabis & Stimulants (Speed, Ice, Ecstasy, Cocaine)
11. Understand Optimal Health
12. Understand Stages of Change
13. Understand Costs vs Benefits – doing a brief intervention
14. Understand Tripod of Support for the drug user to help them move forward & stay safe.

1. No prerequisites to this course.
2. It is available to anyone.