Group Lecture Guides

Structured lesson plans for recovery groups and classes

Introduction to Recovery

⏱️ Duration: 90 minutes👥 Group Setting

Learning Objectives

  • ✓Define addiction and recovery
  • ✓Understand the stages of change
  • ✓Identify personal recovery goals

Materials Needed

WhiteboardHandouts: Recovery Goals WorksheetPens/paper

Session Outline

1

Opening (10 min)

  • •Welcome and introductions
  • •Group guidelines: Confidentiality, respect, participation
  • •Overview of today's session
2

What is Addiction? (20 min)

  • •Define addiction as a brain disease
  • •Discuss physical, emotional, and social impacts
  • •Group discussion: "What brought you to recovery?"

Discussion Questions

  • 1. What does addiction mean to you?
  • 2. How has it affected different areas of your life?
  • 3. What made you decide to seek help?
3

Stages of Change (30 min)

  • •Explain the stages: Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance
  • •Interactive: Where are you now?
  • •What moves us from stage to stage?

🎯 Activity:

Have participants identify their current stage and share one action they can take to move forward

4

Setting Recovery Goals (20 min)

  • •SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound
  • •Short-term vs long-term goals
  • •Worksheet: Write 3 recovery goals
5

Closing (10 min)

  • •Key takeaways
  • •Preview next session
  • •Homework: Complete goals worksheet
  • •Closing circle: One word to describe how you feel

💡 Facilitator Tips

  • • Create a safe, non-judgmental environment
  • • Allow time for silence—people need space to think
  • • Validate all sharing and thank participants for their vulnerability
  • • Keep discussions on track but be flexible if important themes emerge
  • • End on time and preview next session
  • • Follow up with individuals who seem to be struggling