Online Training: Using CBT to support families affected by substance use
Families affected by substance use often experience cycles of stress, worry, guilt, anger, and helplessness. These emotional responses are entirely understandable, yet over time they can become patterns that affect wellbeing, relationships, and decision-making.
This one-day course introduces practical Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) tools that practitioners can use to support affected family members. Grounded in Adfam’s family-centred approach, the course focuses on strengthening coping strategies, improving emotional regulation, and helping families respond to substance misuse in ways that reduce harm and protect their own wellbeing.
- Date: Monday 21st September 2026, 9.30am - 3.30pm
- Trainer: Lauren Booker
- Cost: £100
Learning outcomes:
- Understand the core principles of CBT and how they apply to families affected by substance use
- Explore the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in response to a loved one’s substance use
- Identify common unhelpful thinking styles (e.g. self-blame, catastrophising, over-responsibility)
- Support family members to gently challenge and reframe unhelpful thoughts
- Understand how core beliefs can influence family dynamics and coping patterns
- Practise simple CBT-based tools that can be used within supportive conversations
- Apply CBT skills in ways that are strengths-based, non-judgemental, and empowering
This course takes places over Zoom, participants must be able to access Zoom to take part. Colleagues that register will be sent the Zoom link a week before the start of the training.
Please note this is an interactive course involving individual and group discussion and participation.
If you have any questions or require any additional information please email admin [at] adfam [dot] org [dot] uk.