DHS 75.03(74): “Psychoeducation” means information provided in a didactic format in either a group or individual setting that relates to health and promotes recovery.”
Consistent with this definition, at First Step Community Recovery Center, we believe that knowledge is a cornerstone of recovery. Psychoeducation helps clients understand how substance use affects the mind and body, teaches practical strategies for staying healthy, and prepares individuals for long‑term success in treatment and in life.
Our psychoeducation program is delivered in structured, small‑group sessions by trained medical professionals (Registered Nurses, Advanced Practice Nurse Prescribers, Physicians, and Pharmacists) and is designed to be easy to understand, even for individuals with limited health literacy. The program is designed to teach:
- How drugs affect the brain and body
- Understanding addiction as a chronic medical condition
- Managing chronic medical issues such as diabetes, hypertension, and infectious diseases
- Recognizing warning signs of medical emergencies
- Nutrition, sleep, and overall physical health in early recovery
These sessions help clients become medically stable and well‑informed, so they can participate fully in counseling, therapy, and long-term recovery work.
Psychoeducation is more than a class — it is a critical part of the recovery process. By helping clients understand:
- What is happening inside their bodies,
- Why certain symptoms occur, and
- How to respond to these symptoms safely,
we reduce fear, improve engagement, and support a more confident transition into the Phase Two Psychosocial Model.
Each psychoeducation session is:
- 1 hour long
- Interactive
- Designed for small groups (maximum 10 clients)
- Led by trained medical professionals
- Presented using plain, accessible language
- Supported by short educational videos
- Followed by Q&A and practical tools clients can use right away
Every client receives easy-to-read handouts that reinforce the session’s key points.