This manual offers a step-by-step process to help individuals safely explore the roots of both their addiction and recovery within a group format. The process is broken into modules that can be used in weekly meetings or in a full-day event.  This entire process, or individual modules, can be used within a retreat or workshop setting. It is also a good fit for groups offered in outpatient or residential settings. 

The information gathered while using the modules in this manual can help  decrease the shame related to having a history of addiction and trauma, increase insight into the connection between addiction and trauma, normalize commonly experienced symptoms, and provide coping skills to address those symptoms.

Topics explored are: grounding and stabilization exercises, the impact of childhood and community-based trauma, the role of neglect, triggers, urges and other neurological aspect of addiction, along with an exploration of the components that build a solid foundation in recovery.

The first chapter explores and explains the connection between trauma and addiction.   Chapter 2 offers a number of stabilization skills that are taught and practiced in group.  Then, the book is divided into 2 parts–the Addiction Tree and Recovery Tree–where group members are guided through an experiential process where they explore the roots of their addiction and recovery using the metaphor of a tree.  The result is a powerful trauma-informed experience.  All aspects of this process are clearly explained with scripts for the group Facilitators and handouts for group members.  

While any trauma-informed addiction professional can use this workbook, EMDR therapists will find this particularly helpful as it essentially guides group members through Phases 1 & 2 of the EMDR therapy process, preparing them for the later phases of their EMDR work.