Cognitive Diversity in AOD Recovery: Understanding & Responding

Training Overview

This 2 day training provides insight into common types of cognitive diversity experienced by clients in alcohol and other drug (AOD) settings, and explores how to adapt approaches to effectively and inclusively support people in withdrawal, treatment and recovery. Participants will learn practical strategies for recognising and responding to both temporary and long-term cognitive differences, ensuring that AOD practice is inclusive, responsive and person-centred.

Day 1 – Cognitive Diversity in AOD Recovery

Cognitive Diversity in AOD Recovery will focus on understanding temporary and permanent cognitive changes, including those that occur during withdrawal and early recovery. It will also explore ways to support clients with long-term conditions such as acquired brain injury (ABI) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), and how to adapt AOD approaches across intake, assessment, treatment, and ongoing support.

• Understanding temporary and permanent cognitive decline and recovery
• Cognitive changes in AOD withdrawal and early recovery
• Supporting clients with long-term cognitive diversity such as acquired brain injury (ABI) and traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Adapting common AOD approaches from intake through to assessment, treatment and ongoing support

Day 2 – Supporting Adults with FASD in AOD Settings

Supporting Adults with FASD in AOD Settings will provide an understanding of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in adult populations, highlighting the challenges of underdiagnosis and its impact on treatment and recovery. The session will share practical strategies to adapt AOD approaches and create more inclusive support for people with FASD.

• Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in adult AOD populations
• Recognising the impact of FASD on inclusion in AOD treatment and recovery
• Addressing underdiagnosis and its implications in adult AOD services
• Practical strategies to adapt AOD approaches to better support people with FASD

When: Wed, 9-10 September 2026 – 9am – 3.30pm

Where: TBA