Breaking Free

 Purpose

Backed by over 60 years of addiction recovery experience, Adult & Teen Challenge’s Breaking Free is a 36-session course that provides participants with a Biblical perspective on overcoming addictions.

 Pricing Overview (subject to change)

Startup costs for the online Breaking Free Facilitator Training and Facilitator Set: $670

Cost for 10 participants (Student Set): $480

Startup costs for two facilitators: $190 (includes both training and materials - see above)

Claim your Network member 10% discount by going to our Savings for Network Members page. 

 Perspective

This Biblically-based course aligns with the vision of Adult & Teen Challenge to put hope within reach through the power of Jesus Christ. Breaking Free, published in 2019, is one of many available resources used by Adult & Teen Challenge for personal, one-on-one, and group study.

 Structure

This series is adaptable and can be used by individuals, one-on-one, or in small groups. Although the number of participants in the group setting can vary based on whether the setting is residential or non-residential, twelve is a suggested number for non-residential. The group should be large enough to spark discussion but not so large as to intimidate attendees.

Breaking Free is divided into 6 workbooks for participants: 

• Exposing the Nature of Addiction

• Confronting Toxic Denial

• Understanding Grief & Addiction

• Ending the Addictive Cycle

• Building a New Legacy

• Establishing a New Normal 

Although each book’s focus is different, it is most effective to complete them in order, as each book lays the groundwork for the next.

Each book contains 5-6 sessions which can be completed 1 per day (for example, one lesson per day for a total of 36 days in a residential setting) or 1 per week (for example, one lesson per week for a small group meeting for 36 weeks).

Each lesson includes the following:

1. Core Scripture of the Week -  provides the opportunity for meditation and/or memorization

2. Challenge Points - encourages change and growth

3. Sticky Points - provokes thoughts, ideas, or feelings that may need to be processed

4. Growth Points - Opportunities for reviewing completed material and reflecting on application

If used in a group, each participant completes the lesson questions as “homework” and comes to the group prepared to answer and discuss. The group meeting time is generally about an hour long. Confidentiality is a requirement for groups.

If used in a residential program or classroom, an online training course is offered and recommended for the facilitator that provides an overview and tips for all six of the Breaking Free studies. This self-paced, 5-hour program combines video learning, reading, and quizzes. Prior to the course, participants should purchase the Breaking Free Facilitator Set which includes the Facilitator Guide, Answer Key, and all 6 of the Breaking Free studies. Once completed, the facilitator receives a digital certificate and 5 continuing education credits.

Spanish versions of Breaking Free are available upon request.

 Best For

This faith-based curriculum is intended for adults and teens struggling with addictions in both residential and non-residential settings. Participants do not need a foundation in the Christian faith to participate. Questions about faith are addressed from the very first lesson including: “What if I’m not ready for that?” and, “If I don’t believe in God how will this study relate to me?” This program can be completed individually and is categorized by Adult & Teen Challenge in “Personal Studies for New Life in Christ,” but it is highly effective in small group settings. 

Breaking Free is appropriate for a church or nonprofit of any size, although a larger number of participants requires a larger number of facilitators.

 Evidence That It Works

Breaking Free was published in 2019 and outcomes data is not available for this program. Studies are in progress and once completed, they will be found here. 

What staff/users have to say:

• "Implementing Breaking Free on day one of the program has been a game changer.”
• “Breaking Free is producing finishers, no quitters.”
• “Men that have walked into this program with no hope are being changed by the power of God’s word in Breaking Free and discovering His great love for them.”

What students have to say:

• “Breaking Free took my defenses and put them aside in that first month -  making me more teachable. I feel like I began obtaining more insight and understanding as to why I continued to struggle with addiction.”
• “This challenged my view of addiction in a Biblical way by showing how God views addiction and how we can overcome it through Biblical principles.”

 Cost and Resources

The facilitator certification costs $95 ($40 per person plus $55 for the Facilitator Set). The Facilitator Set includes the Facilitator Guide and Answer Key in addition to all 6 of the Breaking Free studies. Claim your Network member 10% discount by going to our Savings for Network Members page. 

Each participant needs their own workbook for each of the courses, which can be purchased as a set for $48.

The nature of the live sessions with a facilitator and participants requires a basic classroom set-up with no costly technology required, as the workbook is the only resource. To ensure confidentiality, the meetings should be held in a private building or room. If virtual meetings are preferred, the facilitator and each participant require a device with internet access, a virtual meeting platform (i.e., Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams), audio, and visual.

 How to order:

Members, go here. Not a member? Learn how to become one by clicking here.

 What We Love

Breaking Free is a practical and inexpensive tool for both individuals and groups, in both residential and non-residential settings. Churches or nonprofits may implement this as a stand-alone class or in conjunction with another program.

When completed in a group setting, Breaking Free is an excellent resource for building and strengthening relationships with others who struggle with addiction.

 Considerations

Although anyone can complete the facilitator training, there will be added value to employing facilitators with personal or professional experience in overcoming addictions.

Links Reviewed 6/24/24