Practical learning for life after addiction
Foundations for Change offers practical lessons and exercises for people who want to stop drinking or using drugs, including people who have recently stopped. Learn to recognize the thoughts and habits that pull you back, build structure into your day, and practice following through on the changes you want to make.
One decision.
Then the next.
The course
An online course with John Mathews
When “I’ll quit on Monday” becomes “I want to start today.”
You may be keeping up at work while struggling in private, or rebuilding after addiction has changed your life. This course starts with your decision to change, whether you have just stopped or are working out how to begin.
Recorded lessons and workbook exercises help you examine familiar patterns, question the excuses that keep you stuck, and plan actions you can practice in everyday life. Learn at your own pace, one lesson at a time.
Areas you’ll work on
Recognize the situations and routines linked to using. Explore healthier ways to spend your time and practice small actions that help you build trust in yourself.
Notice the thoughts that bargain with your decision to quit, such as “See? We’re in control. We’re not addicted. We can quit anytime we want.” Practice questioning that thought before deciding what to do next.
Work on listening, speaking clearly, handling feedback, and responding to conflict with more intention.
Examine the relationships, environments, and commitments that shape your days. Practice setting boundaries you can communicate and maintain.
Turn intentions into clear actions. Build routines, review your progress, and learn to adjust after a setback.
02 Our approach
Deciding to change is a beginning. The lessons give you something to return to as you practice new ways of thinking, responding, and following through.
Take one lesson at a time. Notice what it brings up in your habits, choices, and everyday life.
Use reflection and workbook exercises to connect the material to something real for you.
Choose a practical action, pay attention to what happens, and adjust as you go.
03 The person behind the work
I know what it is to want a different life and not know where to start.
I’ve lived through addiction, homelessness, and the work of rebuilding. I went on to lead in public service and business. I founded Stay the Course Institute to share practical lessons I learned along the way, with tools you can examine and apply in your own life.
The Institute welcomes people rebuilding after addiction, incarceration, or other setbacks. Foundations for Change is a place to work on habits, communication, boundaries, and goals as you decide what comes next.
Pricing & enrollment
Choose the payment option that works for you. Every option includes access to Life Course: Foundations for Change and the course materials.
Work through the course at your own pace.
Use guided reflection and practical exercises.
Review the ideas as you move through the material.
Earn a certificate when course requirements are met.
Lowest total price
$1,497
One payment. $1,497 total.
Course access and all course materials.
Includes the Stay the Course Gift Box with a beautifully printed workbook, a leather-backed journal featuring the STCI logo, a copy of Wisdom at a Cost, a 20-ounce STCI tumbler, and some STCI swag. Everything arrives in a branded box, and shipping is included.
Split your payments
$797 / month
2 payments of $797. $1,594 total.
Course access and all course materials.
Recorded lessons, a workbook, quizzes and a certificate when course requirements are met.
Spread out the cost
$547 / month
3 payments of $547. $1,641 total.
Course access and all course materials.
Recorded lessons, a workbook, quizzes and a certificate when course requirements are met.
05 Your next step
You may have kept this struggle to yourself. You may be starting again. If you want to change, take a closer look at the course and decide whether it fits the work you’re ready to do.
View pricing & enrollA few things to know
Foundations for Change is for people who want to stop drinking or using drugs, including those who have recently stopped. You do not need to have everything figured out. You do need to be willing to reflect honestly and practice what you learn.
No. This is an educational course on habits, self-talk, communication, boundaries, and goals. It does not provide detox, medical care, or addiction treatment. It can be used alongside professional care and other recovery support.
Use Student login to sign in to your account and open your course library.
Go to my course libraryYes. Choose Pay in full and select Send as a gift at checkout. Enter the recipient’s email address and choose when you want the gift delivered. The recipient will receive an email at that address with instructions for accepting the gift and creating an account. Gifting is currently available with the pay-in-full option.
Start with the FAQs for questions about the course, enrollment, billing, access, and course materials.
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