Curriculum Overview
Starting Over is a facilitator-led, 11-session recovery curriculum designed for use in correctional, residential, and sober living settings. Participants rebuild identity through guided group sessions rooted in the Beatitudes.
Unlike other approaches that focus solely on sobriety or self-control, the Starting Over curriculum invites participants to become someone new—
clean, sober, and grounded—
an addict who chooses not to use.
Designed for Real-World Recovery
Starting Over was created to meet the needs of recovery programs seeking structure, clarity, and emotional depth. The curriculum is flexible enough to fit different timelines, and accessible for staff, volunteers, or peer leaders to guide meaningful group sessions.
Who It's For
Starting Over is designed for a variety of environments, including but not limited to:
- Detox and short-term treatment programs
- Sober living homes
- Correctional institutions
- Transitional housing programs
- Staff or peer-led recovery groups
- Reentry units
We can be flexible to your environment.
More Than Sobriety
The goal of Starting Over isn’t just sobriety through willpower, medication, or avoiding temptation. It’s not living in a daily mental tug-of-war with addiction.
The goal is a new you, with passions and purpose that no longer include addiction.
How the Curriculum Works
The curriculum helps participants clarify who they are, what they value, and what they want to build through structured reflection, writing, and group discussion.
The Core Framework
The Nine Keys
The Nine Keys of Starting Over are broken up into four groupings:
- The Reawakening Keys of Poverty and Sadness
- The Reinvent Keys of Humility and Hunger
- The Reinvest Keys of Kindness, Sincerity, and Goodwill
- The Revival Keys of Disconnect and Resolve
The 11 Sessions
The curriculum consists of 11 sessions: an introduction, nine core sessions based on the Nine Keys, and a closing session for reflection and affirmation. Each session includes readings, prompts, and written exercises.
Student Commitment & Materials
Starting Over provides each participant with a personal workbook. This isn’t just a handout; it’s something they earn through their commitment to the process. While Starting Over is offered at no cost, students are asked to sign an agreement to receive a workbook.
Why This Matters
The workbook is considered a loan. When the student completes the 11 sessions, the book becomes their property. If they leave early, they are expected to return the book or repay its value ($45). This agreement helps set a tone of personal responsibility and accountability from introduction to conclusion.
It’s a small but meaningful way to encourage students to take the work seriously and stay engaged through the 11 sessions. The signed agreement becomes a symbol of their investment in change, knowing that what costs us nothing has no value.
Curious about how it all works?
Our FAQ covers what to expect, who it’s for, and what makes Starting Over different.
Ready to Bring Starting Over to Your Program?
Starting Over has helped participants in correctional and recovery settings reclaim hope, identity, and purpose. Whether you’re looking to support long-term sobriety or enrich your program’s spiritual offerings, this curriculum is designed to integrate with your community and scale through peer support.