SUFA Training FAQs

Substance Use First Aid (SUFA) is a community-based education program that teaches adults how to recognize early signs of unhealthy substance use, respond with compassion and confidence, and connect others to help when needed.

SUFA is not about diagnosing or treating; it is about learning to See, Understand, Facilitate, and Assist:

• See the signs of unhealthy substance use

• Understand without judgment

• Facilitate a supportive, stigma-free conversation

• Assist with connection to help and healing

By the end of the training, you will know how to:

• Recognize early signs of unhealthy substance use

• Understand the spectrum of use and the many paths to recovery

• Facilitate nonjudgmental, supportive conversations

• Assist others in identifying next steps and accessing resources

You will also learn about stigma reduction, motivational interviewing, person-first language, and strategies for caring for yourself while supporting others.

SUFA is for anyone who cares about the well-being of others: family members, coworkers, supervisors, educators, faith leaders, and community members.

You do not need a background in healthcare or behavioral health. You just need to care and want to make a difference for people in your life.

The full SUFA training has three parts, the first and last of which can be completed at the learner’s convenience. SUFA training includes 

1. 30 minutes of self-paced pre-work modules that introduce key concepts and terms of SUFA

2. 3.5-hour live virtual session led by two certified facilitators

3. Short post-course survey and knowledge check to reinforce learning and support long-term retention

SUFA is delivered online in small, interactive groups using Zoom. Before and after the live session, participants complete short activities through SUFA’s online learning platform. Each session combines discussion, real-life examples, and hands-on practice in a supportive and engaging setting.

No. SUFA is an educational and preventive program, not a clinical or diagnostic tool. It equips community members to recognize early risks and take compassionate, informed action before a situation escalates into a crisis.

SUFA stands out for its focus on prevention, compassion, and community empowerment.

SUFA is:

• Proactive: Focuses on recognizing and addressing unhealthy substance use early before it becomes a disorder.

• Community-driven: Designed for everyday people, not clinicians.

• Evidence-informed: Integrates research on stigma reduction, communication, and behavioral change.

• Inclusive: Addresses individual, interpersonal, and community factors that influence substance use.

• Action-oriented: Provides practical tools like motivational interviewing and strength-based communication to help participants act with empathy and confidence.

Yes. SUFA is ideal for workplaces, nonprofits, and community groups that want to promote well-being and reduce stigma.

By integrating SUFA into wellness, human resource departments, and training programs, organizations can improve culture, strengthen mutual aid, and boost workforce health and performance.

SUFA training costs vary based on how you choose to participate. Individual seats are $95 per person for open enrollment trainings.

Organizations may also purchase group training bundles to bring SUFA directly to their staff or community. This option allows organizations to select preferred training dates and request additional customization to meet specific needs.

For organizations seeking long-term internal capacity, the SUFA Train-the-Trainer option costs $1,950 per trainer and enables certified trainers to deliver SUFA internally and in the community on an ongoing basis.

We offer discounted rates for nonprofits and bulk class purchases. Please visit our SUFA Group Training page for more details.

SUFA trainings are led by compassionate, skilled facilitators who are committed to reducing stigma, fostering empathy, and empowering communities to respond effectively to substance use challenges. 

Each trainer brings experience in group facilitation, teaching, or public speaking and is comfortable leading discussions on sensitive topics such as substance use, stigma, and mental health. Many have personal or professional experience in behavioral health, recovery, or substance use support, bringing authenticity and depth to their facilitation.

SUFA Trainers value empathy, confidentiality, and inclusivity, creating safe spaces for meaningful learning.

Yes. Participants who complete the prework, attend the live training, submit the post-course survey, and score 80% or higher on the multiple-choice assessment will receive a SUFA Certificate of Completion.

Yes. SUFA is grounded in evidence-informed research on early intervention, motivational interviewing, stigma reduction, and recovery science. It draws on best practices and findings from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and peer-reviewed studies in prevention and community health education.

In addition, SUFA was shaped through community-based participatory research. We conducted interviews and focus groups with people in recovery, family members, human resource professionals, and peer professionals to understand the challenges of starting a conversation early about problematic substance use and what people need to feel confident initiating a supportive conversation around substance use. Their insights directly informed SUFA’s framework, language, and curriculum, ensuring the training reflects real experiences and the needs of everyday people.

Organizations and community groups can request SUFA training by registering online or by contacting the program team via email at hello@substanceusefirstaid.org. SUFA staff will help you schedule sessions and tailor implementation to your setting.

Not at this time. All SUFA trainings are currently delivered live online to ensure accessibility across diverse communities.

Our goal is to offer Spanish-language content and training materials in mid-2026 to ensure broader access and inclusion.

SUFA itself does not certify continuing education; however, with the learning objectives and the SUFA Certificate of Completion, you may apply for continuing education credits through your licensing or certification boards. Many professions accept external trainings when you provide documentation demonstrating clear learning outcomes, measurable hours, and a completed post-test—requirements SUFA meets.

After completing the 3.5-hour live session and passing a short 20-question knowledge check (80% or higher; unlimited attempts), you will receive a certificate documenting the training hours, the content covered, and your successful completion. This documentation can be submitted to various accrediting bodies. 

Credentialing Bodies and Certifications:

Human Resources
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)—Professional Development Credits; Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI)

Public Health
National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC)—Certified Health Education Specialists, Master Certified Health Education Specialists; National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE)—Certified in Public Health

Behavioral Health (when applicable)
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC); Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB); American Psychological Association (APA); National Association of Social Workers (NASW); American Counseling Association (ACA)

Healthcare Professions (as relevant)
American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC); Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME); Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)

Each organization sets its own approval criteria, so you should verify requirements with your licensing board or credentialing body.

SUFA incorporates the experience of people in recovery at every level of the program, from how it was created to how it is taught and how it will continue to evolve. It was developed by individuals with personal or family experience with substance use, built with direct guidance from people in recovery and those closely connected to them, and facilitated by people with personal or familial experience. People in recovery shape every part of the training.

Our founder is in long-term recovery, as are other staff at our sister company, Steadman Group. We conducted individual interviews, surveys, and focus groups with people in recovery, family members, human resource professionals, and peer professionals– all with lived or living experience– to understand what real conversations about substance use look like and where they break down.

Participants shared the challenges they faced when trying to speak up early, the fear of damaging relationships, uncertainty about warning signs, and how stigma and language influence whether someone feels safe opening up. They also described what made past conversations helpful, including empathy, curiosity, and aligning support with a person’s stage of change.

These insights directly informed SUFA’s language, scenarios, teaching tools, and overall design. As a result, SUFA reflects real-world experiences, prioritizes dignity and respect, and equips learners with the skills people in recovery say would have made a meaningful difference earlier in their journey.