About Us
About Us
The Change Strategies Project believes that people have the ability to set goals that are in the best interests of themselves, their families and their community. We aim to support individual decision making, skill-building and respect autonomy by empowering our users.
The strategies and techniques used here have all been compiled together from experts in the field; counsellors, researchers, psychologists, clinicians, and individuals, just like yourselves, with first-hand experience of alcohol and alcohol-related harm. Individuals with lived experiences provide unmatched insights into dealing with alcohol-related issues, especially relating to reducing alcohol intake.
Think back to the last time you said you wanted to make a lifestyle change. Did you say that you wanted to start working out, but never did? Or when you told yourself you would start eating healthier meals and never have... Have you told yourself that it might be time to cut back on your drinking?
This program combines the knowledge of alcohol experts with thousands of stories from real-life experiences of people who drink, as well as the experiences of their families and friends. The tools and techniques that you'll find in this program can aid you along the way to creating, and maintaining behavioural changes needed to meet your goals. Maintaining these changes is so important, and that is what we are here to do, together.
You may find that some strategies bring up an ‘aha!’ moment and help explain why things haven't worked out in the past. But this time, with these resources, you will be in a much stronger position to make the changes you need.
The Alcohol Habit Hacker is the first Change Strategies Project to use a Peer Assisted Learning approach.
What does this all mean? Basically, we are using and formalising the buddy system. This way, you and your friend or family member can reduce your drinking together! You can help each other along the way and hold each other accountable. Whenever you feel like you need a little extra help or encouragement, all you need to do is message a coach who will be able to provide feedback on your plans.
This website is packed full of helpful information! Once you have created your account, you will have the ability to personalise your own goals and plans right here!
The secret ingredient that makes this toolbox different from just a bunch of good ideas is the planning tool - My plans. Planning is integral in moving from “I wish I did it” to “I did it!”. It is based on research in the field of action and coping planning. Having a well thought out plan increases the success of behaviour change.
The strategies included on this website can all be mixed and matched to suit you and your situation better.
Meet The Team
Simone has a long history of working as a counsellor, educator, manager and researcher across every imaginable addiction. She is passionate about helping people develop skills and insight into their own matters. Simone is currently an Associate Professor at the Auckland University of Technology.
Sarah is a Master of Public Health Student at the University of Auckland, with a particular interest in health equity and accessibility. Sarah will be the Lead Coach for the Alcohol Habit Hacker project, supervised by Dr Simone Rodda.
Contact Simone
Email: simone.rodda@aut.ac.nz
Contact Sarah
Email: sarah.oommen@auckland.ac.nz
Or request feedback on the website for your goal or plans, as a coach, Sarah will typically respond within 48 hours.