When?
Friday, 24 April 2026
6:00 – 7:00 IST
Online (Zoom)
Who Can Participate?
This webinar is designed for:
Counsellors, psychologists, and therapists working in Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and Mental Health treatment
Individuals in recovery or early sobriety seeking to deepen their understanding of the 12-Step process
Alumni members and students of ECOLINK UTC programs
Recovery professionals, social workers, and community facilitators
Anyone interested in evidence-based addiction treatment, prevention, rehabilitation, and facilitation
Concept Note
The Ecolink Alumni Association continues its monthly webinar series exploring evidence-based frameworks in addiction recovery through the integration of clinical counselling and 12-Step philosophy.
This edition builds upon the Foundation Steps of our series premiere, taking the recovery journey deeper through Twelve-Step Facilitation (TSF). The session focuses on Steps 4, 5, and 6 — collectively known as the Action Steps — as they mark the transition from spiritual groundwork to deliberate inner transformation. These steps represent:
Step 4: Honesty — Conducting a searching and fearless moral inventory of oneself, examining the patterns, resentments, and fears that have shaped addictive behaviour
Step 5: Integrity — Admitting to oneself, to a Higher Power, and to another trusted person the exact nature of one's wrongs — moving from self-awareness into spoken accountability
Step 6: Willingness — Becoming entirely ready to have one's character defects removed, opening the self fully to the possibility of change
Together, these steps form the heart of the 12-Step process — the demanding, deeply personal work that translates acceptance and hope into honest self-examination and genuine readiness for transformation.
Key Features of the Webinar:
Deep dive into Twelve-Step Facilitation (TSF) as applied to Steps 4, 5, and 6 within structured treatment settings
Practical guidance on facilitating the moral inventory process with clients in early and sustained recovery
Personal reflections from both clinical practitioners and individuals who have navigated the Action Steps in their own recovery journeys
Integration of psychological frameworks — shame resilience, cognitive restructuring, and values clarification — with 12-Step principles
Open discussion on how honest self-appraisal through Steps 4–6 supports relapse prevention, accountability, and long-term community reintegration
Participants will gain practical tools for facilitating clients through the moral inventory process, supporting courageous disclosure in therapeutic relationships, and cultivating the willingness and readiness essential to sustained recovery and character growth.
Speakers
KNS Varadhan (Lead Speaker)
Senior Addiction Specialist & Social Entrepreneur | CEO, AICPIRF
Varadhan brings 27 years of lived and professional experience in addiction recovery and HIV intervention across South India. A person in long-term recovery, he initiated HIV Anonymous in Freedom Chennai and has facilitated over 5,600 client referrals across Tamil Nadu. Certified as a Master Trainer through UNODC, Colombo Plan, NACO, and TNSACS, and recognised as Best Social Worker in Addiction & HIV by the Tamil Nadu Government (2007) and with the Dhruva Award (2014).
Area of Expertise: Community-based addiction intervention, harm reduction, HIV/SUD co-infection programming, media advocacy, and 12-Step facilitation.
John A. Smith (Lead Speaker)
Recovery Specialist | Founder of TTK Life and Recovery Strategies
John transitioned from education to full-time addiction counselling in 2004. Since 2012, he has served as a consultant and Clinical Lead across multiple SUD and Mental Health facilities internationally, including treatment centres in Thailand and Correctional Services. He delivers online counselling, training programs, and public seminars globally.
Specialization: Addiction counselling, therapeutic facilitation of the 12-Step process, and personal transformation.
About the ECOLINK UTC Alumni Association
The ECOLINK UTC Alumni Association unites graduates from 13 batches of the Universal Treatment Curriculum (UTC) on Substance Use Disorders at Ecolink Institute, as well as students from advanced training programs.
Our Mission:
Promote the integration of UTC principles into clinical practice
Host educational webinars and training sessions
Conduct survey studies and research initiatives
Provide psycho-education through digital platforms including a YouTube channel
Support online therapy for SUDs through Addiction Recovery Coach Online (ARCO)
Foster continuous learning and knowledge-sharing among addiction professionals
The Association serves as a vibrant community of practice, bringing together counsellors, therapists, recovery coaches, and professionals committed to advancing evidence-based treatment in the field of substance use disorders.
About Ecolink Institute of Well-being
Ecolink Institute of Well-being is a globally recognized, award-winning education provider and an approved Training Provider of the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme and ISSUP (International Society of Substance Use Professionals).
Our Work:
Training addiction professionals through the Universal Treatment Curriculum (UTC)
Facilitating ICAP (International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium) credentialing applications
Managing an online therapy platform for mental health and addiction management
Delivering training to over 550 addiction practitioners from 25 countries
Recent Recognition:
Ecolink Institute recently received the prestigious International Award for "Excellence in Training Provision" from ISSUP-Global, recognizing our commitment to the highest quality standards in addiction treatment education.
Our Training Team:
Dr. Thirumagal V (Chief Trainer)
Ms. Aditi Ghanekar
Dr. Damber Nirola
Mr. Francis Moothedan
Ms. Reshma Malick
Dr. Thomas Scaria
With students from over 25 countries, Ecolink Institute continues to lead in providing accessible, evidence-based addiction treatment training globally.
Upcoming Courses
– November - December 2025