This program prepares students for certification as
Alcohol and/or Drug Abuse Counselors. The Certificate
of Achievement is designed to prepare students for
entry level alcohol and drug counselor employment.
The associate degree provides academic preparation
for baccalaureate study in psychology, social work and
related disciplines.
Program Emphasis
This program is both vocational and academic. It trains
students in the core functions of an alcohol and drug
counselor while providing a theoretical foundation in
the behavioral sciences and human service
professions.
Career Options
Upon completion of the certificate of achievement or
associate degree, students may be eligible for entry
level employment as alcohol and/or drug counselors.
However, most students find that further credentialing
is required. The California Association of Alcohol and
Drug Abuse Counselors (CAADAC) offers the Certified
Alcohol Counselor (CAC), the Certified Drug Counselor
(CDC) and the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor
(CADC) Credentials. The Alcohol and Other Drug
Studies program satisfies academic requirements for
all seven California Alcohol and Drug Counseling
credentialing agencies. This includes opportunities for
continuing education and/or credentialing in nursing,
drunk driver education programs, American Indian
Certification and others.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students who complete the Alcohol and Other Drug Studies Program will:
- Recognize, describe, and explain a variety of
models and theories of substance use, abuse, and
dependence.
- Identify diagnostic criteria and apply assessment
skills for substance abuse and dependence.
- Describe and explain the social, political,
economic, and cultural contexts within which
substance use, abuse, and dependence exist,
including the risk and resilience factors that characterize individuals and groups and their
environments.
- Identify the behavioral, psychological, physical
health, and social effects of psychoactive
substances on the person and their significant
others.
- Recognize the potential for substance use
disorders to mimic a variety of medical and
mental health conditions.
- Explain the potential for medical and mental
health conditions to coexist with substance use,
abuse, and dependence.
- Assess and evaluate the philosophies, practices,
policies, and outcomes of the most accepted and
scientifically validated models of treatment,
recovery, relapse prevention, and continuing care
for addiction and other substance-related
problems, and value an interdisciplinary approach
to addiction treatment.
- Explain the importance of family, social networks,
and community systems in the treatment and
recovery process.
- Apply research and outcome data in clinical
practice.
- Practice in an internship the eight addiction
counselor competencies: clinical evaluation;
treatment planning; referral; service coordination;
counseling; client, family, community education;
documentation; professional and ethical
responsibilities.