If you are compassionate, a patient listener, enjoy building relationships, easily
relate to
others, and have a belief in hope, you should look into the demanding, yet rewarding
career of
being a Substance Use Disorder Counselor.
Substance Use Disorder Counselors see patients in both an office setting and in the
field, and have
appointments with individuals and groups. It involves listening and building trust
to help a person
break the cyclical nature of substance use disorder. It's about being their advocate
and
identifying what is needed to help them rebuild their relationships and their lives.
In our Alcohol and Other Drug Studies Program, you'll gain knowledge of addiction,
and
the role family and social networks play in an individual's addiction. We'll help
you develop
professional maturity and an understanding of the ethical issues of substance use
disorder
counseling. With these skills, you'll have the opportunity to receive hands-on training
through our
internship program.
After graduating with a Certificate of Achievement or Associate of Science Degree,
you may be
eligible for an entry-level position as a substance use disorder counselor.
However, the state of California requires additional credentialing for employment.
You will have
five years to become fully certified, and most employers want their counselors to
be certified
within a year of being hired. Certification is only available through private organizations
that
are approved both nationally and by the state of California. Our program will prepare
you to apply
to all three credentialing organizations.
We offer an Associate in Science and a Certificate of Achievement in Alcohol and Other
Drug Studies.
Gainful Employment links:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/rehabilitation-counselors.htm
Program Emphasis
This program is vocational, academic, and clinical in nature. It trains students in the practice dimensions and core competencies of alcohol and other drug counseling 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 an alcohol and other drug counselor. However, the State of California requires additional credentialing in order to maintain employment in this field. Persons hired as alcohol and other drug counselors have five years to become fully certified and most employers will want counselors to be certified within a year of being hired. California does not license alcohol and other drug counselors at this time. Certification is accomplished through private credentialing organizations that are nationally approved and approved by the State of California. The Alcohol and Other Drug Studies Program specifically prepares students for application to three certifying organizations: the California Association for Alcohol/Drug Educators (CAADE), the California Association of DUI Treatment Providers (CADTP), and the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP). CAADE offers certification as a Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor (CATC), CADTP offers certification as a Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor (SUDCC), and CCAPP offers certification as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC). Each organization offers several levels of certification depending on experience and academic achievement. Students who complete the certificate of achievement in AODS will have met the educational requirements for all three certifying organizations.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students who complete the Alcohol and Other Drug Studies Program will:
- Identify diagnostic criteria, apply assessment skills, and describe scientifically validated models of substance use disorder treatment.
- Identify the behavioral, psychological, physical health, and social effects of psychoactive substances on the person and their significant others.
- Explain the potential for medical and mental health conditions to coexist with substance use disorder.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the laws, regulations, and ethical codes of the substance use disorder treatment profession.
- Practice in an internship the eight addiction counselor practice dimensions: clinical evaluation; treatment planning; referral; service coordination; counseling; client, family, community education; documentation; professional and ethical responsibilities.
The Certificate of Achievement in Behavioral Sciences, Alcohol and Other Drug Studies program requires completion of the courses listed below.
Certificate of Achievement: Behavioral Sciences - Alcohol and Other Drug Studies
| COURSES REQUIRED FOR THE MAJOR | UNITS |
|---|---|
| AODS 150, Introduction to Chemical Dependency | 3 |
| AODS 153, Chemical Dependency Family Counseling Techniques | 3 |
| AODS 154, Law, Ethics and Skills in Substance Abuse Conseling | 3 |
| SOCO 101, Principles of Sociology | 3 |
| AODS 156, Chemical Dependency Case Management | 3 |
| AODS 157, Pharmacology of Psychoactive Drugs | 3 |
| PSYC 101, General Psychology | 3 |
| AODS 160, Group Dynamics in Chemical Dependency Counseling | 3 |
| PSYC 161, Introduction to Counseling | 3 |
| AODS 159, Co-Occuring Disorders in Chemical Dependency Counseling | 3 |
| AODS 162 Chemical Dependency Internship Seminar | 3 |
| AODS 163, Chemical Dependency Internship | 3.5 |
| -OR- | |
| AODS 270, Work Experience in Chemical Dependency |
4
|
|
Total: 36.5 - 37
|
*Alcohol and Other Drug Studies 270 must be substituted for 163 if a student has a paid internship.
Associate in Science: Behavioral Sciences - Alcohol and Other Drug Studies
The associate degree with an emphasis in Alcohol and Other Drug Studies requires completion
of the Certificate of Achievement, Alcohol and Other Drug Studies. Recommended elective:
Alcohol and Other Drug Studies 270. Additional general education and graduation requirements
for the associate degree are listed in the catalog. The associate degree requires a minimum of 60 units.
Note: The AODS department recommends students take course in the order listed below.
| COURSES REQUIRED FOR THE MAJOR | UNITS |
|---|---|
| AODS 150, Introduction to Chemical Dependency | 3 |
| AODS 153, Chemical Dependency Family Counseling Techniques | 3 |
| AODS 154, Laws, Ethics and Skills in Substance Abuse Conseling | 3 |
| SOCO 101, Principles of Sociology | 3 |
| AODS 156, Chemical Dependency Case Management | 3 |
| AODS 157, Pharmacology of Psychoactive Drugs | 3 |
| PSYC 101, General Psychology | 3 |
| AODS 160, Group Dynamics in Chemical Dependency Counseling | 3 |
| PSYC 161, Introduction to Counseling | 3 |
| AODS 159, Co-Occuring Disorders in Chemical Dependency Counseling | 3 |
| AODS 162, Chemical Dependency Internship Seminar |
3
|
| AODS 163, Chemical Dependency Internship | 3.5 |
| -OR- | |
| AODS 270*, Work Experience in Chemical Dependency | 4 |
|
Total: 36.5 - 37
|
*AODS 270 must be substituted for AODS 163 if student has a paid internship.
Common University Majors Related to the Field of Alcohol and Other Drug Studies Include:
Human Development, Psychology, Human Services, Social Work.
Course Requirements for Transfer Students
Students who plan to transfer to a four year college or university and earn a bachelor's degree in this discipline should consult with a counselor or visit the Transfer/Career Center to determine the appropriate major preparation courses for their specific transfer institution and major. Transfer students may also earn an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences with an emphasis. This degree may be individually tailored to each student's specific transfer requirements in order to provide the most efficient path to transfer. More information on transfer programs and procedures is available in the Transfer Programs section of the catalog.
Faculty
Wendy Wiehl, PharmD |Professor, Director, and Co-Chair | Office - MS-534 | (619) 388-3097 | wwiehl@sdccd.edu
Keith Burke | Professor | Office - MS-536 | (619) 388- 3589 | ktburke@sdccd.edu