Addiction & Substance Abuse Counseling Degree (SA13)  Degree

Introduces the fundamental concepts, terminology, and operations necessary to use computers. Emphasis is placed on basic functions and familiarity with computer use. Topics include an introduction to computer terminology, the Windows environment, Internet and email, word processing software, spreadsheet software, database software, and presentation software.

This course looks at the social, political, physiological and behavioral implications of alcohol/drug abuse. The course focuses on theories of drug and alcohol addiction stages, the dynamics and nature of psychoactive substances, theories/methods of substance abuse prevention, family dynamic models, co-dependency and disease concepts.

This course will provide students with a foundational understanding of the knowledge and skills required to participate in and lead small groups in a variety of settings. The course emphasizes a experiential approach which will provide students with the opportunity to develop skills in planning, facilitating, organizing, and evaluating the success of groups. Emphasis will be placed on exploration and application of group work theory principles and practices of group counseling, stages of group development, group dynamics, and group leadership.

This course includes substance abuse, substance dependence, codependency, co-occurring disorders, alcoholism, drug use, misuse, abuse, heroin withdrawal, commonly abused drugs, physiological effect of drug dependency and alcoholism, treatment for drug dependence and alcoholism, rehabilitation for drug dependency and alcoholism. It focuses on management, maintenance and the prevention of substance abuse and alcoholism.

This course provides students with knowledge and skills to work with physically, socio-economically, mentally, psychologically, and economically disadvantaged and oppressed people. Attention is given to ethnic minorities of color, women, people with disabilities, gay and lesbian people, the poor and the oppressed. A multi-dimensional, cross-cultural framework is introduced for assessments and interventions with consumers form diverse groups. Students learn to identify and emphasize the adaptive capabilities and strengths of disadvantaged and oppressed people.

This course focuses on initial introduction to the concept of families throughout the family life cycle. Using a biopsychosocial approach, the course explores the family structure (traditional, single parent, gay/lesbian, divorce); and social and environmental stressors that impact the family. Students will learn the step-by-step process of case management for the family unit from the initial referral for services, determination of eligibility for services, writing a formal plan for services, case documentation techniques and techniques for monitoring progress for each individual family member through the service delivery system, to case closure/follow-up activities.

This course addresses contemporary issues in addictions and mental health. Emphasis is in four major areas: ethnic and cultural issues that influence diagnosis, treatment and utilization of services, special populations such as consumers/clients with HIV/AIDS; co-occurring disorders; and matching treatment services to individual client needs. In addition, attention will be given to the following current issues in the fields: treatment issues for adolescent and geriatric consumers/clients; spiritual concerns and disciplines; gay/lesbian issues; psychopharmacology; relapse dynamics and prevention and managed care and treatment costs.

This course will introduce the major counseling theories and techniques focusing on individual counseling within a Human Services framework. Students are encouraged to develop a counseling orientation based on these theories which include their own personal and professional ethical orientation.

This course uses various approaches to designing and implementing education programs concerning substance abuse, intervention, recovery and relapse prevention for adolescents and adults. Emphasis is placed on the education of individuals and substance abusers/users and their families. Knowledge of diverse community resources in developing community education and prevention programs. Upon completion, students should be able to present a wide variety of education programs for individuals and substance abusers/users and their families.

This course examines each of the following: (1) the purpose of counseling, (2) the historical context for counseling, (3) the basic principles of major counseling theories, and (4) the practice of counseling in various professional settings. The course will be offered in a fully online format compatible with distance education.

This course will provide students with an opportunity for integration of knowledge and skills in a clinical work setting. Apply theory and counseling skills under competent supervision enables student to make the necessary transition from program to the actual world of work. When the transition is made with adequate supervision, students gain competence ad confidence in the delivery of counseling services. The reality of the practicum setting provides the necessary bridge between training and professional competence.

This course explores counseling as it relates to working with clients with substance abuse disorders. Ethical and legal issues, theoretical models, assessment and diagnosis, treatment planning, techniques and individual/family/group interventions with diverse populations will be discussed throughout class sessions. This course is distinctively geared towards students who are training to be counselors. Substance abuse issues that clients might present within counseling are addressed by way of assigned readings, class discussions, video segments, case studies, internet resources and assignments. Goals are to focus on enforcing knowledge of substance abuse counseling theories and techniques, understanding assessment in individual and group sessions, learning how to apply theory to practice, and gaining competence with serving clients with substance abuse addictions in a therapeutic capacity.

This course examines different crisis situations both short-term and overwhelming. It will offer assessments and treatment methods that differ in a number of ways from methods used in non-crisis situations.