Associate of Arts Degree (Addiction Studies)

The Addiction Studies program prepares students to work with the alcohol and other drug dependent population, and the family and employer of the addicted person. The program addresses community needs for trained substance use prevention and intervention specialists to work and volunteer in both public and private agencies in the Bay Area.Explain a variety of models and theories of addiction; the social political, economic, and cultural context; risk and resiliency factors; the behavioral, psychological, physical health, and social effects of psychoactive substances. Describe the philosophies, practices, policies, and scientifically supported models of treatment, recovery, relapse prevention, and continuing care for addiction and the interdisciplinary approach to addiction treatment. Demonstrate the use of specific diagnostic criteria for substance use disorders and describe treatment modalities and placement criteria within the continuum of care and apply treatment services appropriate to the personal and cultural identity and language of the client. Demonstrate the professional readiness of the counselor to apply their understanding of diverse cultures into clinical practice, the importance of self-awareness in one’s own personal, professional, and cultural life, adherence to addiction professional’s ethical and behavioral standards of conduct, importance of ongoing supervision and understand procedures for handling crisis or dangerous situations.

Career Path

Career opportunities in this field include Primary Addiction Counselor/Supervisor, Case Manager, Program Director, Prevention Educator, Mental Health Dual Diagnosis Counselor, Crisis Intervention Specialist, Incarceration Counselor, and Assessment/Placement Specialist.