Bachelor of Science in Substance Use and Abuse Studies

This foundational course introduces students to historical and sociological perspectives on the use, abuse and social control of psychoactive drugs. Students will receive overviews of the bio-psycho-social model of addiction; the impact of addiction on children, families and society; contemporary treatment and relapse prevention approaches in the addictions counseling profession.

This course provides an orientation to counseling as a helping profession and addresses the importance of establishing and maintaining a therapeutic relationship. Students are introduced to the history and contemporary conceptualization of major counseling theories and associated techniques. Focus is placed on developing the essential listening and interviewing skills necessary for effective counseling practice, ethical standards of practice, and professional counselor identity development.

Note: required for substance certification.

This skill-building course familiarizes students with the federal regulations, state statutes, and professional ethics associated with the functions and practice of addictions treatment counseling. Topics include scope of practice, client confidentiality, release of information, screening, intake, assessment, treatment planning, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, client education, referral, reports/record keeping and consultation.

Note: required for substance certification.

Prerequisite(s): EDC 40: Introduction to Counseling Theories & Techniques.

This skill-building course introduces the fundamental principles of Motivational Interviewing, an evidence-based model developed for addictions counseling. Examines the collaborative and goal-oriented strategies designed to acknowledge client ambivalence, strengthen intrinsic motivation to change, and support the client in developing a commitment to the change based goals of recovery. Explores individual counseling skills, including essential listening and interviewing techniques for establishing and maintaining a facilitative style in the therapeutic relationship. Includes a component on counselor self-care.

Note: required for substance certification.

Prerequisite(s): EDC 60: Individual Counseling Skills & Motivational Interviewing.

This skill-building course introduces the major goals, stages, and processes of group counseling in addiction treatment programs. The role, responsibilities, and ethics of the group facilitator are emphasized along with strategies and techniques for facilitating group processes as a means of changing behavior. The factors involved in problems of communication, effective emotional responses, and personal growth is highlighted. Students practice and demonstrate competencies through the practice and participation of group facilitation.

Note: required for substance certification.

This skill-building course introduces case management strategies common in the addiction treatment setting, including evidenced based strategies of intervention, admission process, and documentation of information for clients with a substance use disorder. Students are trained to screen and assess clients to services that may include behavioral health counseling, criminal justice interventions; domestic violence; suicide; sexual abuse; co-occurring disorders; distressed, agitated, or dangerous clients; referral when crisis intervention necessitated; and other relevant factors that influence the outcome of successful treatment.

Note: required for substance certification.

This course explores methods of assisting significant others dealing with the alcohol and drug abuse of interconnected individuals. Examines the multigenerational nature of addiction within family systems including risk factors; values, norms, roles, and beliefs of the family system; common patterns of adaptation; dysfunctional family dynamics; and the impact of child abuse and neglect across the lifespan. The interrelated dynamics of these relationships are analyzed as students develop treatment strategies to assist families and significant others throughout various stages of active addiction, treatment, long-term recovery and relapse prevention.

Note: required for substance certification.

This course describes the philosophies, practices, policies and outcomes of the most generally accepted and scientifically supported models of prevention, intervention, treatment, recovery, and continuing care for substance use disorders, including dependence and withdrawal. Professional and ethical codes of conduct and behavior are also reviewed and emphasized.

Note: required for substance certification.

Introduction to the profession of counseling, including differences between professional counseling and other professions, with a focus on counseling theories and techniques. Lecture three hours. Requirement for the Counseling minor and BS Substance Use and Abuse Studies.

This course develops culturally responsive knowledge, skills, professional identity and dispositions for substance use disorder (SUD) counselors. Students examine culture and intersectional identities; apply culturally informed screening, assessment, treatment planning and advocacy; and practice communication skills that promote client dignity, safety, and engagement across diverse communities. Emphasis is placed on reflective practice, ethical decision-making, advocacy, and adapting evidence-based approaches in working with diverse populations.

This course examines the impact of trauma, including adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and their connection to co-occurring mental health disorders associated with addiction. Students will explore key concepts and characteristics of disorders such as mood, anxiety, PTSD, and unresolved childhood abuse. Emphasizing the Trauma-Informed Care Model, the course develops skills in recognizing co-occurring disorders, making appropriate referrals, and managing cases within the scope of practice. Effective treatment strategies are covered, along with the importance of counselor self-care to address the effects of trauma exposure.

Note: required for substance certification.

Prerequisite(s): EDC 60; EDC 100; EDC 140.

Students gain experience working with clients in a substance use disorder treatment setting under site supervision; demonstrate the professional conduct necessary for effective, ethical counseling; apply basic counseling competencies recognized in addictions counseling. During Field Study and Seminar I students will accrue 125 hours of field experience. Students also attend and participate in 3-hours of classroom instruction per week/45 hours per semester, 90 hours total.

Note: required for substance certification.

Prerequisite(s): EDC 169.

Students gain experience working with clients in a substance use disorder treatment setting under site supervision; demonstrate the professional conduct necessary for effective, ethical counseling; apply basic counseling competencies recognized in addictions counseling. Students complete 125 hours of field experience per semester, 250 hours total as this is cumulative and includes Field Study & Seminar I; Students also attend and participate in 3-hours of classroom instruction per week/45 hours per semester, 90 hours total.

Note: required for substance certification.

PSYC 2 is approved for articulation or substitution through many community colleges. Check assist.org or with the department for approval.

Provides a general overview of theory and research concerning psychological processes at the basic, individual and social levels. Topics will include physiological psychology, comparative psychology, learning, motivation, sensation and perception, developmental psychology, personality, social psychology, maladaptive behavior, individual differences, and selected other topics. Requires three hours of participation as a research subject.

Examination of the classification of psychoactive drugs and their mode of action. Covers effects of psychoactive drugs on central nervous system structure and function and on behavior; use, abuse, effects, and dangers of therapeutic and recreational drugs; motivational aspects of drug use, and methods for treating addiction.

Note: required for substance certification.

Prerequisite: PSYC 2

Detailed consideration of behavior disorders and maladaptive behavior: theories of causation, descriptions of the disorders, and strategies of various therapies.

Note: required for substance certification.