Drug and Alcohol Studies Certificate

Examines the history of alcohol and other mood altering drugs in the United States and the world, the myths and stereotypes of alcohol use, the sociocultural factors that contribute to the use of drugs, and the patterns and progressions of chemical dependency. Addresses theories of human behavior that are relevant to chemical dependency counseling, including the importance of treating the whole family. Surveys acceptable and controversial approaches to recovery from chemical dependency. Required for new students.

Confident, skilled, and precise writing increases the knowledge and skills of the primary case manager or counselor. This computer-lab-based course consists of didactic coursework utilizing technology to complete assignments. Coursework emphasizes the use of professional and technical terms that complete required written documentation. This course is be an introduction, which incorporates comprehension of written material, documentation of client progress, peer collaboration, and growth of personal portfolio. Students will also build or expand Microsoft Word and PowerPoint skills and their general knowledge of a personal computer. Recommended for new students.

Provides fundamental and essential information concerning current theory and practice of counseling. Through lectures, discussions, and a variety of hands-on activities, participants will gain substantial knowledge of and practice with proven counseling techniques. Prerequisite: BHSX 8010.

Diagnosis is the first step toward treatment of mental and chemical addiction diseases. This course provides an introduction to the conceptual foundations of diagnosis and the major diagnosis categories for chemical dependency, chemical abuse, and dual diagnosis disorders. Case studies will be examined to apply diagnosis tools, such as the DSM-IV. Prerequisite: BHSX 8010.

Beginning with the initial intake through aftercare planning, this course explores the skills and knowledge necessary for effective case management in chemical dependency treatment. Both inpatient and outpatient treatment models are explored. Examines the multidisciplinary team approach to treatment and administrative issues such as clinical staffing, clinical supervision, and realistic expectations of treatment programs. Prerequisite: BHSX 8010.

Reviews the response to chemical dependency problems on a county, state, and national level. Both private and public sector issues are studied. Topics include outreach, prevention, intervention, referral, employee assistance programs, legal precedents and their application to the community and individuals, confidentiality as it applies to the chemically dependent client, the role of self-help programs, and the effectiveness of controversial deterrents including drug testing and incarceration. Prerequisite: BHSX 8010.

This course is designed to acquaint the participant with the effects of alcohol and other drugs on the body’s systems, including potential damage to the major body organs. Detoxification, withdrawal, and tolerance are discussed, as they pertain to successful treatment and recovery. Course topics include current research on addictive disease, the pharmacological issues surrounding the most commonly used drugs, tolerance, cross-tolerance, and synergistic effect of alcohol and other drugs, human sexuality and addictive disease, pediatric, geriatric, and gender issues, and treatment and recovery strategies.Prerequisite: BHSX 8010.

In a peer group setting, the student explores how his/her own personal strengths and limitations as a chemical dependency counselor affects his/her personal and professional growth. Implications of burn-out, counselor codependency, personal therapy, and the needs of self-help groups for the counselor are explored. Students are evaluated on their ability to be empathetic, concrete, and genuine, while exploring the impact of these traits in the client. The student must receive a positive mid-term evaluation by the instructor and successfully complete the course to be accepted in the practicum course. Prerequisite: BHSX 8010.

This course examines the theories of chemical dependency counseling as they apply to individuals, families, and groups. The course also explores the objectives of chemical dependency counseling, including techniques that direct the client to explore his/her chemical dependency problems and outcomes, and helps motivate the client towards appropriate decision-making for recovery. Appropriate treatment settings and limitations of counselor practice are also examined. Prerequisites: BHSX 8010 & BHSX 8080.

This course consists of forty-five (45) classroom hours. The instructor will confirm the student is enrolled in the course and is simultaneously completing 255 hours at an approved agency setting where direct supervision is provided by a qualified staff person. The instructor will be available for consultation should a problem arise at the agency. The instructor also will be an intermediary between the agency, student, and educational institution. Prerequisites: All other courses must be completed before this course.