Drug and Alcohol Studies Certificate

The Drug And Alcohol Studies Certificate program is open to all those who are interested in learning professional counseling skills to better serve those affected by chemical dependency. The program can complement a degree in psychology, social work, sociology, and nursing.

Further, the program can also be a first step to a career as an Addiction Counselor, Behavioral Health Case Worker, Drug and Alcohol Counselor, or Substance Abuse Counselor - just to name a few.

Proof of high school completion or GED is required for admission.

The Drug And Alcohol Studies Certificate program consists of ten courses that provide the core knowledge and skills areas described in the certification manual from CCAPP.  Students who successfully complete all ten courses with a grade of C or better (a C- or below is not a passing grade, and the course must be retaken) will receive a certificate of completion from CSU Bakersfield Extended Education.

This CSUB certificate of completion is not the same as the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Certificate awarded by CCAPP.  The CSUB Drug And Alcohol Studies Certificate program fulfills the educational requirements set forth by the CCAPP. Once completed, the student is eligible to submit a portfolio and apply for state testing through CCAPP.

We do not permit testing out of any course.

Courses to be completed:

1. BHSX 8000 Professional Writing for Chemical Dependency Counselors (Recommended for new students)

2. BHSX 8010 Introduction to Chemical Dependency Counseling (Required for new students)

3. BHSX 8020 The Physiology and Pharmacology of Alcohol & Drugs (Prerequisite: BHSX 8010)

4. BHSX 8030 Law & Ethics, Community Prevention, Education, Outreach & Referral (Prerequisite: BHSX 8010)

5. BHSX 8040 Introduction to Case Management (Prerequisite: BHSX 8010)

6. BHSX 8050 Chemical Dependency Counseling: Individual, Family, and Group Counseling (Prerequisites: BHSX 8010 & BHSX 8080)

7. BHSX 8060 Personal and Professional Growth for the Chemical Dependency Counselor (Prerequisite: BHSX 8010)

8. BHSX 8080 Basic Counseling Theories for the Chemical Dependency Counselor (Prerequisite: BHSX 8010)

9. BHSX 8090 Chemical Dependency Assessment (Prerequisite: BHSX 8010)

10. BHSX 8070 Seminar: Practicum in Chemical Dependency Counseling (Supervised Field Placement) (Prerequisites: All courses must be completed before this course)

Prior course work & class completion policy

There are three courses that must be retaken if it has been seven or more years since completion:

• BHSX 8090 Chemical Dependency Assessment
• BHSX 8020 The Physiology and Pharmacology of Alcohol & Drugs
• BHSX 8030 Law & Ethics, Community Prevention, Education, Outreach & Referral

The information within these courses change as new drugs and their effects are introduced to our society. It is vital that students have the most current information available whenever possible. 

Additional requirements and policies

Students who do not take courses for two or more consecutive semesters will automatically be discontinued from the program. Discontinued students may re-enter the program by submitting a new application and paying the current application fee. Students re-entering the program must abide by the most current program requirements. Transcripts will be reviewed, and a determination of acceptable prior coursework will be made by the program director.

CCAPP Website

BHSX 8010 Introduction to Chemical Dependency Counseling (4.5 CEU)

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.

BHSX 8000  Professional Writing for Chemical Dependency Counselors (2.0 CEU)

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.

BHSX 8080  Basic Counseling Theories for the Chemical Dependency Counselor (4.5 CEU)

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.

BHSX 8090  Chemical Dependency Assessment (4.5 CEU)

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.

BHSX 8040  Introduction to Case Management (4.5 CEU)

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.

BHSX 8030  Law & Ethics, Community Prevention, Education, Outreach & Referral (4.5 CEU)

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.

BHSX 8020  The Physiology and Pharmacology of Alcohol & Drugs (4.5 CEU)

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.

BHSX 8060  Personal and Professional Growth for the Chemical Dependency Counselor (4.5 CEU)

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.

BHSX 8050  Chemical Dependency Counseling: Individual, Family & Group Counseling (4.5 CEU)

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.

BHSX 8070  Seminar: Practicum in Chemical Dependency Counseling (Supervised Field Placement) (4.5 CEU)

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.

The following are estimated costs for the Drug and Alcohol Studies Program.

Typical costs are as follows:

• Instruction = $5,550 (9 courses at $550 per course; 1 course at $600)
• Books = $1,250
• Miscellaneous supplies = $150

Approximate total cost of program: $6,950

Payment Options

There are two payment options for your convenience:

1. Pay the full course fee amount at the time of registration.
2. Sign up for the Tuition Payment Plan, which allows you to spread the cost of your classes over a longer period of time.

Note: Program is not eligible for FAFSA-based financial aid.

Payment Options

There are two payment options for your convenience:

1. Pay the full course fee amount at the time of registration.
2. Sign up for the Tuition Payment Plan, which allows you to spread the cost of your classes over a longer period of time.

Note: Program is not eligible for FAFSA-based financial aid.

Tuition Deferment Plan