Alcohol and Other Drug Studies
12 courses · Palomar College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
AODS 150 Introduction to Alcohol and Other Drug Studies
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
Examines alcohol, tobacco, and psychoactive drugs in society. Biological, psychological and socio-cultural factors of drug abuse and dependence will be explored. The impact of addiction on families and society; contemporary treatment techniques, and the addiction counseling profession will be covered.
AODS 155 The Physiology and Pharmacology of Psychoactive Drugs
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will examine how psychoactive drugs affect the nervous system. Ways of classifying drugs will be identified including the processes of physical and psychological dependence, tolerance, withdrawal, and genetic predispositions. Temporary and long-term affective, behavioral, cognitive, biological, and social consequences of psychoactive drug use will be explored, including disorders such as Korsakoff's syndrome and other nutritional deficiencies.
AODS 160 Prevention, Intervention, and Education
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will review historical and contemporary approaches for chemical dependency, including prevention, intervention, and education. It will analyze the progression of substance abuse and chemical dependency disorders and will evaluate types of prevention, education, and intervention strategies.
AODS 165 Law and Ethics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is the study of legal and ethical components of substance use disorder counseling for the Alcohol and Other Drug Studies Program.
AODS 250 Group Leadership and Process
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
An introduction to the dynamics of group interaction, with emphasis upon the individual's firsthand experience as the group studies itself under supervision. Problems of communication, effective emotional responses, and personal growth will be highlighted. The emphasis will be upon group process as a means of changing behavior.
AODS 255 Case Management
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course reviews the principles and practice of case management for the helping professions. This course introduces students to the theoretical and practical application of case management skills and techniques. An emphasis is placed on preparing students to work effectively in the helping professions, with an emphasis on substance use disorder counseling. Topics include clinical evaluation, treatment planning, referral, service coordination, counseling, client and community education, documentation, and professional and ethical responsibilities for the helping professions.
AODS 260 Chemical Dependency Family Counseling
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed to explore methods of assisting family members and others to understand and to cope with the alcohol and drug abuse of alcoholics and addicts. Several family therapy modalities will be explored. The approach will be experiential in format and students will participate exercises that lead to the development of these skills.
AODS 270 Co-Occurring Disorders
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course introduces the assessment process and identification of the signs and symptoms of co-occurring disorders (which involve both mental health conditions and substance use disorders occurring simultaneously). It explores the relationship of these conditions and introduces the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Emphasis is placed on developing comprehensive treatment approaches and developing the entry-level skills that professionals need when working with individuals who have co-occurring disorders. Letter grade only.
AODS 298 Directed Field Experience I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is the study of substance use treatment, focusing on developing the knowledge, skills and attitudes of a student-intern, alcohol and drug counselor. This course supports student interns enrolled in an internship or work experience course and facility. Students will have an opportunity to observe and work with human service providers working with clients in agency settings. Ethical guidelines for helping professions, developing cultural competence, stages of change and motivational interviewing as a helping style are discussed. Interns practice interviewing skills for increasing motivation for positive change.Students must be accepted for an internship at an approved substance abuse or human services treatment facility. Sixty hours is required for each credit unit in an unpaid internship, and seventy-five hours is required for each credit unit in a paid internship.
AODS 298L Directed Field Experience I
- Units
- 2-3
- Hours
- 6.00-9.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- (Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in): AODS 298
- Transfers to
- CSU
Supervised internship in a human service agency or an alcohol and other drug treatment facility. The student intern will have an opportunity to observe human service providers working with clients in agency settings. Ethical guidelines for helping professions, developing cultural competence, stages of change and motivational interviewing as a helping style are discussed. Interns practice interviewing skills for increasing motivation for positive change.
AODS 299 Directed Field Experience II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- AODS 298 and AODS 298L and AODS 250 and AODS 255 and AODS 165 Corequisite (Course required to be taken concurrently): AODS 299L
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is a study of substance use treatment with an emphasis on developing the knowledge, skills and abilities of the student as intern alcohol and drug counselor. This course emphasizes advanced concepts in chemical dependency. Students refine their skills for the 12 core functions of effective clinical practice and compile a professional portfolio in preparation for the state certifying exam. This course meets the 45-hour supervised practicum requirement for the California Certification Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors. Sixty hours is required for each credit unit in an unpaid internship, and seventy-five hours is required for each credit unit in a paid internship.
AODS 299L Directed Field Experience II Lab
- Units
- 2-3
- Hours
- 6.00-9.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- (Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in): AODS 298
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides students with a hands-on learning experience through cooperative education, work experience. This is a cooperative effort between a provider agency, the student and instructor. Emphasis is placed on enabling the student intern to learn and experience the work of an alcohol and other drug counselor while receiving college credit. Students must be accepted for an internship at an approved substance abuse treatment facility.