Alcohol and Other Drug Studies
Associate in Science Behavioral Sciences · Palomar College · 2026-2027 Catalog
The program provides students with academic training and field practicum experience for entry-level employment in the delivery of alcohol and other drug treatment services in agency settings addressing those experiencing substance use disorders. It serves as preparation for the California state examinations as a certified substance use disorders counselor through the state approved credentialing organizations.
Learning Outcome(s):
- Apply the formal laws and ethical standards that govern professional ethics in substance abuse counseling.
- Apply the 12 Core Functions (Screening, Intake, Orientation, Assessment, Treatment Planning, Counseling, Case Management, Crisis Intervention, Client Education, Referral, Report and Record Keeping, and Consultation with Professionals) in a clinical setting.
- Analyze the elements required to effectively carry out the 12 Core Functions of substance abuse counseling.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Program Requirements | 34-36 | |
| PSYC 150 | Introduction to Alcohol and Other Drug Studies | 3 |
| PSYC 155 | The Physiology and Pharmacology of Psychoactive Drugs | 3 |
| AODS 160 | Prevention, Intervention, and Education | 3 |
| AODS 165 | Law and Ethics | 3 |
| AODS 250 | Group Leadership and Process | 3 |
| AODS 255 | Case Management | 3 |
| AODS 260 | Chemical Dependency Family Counseling | 3 |
| AODS 270 | Co-Occurring Disorders | 3 |
| AODS 298 | Directed Field Experience I | 3 |
| AODS 298L | Directed Field Experience I | 2-3 |
| AODS 299 | Directed Field Experience II | 3 |
| AODS 299L | Directed Field Experience II Lab | 2-3 |
| Select One Course (3 Units) | 3 | |
| PSYC C1000 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| SOCI C1000 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| SOC 110 | Social Problems | 3 |
| Total | 37-39 | |