Addiction Studies

Program description

The Certificate of Achievement is designed to provide students with skills necessary for employment as supervised chemical dependency counselors, as well as advancement toward the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) and California Association of Alcohol and Drug Educators (CAADE). Students earning the certificate may also choose to continue their study toward an Associate of Science degree in the field. Recipients of the Shasta College Certificate of Achievement in Alcohol and Drug Studies may be eligible to work as supervised chemical dependency counselors, locally and throughout California.

A minimum grade of "C" must be earned in all courses for the certificate. In addition, students will be required to have 75% or better attendance in order to apply the courses toward CCAPP certification.

This certificate is approved through the California Community College Chancellor’s Office. Upon satisfactory completion of the listed requirements and filing an application for graduation with Admissions and Records, the student’s transcript will reflect completion of this certificate.

Program learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this certificate, the student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate competent performance of the Twelve Core Functions and Global Criteria in their Supervised Practicum Internships, evidenced by written supervisor review in both Supervised

Internships, ADS 94 and ADS 21.

2. By the completion of the Alcohol and Drug Studies Program, students will clearly identify themselves as professional counselors, committed to the CAADE Ethical standards as evidenced by completion of the Ethics and Professional Developmental course, and the signed Ethics Code submitted in the Supervised Practicum A and B course.
3. Analyze and describe the physiological and pharmacological aspects of substance abuse and dependence. This includes how drugs affect different body system, cause side effects, and impacts the community as a whole.
4. Demonstrate the ability to competently conduct and follow a client from the point of program entry to discharge, and complete all treatment planning and case management connected to that case.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the laws, regulations, and ethical codes of the substance use disorder treatment profession.
6. Utilize effective communication and active listening skills and group counseling facilitation skills.

Certificate requirements