Human Services & Rehabilitation Studies: Addictions, AAS (3302)

CIP: 511504

Program Description

Addiction is the number one public health issue in the United States today. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately 22.1 million people aged 12 or older needed treatment for a substance use disorder in 2010. This program is designed to prepare students for careers in addiction counseling and to enhance the knowledge and skills of those already working in the field. Skills include individual, family and group counseling techniques, as well as assessment, treatment planning, prevention, and other topics related to addiction. This program was designed to prepare students to become an alcohol and drug counselor (ADC) in compliance with the standards set by the West Virginia Certification Board for Addiction and Prevention Professionals (WVCBAPP).

Program Learning Outcomes

• Combine interdisciplinary knowledge and skills regarding appropriate interventions in service delivery for adolescents, adults, and families.
• Integrate humanistic principles, values, and attitudes for serving individuals impacted by SMIs, SUDs, and SEDs including trauma and/or Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
• Synthesize primary and secondary information, including data gathered from individuals, environmental characteristics, and appropriate literature sources. 
• Demonstrate the 12 Core Functions of an addictions counselor according to the latest state and national standards.
• Differentiate between biological, cognitive, behavioral, emotional, social, environmental, and comorbid aspects of Substance Use Disorders (SUDs).
• Consider a recovery-oriented system of care to develop individualized, strength-based plans that eliminate barriers and build recovery capitol. 

Program Assessment

Program Outcomes are assessed in targeted courses on specific assignments, as well as the institution’s General Education Assessment.