Requirements for the Drug Studies certificate [academic requirement for CAADE Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor (C.A.T.C.) credential]

Drug Studies Program
Certificate of Achievement

The Drug Studies Program provides the student with the academic preparation and field experience needed to work with the drug dependent and their families. The Program is accredited by the California Association for Alcohol/Drug Educators (CAADE). Completion of the required courses provides the educational component necessary for certification as a Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor through CAADE and as required by the California State Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs. The courses that comprise the Program are designed for those who are working with or want to work with drug dependent populations, providing a broad base of knowledge regarding approaches to drug education and prevention, treatment issues, counseling skills, ethical issues, and practical knowledge about drugs and their effects.

To acquire a Certificate of Achievement in Drug Studies, it is necessary to complete the following with a grade of "C" or better:

Required Courses – Descriptions

Psychology 118 - Chemical Dependency: Intervention, Treatment, and Recovery
This course provides an introduction to current perspectives with respect to the management of chemical dependency. Through an examination of alcoholism as a model of drug dependence, the treatment of and recovery from such disorders will be explored from two divergent perspectives: the reformative and the transformative. Current treatment modalities will be compared and contrasted in terms of their view of the individual in both the social and clinical context. The class experience itself will serve as an intervention by challenging students to examine their existing ideas about treatment and recovery from substance use disorders. Suitable for students interested in furthering their understanding of substance dependence and those interested in working with populations recovering from or at risk for such problems.
For additional information on this course contact Carolyn Comini: ccomini@riohondo.edu

Psychology 121- Drugs, Society, and Behavior
This course is designed to introduce students to both the biological and societal aspects of psychoactive drugs. Initially the general mechanisms of drug action will be examined, followed by a focus on specific classes of drugs. Current and historical uses of and attitudes towards drugs will be addressed. Societal and cultural differences will also be noted. Suitable for students interested in furthering their understanding of psychoactive drugs and those interested in working with populations recovering from or at risk for drug problems.
For additional information on this course contact Carolyn Comini: ccomini@riohondo.edu

Psychology 122 - Introduction to Group Leadership and Process
This course provides an introduction to the dynamics of group interaction. The individual's firsthand experience is emphasized as the group studies itself under supervision. The factors involved in problems of communication, effective emotional responses, and personal growth will be highlighted. Group process will be examined as a means of changing behavior. Suitable for students interested in furthering their understanding of group dynamics and those interested in supervising groups dedicated to achieving behavioral change.
For additional information on this course contact Dr. Phelps: lphelps@riohondo.edu

Psychology 123 - Drug Education and Prevention
This course addresses the history, theories, models, and approaches to substance abuse education and prevention. In addition to an academic look at drug abuse, students will also explore and examine their own values and beliefs about substance use and misuse. The impact of public policy, the media, and drug education programs on drug use will all be considered. Suitable for students interested in furthering their understanding of substance dependence and those interested in working with populations recovering from or at risk for such problems.
For additional information on this course contact Dr. Phelps: lphelps@riohondo.edu

Human Services 124 - Introduction to Case Management and Documentation
This course introduces students to the procedures involved in case management, from intake to self-sufficiency. The documentation of client clinical records will be addressed, emphasizing social history taking and written treatment plans. The professional guidelines necessary for working with clients in a social services setting will also be covered, providing the student with an understanding of issues related to ethics, client rights, and confidentiality. Suitable for those students with an interest in working in a social services setting.
For additional information on this course contact Dr. Phelps: lphelps@riohondo.edu

Psychology 126 - Counseling the Family of the Addicted Person
This course provides an overview of the systems approach to counseling the chemically dependent family. Alcoholism will be used as a model for developing counseling skills through the analysis and examination of the relationships that develop in the addicted family system. An experiential format will be employed as students participate in exercises that lead to the development of the necessary skills. This course is designed for those working with or preparing to work with the drug dependent and those around them.
For additional information on this course contact Dr. Phelps: lphelps@riohondo.edu

Psychology 127 - Introduction to the Physiological Effects of Drugs of Abuse
This course provides an examination of the pharmacological actions of drugs of abuse and how this relates to the physiological, as well as the behavioral, effects of such drugs. The properties of drugs that increase the likelihood of the development of dependence will be emphasized. Suitable for students interested in furthering their understanding of psychoactive drugs and those interested in working with populations recovering from or at risk for drug problems.
For additional information on this course contact Michael Chen: mchen@riohondo.edu

Psychology 130 - Essential Counseling Skills
This course is designed to foster the development of the essential counseling skills and strategies necessary for the effective counseling of diverse populations. Current issues within the counseling profession, such as cultural sensitivity, ethics, and dual diagnosis, are discussed and integrated throughout the course. Emphasis is on the student's growth and development as a counselor and how the student can best use supervision in this developmental process. This course would be of benefit to anyone working in a human service or social services setting.
For additional information on this course contact Professor Kaiser: dkaiser@riohondo.edu

Human Services 199 - Fieldwork in Human Services
This course offers the student a supervised field experience in a community organization, agency, or institution, allowing the student to apply knowledge and learn new skills outside of the classroom environment. A weekly class meeting provides the academic element to this experiential course offering and reinforces the application of concepts gained in the prerequisite course or courses. This course is designed to provide the student with an opportunity to develop skills that would facilitate gaining employment in the human services field.
For information on this course contact Melissa Rifino Juarez: mjuarez@riohondo.edu

Psychology 230 - Drug Studies Seminar and Internship
This course is to be taken in the final semester of the Drug Studies Program and provides the student with work experience in a drug treatment facility. The student will apply the concepts and skills gained through their coursework as they serve as an intern in a setting where drug dependent individuals are served. The seminar will focus on ethics, the further development of counseling skills, and the use of community resources. Students must meet the requirements of the internship facility. This course may be taken twice for a maximum of 8 units of credit.
For additional information on this course contact Dr. Wilson: magicwords@prodigy.net 

This page last updated September 29, 2005 (LLP)