Addictions Counseling

The Addictions Counseling concentration emphasizes a solid knowledge base in the area of addiction studies. Growth in self-awareness and therapeutic skills leads to professional and ethical practice. Although the field of addiction is broad – covering psychoactive substance use, abuse and dependency, gambling, eating disorders, relationships, sexual, and a variety of other behaviors, the program at the University of Great Falls emphasizes treatment and intervention for the chemically dependent. Students seeking state licensure must be in recovery, with full two years of abstinence, prior to enrolling in clinical experiences.

Students who wish to prepare for licensure as an addictions counselor in the State of Montana must successfully complete clinical courses and supervised internship hours required by the State. A combination of psychology and addictions courses will prepare the student for state certification providing successful completion of required coursework and completion of the clinical requirements for licensure.

 

 

 

 

Students who earn an Associate Degree or concentration in Addictions Counseling will

• Demonstrate knowledge of theoretical concepts and empirical findings relevant to addictions counseling.
• Accurately assess, decisively intervene, and effectively treat clients and their families where an addictive disorder is involved.
• Plan treatment, manage services and document a comprehensive treatment process for individuals and families.
• Apply critical and creative thinking skills in solving problems related the addictive process and its effect on individuals, families, and society.

Recognize, discuss, and apply professional and ethical principles of addictions counseling.

 

Course-name and number	CR
ADC 145 - Addiction Theory	3
ADC 146 - Pharmacology	3
ADC 164 - Record Documentation	2
ADC 174 - Clinical Issues in Counseling	3
ADC 261 - Assessment in Addictions Counseling	3
HSV 326 - Ethics in Human Services	3
PSY 200 - General Psychology	3
PSY 241 - Introduction to Counseling	3
PSY 340 - Techniques of Counseling	3
PSY 498 - Group Counseling	3
Total credits for Associate Degree	39

 

Download your Addictions Counseling degree planning sheet.

 

ADC 145 Addiction Theory. Theories, principles, and application of therapies commonly used in the counseling and rehabilitation of chemical abuse and dependency. Expected to be offered: Distance Learning: Spring semesters 3 credits

ADC 146 Pharmacology. Covers ingestion, absorption, metabolism, and effects of alcohol and other drugs on human tissue; nature of tolerance, withdrawal and addition; interaction among drugs and polydrug abuse; prescription and non-prescription drugs; effects on the central nervous system, liver, and other tissue damage; and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Expected to be offered: Distance Learning: Spring semesters 3 credits

ADC 164 Record Documentation. Students learn record keeping skills including treatment planning, documenting client and counselor interactions, and report writing. Legal and professional standards of record keeping applicable to the chemical dependency and other health care fields will be covered. Expected to be offered: Distance Learning: Fall 2005, Spring semesters 2 credits

ADC 174 Clinical Issues in Counseling. This course addresses issues of concern to the addictions counselor including concepts and interventions related to cultural differences, abuse, anger and resistance, suicide, and other issues. Expected to be offered: Distance Learning: Fall semesters 3 credits

ADC 261 Assessment and Appraisal. Examines methods and techniques in assessing clients for chemical dependency with emphasis on testing and training. Expected to be offered: Distance Learning: Summer semesters 3 credits

ADC 295 Internship in Addictions Counseling. Emphasis on functioning as part of an agency staff, development of advanced individual, group, and family counseling skills. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor Expected to be offered: Fall and Spring semesters 1-8 credits

 

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