Addiction & Substance Abuse Counseling Degree (SA13)  Degree


Program Description:

The Addiction and Substance Abuse Counseling degree program provides students with the educational coursework to become an addictions counselor. Students are prepared to provide counseling, career advice, and therapeutic services to substance abusers and their families. The program provides training in drug, alcohol, and crisis intervention, along with courses in psychology and communication.

Entrance date: Each semester

Program admission requirements:

Minimum Test Scores

ACCUPLACER NEXT GENERATION – Reading 236 ACCUPLACER- Sentence Skills 70
Writing 249 Reading Comprehension 64
Quantitative Reasong 245 Algebra 57

High School diploma or equivalent required for admission.

Credits required for graduation: 62

Each course within all of Albany Technical College's diploma/certificate level programs is acceptable for full credit toward the Occupationally Related Elective or General Elective hours for this associate degree.

Contact program advisor for program-specific courses, and see course options for each area.

Beginning Spring 2022 (January 2022), ALL FIRST TIME college students will be required to take the College Success (COLL 1020) course.

Albany Technical College is accredited with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award Associate of Applied Science Degrees, Associate of Science in Nursing Degrees, Diplomas, and Technical Certificates of Credit. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Albany Technical College.

Curriculum Outline (62 hours)
General Education Core 15
Area I - Language Arts/Communications 3
ENGL 1101

Explores the analysis of literature and articles about issues in the humanities and in society. Students practice various modes of writing, ranging from exposition to argumentation and persuasion. The course includes a review of standard grammatical and stylistic usage in proofreading and editing. An introduction to library resources lays the foundation for research. Topics include writing analysis and practice, revision, and research. Students write a research paper using library resources and using a formatting and documentation style appropriate to the purpose and audience.

3
Area II - Social/Behavioral Sciences 3
ECON 2105

Provides a description and analysis of macroeconomic principles and policies. Topics include basic economic principles, macroeconomic concepts, equilibrium in the goods and money markets, macroeconomic equilibrium and the impact of fiscal and monetary policies.

3
SOCI 1101

Explores the sociological analysis of society, its culture, and structure. Sociology is presented as a science with emphasis placed on its methodology and theoretical foundations. Topics include basic sociological concepts, socialization, social interaction and culture, social groups and institutions, deviance and social control, social stratification, social change, and marriage and family.

3
Area III - Natural Sciences/Mathematics (select one mathematics course below 3
MATH 1111

Emphasizes techniques of problem solving using algebraic concepts. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra, equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, and systems of equations; optional topics include sequences, series, and probability or analytic geometry.

3
MATH 1101

Emphasizes functions using real-world applications as models. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra; functions and graphs; linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions and models; systems of equations; and optional topics in algebra.

3
Area IV - Humanities/Fine Arts 3
XXXX xxxxHumanities/Fine Arts Course
And one additional course from Area I, II, III, or IV (3 Hours)(as approved by program advisor) 3
PSYC 1101

Introduces the major fields of contemporary psychology. Emphasis is on fundamental principles of psychology as a science. Topics include research design, the organization and operation of the nervous system, sensation and perception, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, thinking and intelligence, lifespan development, personality, psychopathology and interventions, stress and health, and social psychology.

3
Occupational Courses 47 Hours 47
COMP 1000

Introduces the fundamental concepts, terminology, and operations necessary to use computers. Emphasis is placed on basic functions and familiarity with computer use. Topics include an introduction to computer terminology, the Windows environment, Internet and email, word processing software, spreadsheet software, database software, and presentation software.

3
ASAC 1000

This course looks at the social, political, physiological and behavioral implications of alcohol/drug abuse. The course focuses on theories of drug and alcohol addiction stages, the dynamics and nature of psychoactive substances, theories/methods of substance abuse prevention, family dynamic models, co-dependency and disease concepts.

3
ASAC 1001

This course will provide students with a foundational understanding of the knowledge and skills required to participate in and lead small groups in a variety of settings. The course emphasizes a experiential approach which will provide students with the opportunity to develop skills in planning, facilitating, organizing, and evaluating the success of groups. Emphasis will be placed on exploration and application of group work theory principles and practices of group counseling, stages of group development, group dynamics, and group leadership.

3
ASAC 1002

This course includes substance abuse, substance dependence, codependency, co-occurring disorders, alcoholism, drug use, misuse, abuse, heroin withdrawal, commonly abused drugs, physiological effect of drug dependency and alcoholism, treatment for drug dependence and alcoholism, rehabilitation for drug dependency and alcoholism. It focuses on management, maintenance and the prevention of substance abuse and alcoholism.

3
ASAC 1003

This course provides students with knowledge and skills to work with physically, socio-economically, mentally, psychologically, and economically disadvantaged and oppressed people. Attention is given to ethnic minorities of color, women, people with disabilities, gay and lesbian people, the poor and the oppressed. A multi-dimensional, cross-cultural framework is introduced for assessments and interventions with consumers form diverse groups. Students learn to identify and emphasize the adaptive capabilities and strengths of disadvantaged and oppressed people.

3
ASAC 1004

This course focuses on initial introduction to the concept of families throughout the family life cycle. Using a biopsychosocial approach, the course explores the family structure (traditional, single parent, gay/lesbian, divorce); and social and environmental stressors that impact the family. Students will learn the step-by-step process of case management for the family unit from the initial referral for services, determination of eligibility for services, writing a formal plan for services, case documentation techniques and techniques for monitoring progress for each individual family member through the service delivery system, to case closure/follow-up activities.

3
ASAC 1005

This course addresses contemporary issues in addictions and mental health. Emphasis is in four major areas: ethnic and cultural issues that influence diagnosis, treatment and utilization of services, special populations such as consumers/clients with HIV/AIDS; co-occurring disorders; and matching treatment services to individual client needs. In addition, attention will be given to the following current issues in the fields: treatment issues for adolescent and geriatric consumers/clients; spiritual concerns and disciplines; gay/lesbian issues; psychopharmacology; relapse dynamics and prevention and managed care and treatment costs.

3
ASAC 1006

This course will introduce the major counseling theories and techniques focusing on individual counseling within a Human Services framework. Students are encouraged to develop a counseling orientation based on these theories which include their own personal and professional ethical orientation.

3
ASAC 1007

This course uses various approaches to designing and implementing education programs concerning substance abuse, intervention, recovery and relapse prevention for adolescents and adults. Emphasis is placed on the education of individuals and substance abusers/users and their families. Knowledge of diverse community resources in developing community education and prevention programs. Upon completion, students should be able to present a wide variety of education programs for individuals and substance abusers/users and their families.

3
ASAC 1008

This course examines each of the following: (1) the purpose of counseling, (2) the historical context for counseling, (3) the basic principles of major counseling theories, and (4) the practice of counseling in various professional settings. The course will be offered in a fully online format compatible with distance education.

3
ASAC 1009

This course will provide students with an opportunity for integration of knowledge and skills in a clinical work setting. Apply theory and counseling skills under competent supervision enables student to make the necessary transition from program to the actual world of work. When the transition is made with adequate supervision, students gain competence ad confidence in the delivery of counseling services. The reality of the practicum setting provides the necessary bridge between training and professional competence.

5
ASAC 1010

This course explores counseling as it relates to working with clients with substance abuse disorders. Ethical and legal issues, theoretical models, assessment and diagnosis, treatment planning, techniques and individual/family/group interventions with diverse populations will be discussed throughout class sessions. This course is distinctively geared towards students who are training to be counselors. Substance abuse issues that clients might present within counseling are addressed by way of assigned readings, class discussions, video segments, case studies, internet resources and assignments. Goals are to focus on enforcing knowledge of substance abuse counseling theories and techniques, understanding assessment in individual and group sessions, learning how to apply theory to practice, and gaining competence with serving clients with substance abuse addictions in a therapeutic capacity.

3
ASAC 1011

This course examines different crisis situations both short-term and overwhelming. It will offer assessments and treatment methods that differ in a number of ways from methods used in non-crisis situations.

3
Select from one of the following courses 6 credits 6
PHAR 1040

The course introduces the students to principles and knowledge about all classifications of medication. Topics include: disease states and treatment modalities, pharmaceutical side effects and drug interactions, control substances, specific drugs, and drug addiction and abuse.

4
ALHS 1060
Corequisite: ALHS 1011

A study of the nutritional needs of the individual. Topics include: nutrients, standard and modified diets, nutrition throughout the lifespan, and client education.

2
MAST 1030
Prerequisites: MATH 1012, MATH 1111

Introduces medication therapy with emphasis on safety; classification of medications; their actions; side effects; medication and food interactions and adverse reactions. Also introduces basic methods of arithmetic used in the administration of medications. Topics include: introductory pharmacology; dosage calculation; sources and forms of medications; medication classification; and medication effects on the body systems.

4
HIMT 1350
Prerequisite: ALHS 1090

Introduces drug therapy with emphasis on safety, classification of drugs, their action, side effects, and/or adverse reactions. Also introduces the basic concept used in the administration of drugs. Topics include: introduction to pharmacology, sources and forms of drugs, drug classification, and drug effects on the body systems.

2
Faculty
Click to view profile for Shona Jones Bennett
Program Chair

Addiction and Substance Abuse Counseling, Program Chair/Instructor
CEIT Building - Room 126

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