Addictive Disorders Counseling

The Addictive Disorders Counseling Department (ADC) at SBCC seeks to train alcohol and drug counselors for state certification through the California Association for Alcohol/Drug Educators. This program modification brings the ADC program at SBCC more in line with other community colleges in California with similar training programs. To earn this degree, students must meet the following requirements:

• Completion of 60 degree-applicable semester units
• Completion of the following General Education patterns:

·        SBCC GE, Institutional and Information Competency Requirements

·        IGETC pattern

·        CSU GE Breadth pattern

• A minimum of 40-41semester units in the major
• Obtainment of a minimum overall G.P.A of 2.0 or better in all units attempted at SBCC
• Obtainment of a minimum overall G.P.A. 2.0 or better in all college units attempted
• Completion of 12 units through SBCC
• Completion of at least 20% of the major requirements through SBCC
• Students must earn a “C” or better or “P” in all courses required for the major

Certified Addiction Treatment counselors are eligible to work as counselors in State-licensed treatment facilities.

The Addictive Disorders Counseling Program is designed to prepare students to work in the field of addictions counseling. Both a Certificate of Achievement and Associate Degree are available. The program provides students with the education and training to develop paraprofessional expertise and to qualify for employment as entry-level addictions counselors. A required fieldwork component  offers students invaluable hands-on experience working at a facility dedicated to the treatment of alcohol and drug addiction.Licensed clinicians seeking expertise in addictions can complete the new non-fieldwork based Skills Competency Award: Post-Professional Practice in Addictive Disorders Counseling.

 ADC 120, Alcohol and Other Drugs; Histories, Dynamics and Models

This course will introduce historical and sociological perspectives on the use, abuse and social control of psychoactive drugs. Students will receive overviews of the bio-psycho-social nature of addiction;the impact of addiction on children, families and society; contemporary treatment and prevention approaches; and the addiction counseling profession.  

1.   Recognize the social, political, economic, and cultural context within which substance use, abuse, and, addiction exist.*  2.  Provide examples of past and present social policy conflicts regarding psychoactive drug use such as the prohibition of alcohol and medical marijuana.3.  Understand a variety of models and theories of addiction and other problems related to abuse.* 4.  Describe the philosophies, practices,policies, and outcomes of the most generally accepted and scientifically supported models of treatment, recovery, relapse prevention, and continuing care for addiction and other substance-related problems.* 5.   Recognize the importance of family, social networks, and community systems in as both a causative and preventive force in addiction.*    6.   Understand the importance of research and outcome data and their application to clinical practice.*   7.  Assess substance use disorders based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 criteria.  8.  Explain the human body’s physiological and chemical reactions to various drugs. 9.  Describe various levels of tolerance and dependence. 10. Discuss the risk and protective factors associated with substance use disorder.  11.  Evaluate the impact of administration methods on current drugs of abuse.  

ADC 121, Basic Interviewing and Counseling Skills

Included in this course is a strong component in self-care and professional readiness as students are receive tools and techniques to analyze appropriate content and applications.  With an introduction to case management, treatment planning, goal-setting and progress charting, students learn theoretical models of counseling and concepts of treatment like skills deficits, social skills deficits and psychological deficits; current scientific and research addiction counseling strategies are presented for individual and group activities.   Students develop understanding through reading,demonstrations, modeling and practice while demonstrating competencies through role-playing and other measurable indicators.

1.   Understand diverse cultures and incorporate the relevant needs of culturally diverse groups, as well as people with disabilities, into clinical practice.* 2.   Provide treatment services appropriate to the personal and cultural identity and language of the client.* 3.  Understand the importance of self-awareness in one’s personal, professional,and cultural life.* 4.   Understand the addiction professional’s obligations to adhere to ethical and behavioral standards of conduct in the helping relationship.* 5.   Understand and correctly apply the scope of practice for Certified Addictions Treatment Counselors. 7.  Understand the importance of ongoing supervision and continuing education in the delivery of appropriate and professional client services.* 8.   Be able to establish a helping relationship characterized by warmth, respect, genuineness, concern,and empathy.* 9.   Work with the client to establish realistic goals and provide psycho-educational resources which contribute to a positive change insubstance use behaviors.* 10. Utilize the five basic principles and practices of motivational counseling to engage clients and support their progress through recovery’s stages of change. (meets objective #3) 11. Adapt counseling strategies to the individual characteristics of the client, including but not limited to disability, gender, sexual orientation, developmental level,culture, ethnicity, age, and health status.* 12. Demonstrate appropriate use of active and reflective listening; concreteness, specificity, probing; confrontation;and self-disclosure when working with the client.* 14. Utilize a range of ongoing supervisory options to process personal feelings and concerns about clients, while maintaining one’s own physical and mental health.* 15. Conduct self-evaluations of professional performance to enhance self-awareness and performance.*

ADC 122, Pharmacological and Physiological Effects of Alcohol And Other Drugs

This course presents an overview of the physiological processes and impacts of psychoactive drugs on the person including risk factors related to addiction, acute and chronic health problems, communicable diseases, and fetal impacts. Issues related to synergistic risk factors, detoxification, and withdrawal are also reviewed.

1. Describe the behavioral, psychological, physiological, and social effects of psychoactive substances on the user.* 2.   Understand the basic metabolic and neurological processes involved in psychoactive drug use, including synergistic effects and risk factors. 3.   Explain the differences and similarities between and among physical and psychological dependency, tolerance, and withdrawal. 4.   Understand the special risk and intervention issues associated with perinatal drug use. 5.  Understand the special service needs and staff precautions necessary when working with clients who may be HIV,  hepatitis, STD, or tuberculosis positive. 6.   Be familiar with the medical and pharmacological resources available in the treatment of substance use disorders.* 7.   Be able to screen clients for psychoactive substance toxicity, intoxication, and withdrawal symptoms.* 8.  Be familiar with medical and pharmacological resources in the treatment of substance use disorders.

ADC 123, Group Treatment

This course introduces the major goals, stages, and processes of group counseling in addiction treatment programs.  The role,responsibilities, and ethics of the group leader are emphasized along with strategies and techniques for facilitating group processes as a means of changing behavior.  The factors involved in problems of communication,effective emotional responses, and personal growth will be highlighted. Students practice and demonstrate competencies through group leadership practice and participation as well as other measurable indicators.

1.   Describe, select, and appropriately use strategies from accepted and culturally appropriate models for group counseling with clients with substance use disorders.* 2.   Understand the principles of proper group formation  including but not limited to: determining group type,purpose, size, and leadership; recruiting and selecting members; establishing group goals and clarifying behavioral ground rules for participating; identifying outcomes; and determining criteria and methods for termination or graduation from the group.* 3.   Utilize appropriate strategies for the entry of new group members and the transition of exiting members.* 4.   Understand and be able to recognize the stages of group development and utilize counseling strategies appropriate to each stage.* 5.  Ability to intervene and address inappropriate behaviors in a manner which protects group members while empowering the group process.* 6.  Understand the concepts of process and content, and be able to shift the focus of the group as appropriate to support group problem solving, decision-making,or conflict resolution.* 7.   Ability to describe and summarize client behavior in the group for the purpose of documenting client progress.* 8.  Understand and apply the code of ethics for certified Addictions Treatment Specialists. 9.   Utilize a range of ongoing supervisory options to process personal feelings and concerns about clients, while maintaining one’s own physical and mental health.* 10. Conduct self-evaluations of professional performance to enhance self-awareness and performance.*

ADC 124, Chemical Dependency and the Family

This course is designed to explore methods of assisting significant others (family, employer, etc.) to understand and to cope in dealing with the alcohol and drug abuse of individuals with substance use disorders.  It explores the multi generational nature of substance use disorders in family systems with an emphasis on the risk factors for addictive behaviors; the dynamics of dysfunctional families; and the impacts of child abuse and neglect for adult children.  Typical values, norms, roles, and beliefs of the family system are covered as well as the common patterns of adaptation are further explored. The dynamics of these relationships will be examined as students develop treatment strategies to assist families and significant others throughout various stages of active addiction, treatment,long-term recovery and relapse prevention.  Family involved approaches will include adolescent drug use issues, codependency, enabling, and Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA) with an interdisciplinary perspective.   The approach will be experiential in format and students will participate in exercises that lead to the development of these skills:

1. Understand the nature, characteristics, and dynamics of families, couples, and significant others affected by substance abuse. 2.  Assist clients in understanding the interaction between the family system and substance use behaviors. 3.   Understand the basic concepts of family systems theory and chemically dependent family systems theory. 4.  Understand the inter generational nature of family dynamics (including child abuse/neglect) and the factors that increase risks for substance abuse. 5.  Be able to provide clients with psycho-educational resources on dysfunctional family dynamics; dysfunctional family roles, values, and norms;the various forms and consequences of child abuse; patterns of codependency;the typical characteristics of adult children from dysfunctional families; and the family history risk factors for addictive behaviors. 6.   Ability to support clients in developing cognitive/behavioral change plans which address family of origin issues. 7.  Compare and contrast common family treatment therapies.  8. Demonstrate ability to incorporate relevant needs o fculturally diverse groups when developing treatment plans. 

ADC 125, Co-occurring Disorders

This course reviews the major concepts, definitions, and features of co-occurring mental health disorders associated with addiction (either as cause or consequence).  Skills in recognizing co-occurring disorders,referral and case management of clients, and appropriate scope of practice are emphasized.  Common types of mental health issues associated with addiction,including mood, anxiety, and adjustment disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and unresolved issues of childhood abuse, are covered as well as an overview of appropriate treatment and management approaches. 

1.Recognize the potential for substance use disorders to mimic a variety of medical and psychological disorders and the potential for medical and psychological disorders to co- exist with addiction and substance abuse.*  2. Adapt practice to the range of treatment settings and common evidence-based modalities. 3. Tailor helping strategies and treatment modalities through various stage of dependence, change or recovery for clients with co-existing disorders. 4. Provide culturally relevant formal and informal education programs that raise awareness and support substance abuse prevention and the recovery process. 5. Provide treatment services appropriate to the personal and cultural identity and language of the client who has mental health and substance use disorders. 

ADC 130, Diversity and Cultural Issues in Counseling: Identity,Expression and Addiction

This course identifies special problems, issues, and concerns of modern living within specific population groups.  The course offers a beginning look at the historical issues involved in the intercultural socialization process.  Course focus is on the social-psychological dynamics of special population groups such as the aged, disabled, persons diagnosed positive for HIV, ARC, AIDS, women, gays, lesbians, and adolescents.  Ethnic and cultural differences will be emphasized to provide students the skills needed to communicate effectively with diverse populations.

1. Sensitize others to issues of cultural identity, ethnic background, age and gender in prevention, treatment and recovery. 2.Statistical information regarding the incidence and prevalence of substance use disorders in the general population and major demographic groups. 3. Respect for the client’s racial, cultural, economic, and sociopolitical backgrounds. 4.Understand diverse cultures and incorporate the relevant needs of culturally diverse groups, as well as individuals with disabilities, into clinical practice. 5. Understand the effects of chronic substance use on clients,significant others and communities within a social, political and economic context.   6. Adapt counseling strategies to the individual characteristics of the client including, but not limited to, disability,gender, sexual orientation, developmental level, culture, ethnicity, age and health status. 7. Recognize the social, political, economic, and cultural context within which addiction and substance abuse exist, including risk and resiliency factors that characterize individuals and groups and their living environments.* 8. Provide treatment services appropriate to the personal and cultural identity and language of the client.* 9. Summarize the client’s personal and cultural background, treatment plan, recovery progress, and problems inhibiting progress to ensure quality of care, gain feedback, and plan changes in the course of treatment.*  10. Understand the importance of self-awareness in one’s personal, professional, and cultural life.*

ADC 131, Attitudes, Motivation and Behavior Change

This course explores and contrasts models of motivation and behavior change in substance-abusing clients. Students examine and practice motivational-enhancing techniques, with emphasis on learning therapeutic skills to create conditions that facilitate an individual's motivation to change, enlisting the cooperation in developing a plan of change and helping the client to maintain a positive attitude.

1. Compare and contrast the concept of “motivation” from a variety of addiction treatment perspectives.  2.Compare and contrast various clinical applications of motivational interviewing. 3. Describe the role of attitude and motivation in behavior change. 4. Describe the “Trans Theoretical Model of Change.” 5. Describe the therapeutic conditions that facilitate behavior change. 6. Describe the key concepts of motivational enhancement techniques.  7. Identify myths about client traits and effective counseling.  8. Demonstrate the motivational enhancement techniques during simulated counseling session. 9. Demonstrate motivational enhancement techniques when working with resistance 10. Demonstrate the use of motivational enhancement techniques when working with ambivalence.  11. Contrast Motivational Interviewing with “confrontation of denial,” “non-directive,” and “skill-based” approaches.

ADC 135, Chemical Dependency Counseling Case Management and Treatment

This course develops basic competencies in case management strategies for situations common in the addiction treatment setting, with attention to appropriate strategies of intervention, the admission process and documentation of information as it pertains to clients with substance use disorders.  Students are trained to screen, assess, and refer if necessary, clients/patients to services which may apply the following:behavioral health counseling, criminal justice interventions; domestic violence; suicide; sexual abuse; Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD);distressed, agitated, or dangerous clients; and other relevant issues that can affect the outcome of successful treatment. The importance of appropriate case management and referral in crisis intervention is covered.   

 1.   Recognize that crisis may indicate an underlying substance use disorder and may be a window of opportunity for change.* 2.  Understand and apply setting-specific policies and procedures for handling crisis or dangerous situations, including safety measures for clients and staff.* 3.   Establish rapport, including management of crisis situation and determination of need for additional professional assistance.* 4.  Be able to assess a client and provide appropriate intervention for aggression or danger to others; potential for self-inflicted harm or suicide; domestic violence; childhood abuse; and coexisting mental health problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, or anxiety.* 5.   Utilize a range of ongoing supervisory options to process personal feelings and concerns about clients, while maintaining one’s own physical and mental health.* 6.  Conduct self-evaluations of professional performance to enhance self-awareness and performance.*  7.  Develop skills in record-keeping and documentation 8. Produce an appropriate treatment plan based on a client’s personal, social and family history  9.  Adhere to Federal and State laws and agency regulations regarding the treatment of         substance use disorders.* 10.  Adhere to established professional codes of ethics that define the professional context within which the counselor works, in order to maintain professional standards and safeguard the client.* 11. Prepare accurate and concise discharge summaries.* 12. Develop and record treatment and continuing care plans that are consistent with agency standards and comply with applicable administrative rules.*

ADC 146, Substance Abuse Prevention

This course describes the philosophies, practices, policies and outcomes of the most generally accepted and scientifically supported models of prevention, intervention, treatment, recovery, and continuing care for addiction and other substance-related problems. Professional and ethical codes of conduct and behavior are also reviewed and emphasized.

 1. Use multidimensional assessment instruments such as the Addiction Severity Index, (ASI), and Stages of Change assessment or the American Society of Addiction Medicine, (ASAM), criteria which cover historic and current substance use; physical health; mental health; family status;treatment history; and current social, economic, legal, educational, or environmental constraints.  2. Conduct continuing care, relapse prevention and discharge planning with the client and involved significant others. 3. Make constructive therapeutic responses when the client’s behavior is inconsistent with stated recovery goals.  4. Recognize the importance of family, social networks, and community systems in the treatment and recovery process. 5. Establish and maintain relationships with civic groups, agencies, other professionals,governmental entities and the community at large to ensure appropriate referrals, identify service gaps, expand community resources, and help address unmet needs.  6. Demonstrate understanding of theories and strategies for the prevention of substance use disorders

ADC 148, Legal and Ethical Issues in Addictive DisordersCounseling

This course introduces students to those issues associated withthe dignity and worth of individual human beings and the protection offundamental human rights.  Professional ethics, clients' rights,confidentiality, and other relevant material related to the field of addictionswill be explored.  Topics include discussing situations for settingboundaries, and an overview of current federal legislation pertaining to clientconfidentiality and release of information.

 1.   Adhere to established professional codes of ethicsthat define the professional context within which the counselor works, in orderto maintain professional standards and safeguard the client. 2.  Recognize and implement Federal, State, agency, and professional codes ofethics. 3.   Define clients’ rights and responsibilities. 4.  Explain the need for Professional standards and scope of practice. 5.  Describe Boundary issues between client and counselor. 6.   Explain thedifference between the role of the professional counselor and that of a peercounselor or sponsor. 7.   List and describe consequences of violatingcodes of ethics. 8.   Describe means for addressing alleged ethicalviolations. 9.   Nondiscriminatory practices. 10. Explain mandatoryreporting requirements. 11. Adhere to federal and state laws and agencyregulations regarding the treatment of substance use disorders. 12. Interpretand apply information from current counseling and psychoactive substance use13. Research literature to improve client care and enhance professional growth.14. Recognize the importance of individual differences that influence clientbehavior, and apply this understanding to clinical practice. 15. Use a range ofsupervisory options to process personal feelings and concerns about clients.16. Conduct self-evaluations of professional performance applying ethical,legal, and professional standards to enhance self-awareness and performance.17. Obtain appropriate continuing professional education. 18. Participate inongoing supervision and consultation. 19. Develop and use strategies tomaintain one’s physical and mental health.

ADC 152, Clinical Process

This course furthers the development and integration of specificskills and competencies central to entry-level counselor’s professional andclinical efficacy.  With vignettes, case presentations, role-plays, andclinical supervision, students apply knowledge and skills gained from previouscourse work to actual and/or simulated clinical examples.

1. Participate in group supervision.  2. Complete an initialclinical case presentation identifying relevant assessment, intervention,diversity, legal and ethical considerations based on clinical vignettes and/orexamples from Fieldwork placements. 3. Conduct and apply appropriateself-evaluations of professional performance, applying legal, ethical, andprofessional standards.  4. Utilize a range of supervisory options toprocess personal feelings and concerns about clients. 5. Demonstrate when toseek additional professional assistance, including management of crisissituations.6. Describe the role of supervision in the delivery of clientservices.

 ADC 290, ADC Fieldwork

 This course providescertificate and degree students in Addictive Disorders Counseling withfieldwork at a licensed agency offering counseling and/or case managementservices to individuals and families with alcohol or other drug problems.Experiential learning consists of 250 hours of supervised fieldwork over one ortwo 16-week semesters.

The components of the licensed recovery setting in which thestudent participated. 2.  The recovery process of at least one client whohas been in contact with the student. 3.   Record progress of client inrelation to realistic treatment goals, objectives, and action steps. Students will recognize the role of significant others and family in theclient’s treatment. 4.   Recovery process models and the recovery processutilized by the agency in which the fieldwork is performed. 5.   Theability to screen, assess, and document professional treatment and recoveryplans, clinical reports, clinical progress notes, and other client relateddata. 6.   The intake and referral methods used by the agency. 7.  The ability to understand and recognize stages of change and other signs oftreatment progress.  This is to include motivational interviewing skills.8.   A working knowledge of how members of the agency team support eachother in the client recovery process. 

*Adopted from TAP 21 (Technical Assistance Publication) AddictionCounseling Competencies:  The Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes ofProfessional Practice