SAC 101 Introduction to Substance Use Disorder Counseling

This course will present an overview of alcohol and mood altering drugs and the patterns and progression of alcoholism and addiction. A summary of treatment and recovery approaches is included. Cultural norms across gender, age, sexual orientation and ethnicity will be discussed. Human needs and roles will also be reviewed.

SAC 102 Physiology and Pharmacology of Alcohol and Other Drugs

This course will examine the effects of psychoactive drugs on the body in detail. Physical damage, tolerance and synergistic effects will be reviewed for each class of drug. Differences across gender will also be discussed. This course also includes a review of the disease model of abuse, dependence and addiction, with references to the signs, symptoms and current definitions of each disease stage.

SAC 103 Ethics and Legal Issues in Substance Use Disorder

This course will present the ethical standards, legal issues, and codes of conduct that form the basis of professional behavior of substance use disorder counseling professionals. Guidelines established by professional organizations such as CAADAC, ACA, AMHCA, and NAADAC will be reviewed. Crisis counseling techniques and interventions will also be discussed.

SAC 104 Case Management in Substance Use Disorder Treatment

This course will examine the entire process of case management. Each stage of the case management process will be reviewed including but not limited to: initial intake, screening, orientation, treatment and recovery planning, discharge and aftercare. Record keeping for substance use disorder clients will also be covered. The use of screening tools and assessments as well as how to write treatment plans, progress notes and discharge summaries will also be covered.

SAC 105 Professional Development for the Addictions Professional

This course will present the essential elements of professional development as an addictions professional. Certification requirements, codes of conduct and the application process will be reviewed. Ethical standards and regulations for continuing education will be discussed. Strategies for promoting professional growth and advancement of career, such as professional organizations and memberships will also be discussed. Signs of counselor burnout and methods to address this problem such as stress and time management techniques will also be covered.

SAC 106 Counseling Modes and Methods in Substance Use Disorder Treatment

This course will present the major modalities for delivery of counseling including individual, family and group modalities. The major theories in each modality will be reviewed. Key concepts and intervention techniques in counseling are also discussed. Additional attention will be paid to stages of group development, group patterns and the counselor’s role in group process.

SAC 107 Supervised Practicum in Substance Use Disorder Counseling (Concurrent with Field Internship)

The supervised practica in substance use disorder counseling provides an opportunity to integrate and apply theories, models, and skills through the provision of substance use disorder treatment services. The role and responsibilities of substance use disorder counselors will be addressed. In class opportunities for peer consultation; presentation of cases; and discussions on topics of related to the application of skills will be provided.