Description: This course surveys the broader problems caused by the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs in modern society. Alcohol and drug abuse impact all aspects of society. This course examines the impact of alcohol and drug abuse on the health care system, the family system, and the legal system. How has drug use and society’s response to it changed over time? The history and role of adjuncts to treatment such as self-help and psychopharmacology will be discussed. This course provides perspective regarding language and culture as they relate to addiction treatment, and explores the relationship between substance use and diverse cultures, values, and lifestyles.
Prerequisite: None.
Video Introduction | Closed Captioned

Description: This course provides an overview of the alcohol and drug abuse treatment system. The focus of this course is on the twelve core functions or competencies of the addiction counselor and how these competencies are utilized in different levels of care. What new skills must the counselor and treatment agency develop to treat the next generation of drug addiction? How do agencies respond to co-existing addictions and disorders (e.g., nicotine dependence, eating disorders, severe mental illness). Participants will gain perspective regarding the relationship between substance abuse and disability through exposure to the Americans with Disabilities Act and other legislation related to human, civil, and client rights. Ethical dilemmas related to delivery of treatment are discussed. Participants will visit agencies representing the six levels of care: shelter, detoxification unit, halfway house, inpatient center, outpatient center, and community outreach program.
Prerequisite: None.
Video Introduction | Closed Captioned

Description: This course is foundational for the addiction counselor. It provides a comparative examination of the major accepted approaches to alcohol and drug abuse counseling. The course bridges the gap between research and practice incorporating Best Practices into its curriculum. Case studies and role plays are used to help students develop primary counseling skills. In addition, this course provides foundation and experience specific to treating special populations (adolescents, GLBT, ethnic diversity).
Prerequisite: None.

Description: This course introduces the participant to the basic principles of pharmacology, anatomy, and physiology. These principles are applied to an examination of the major classes of psychoactive drugs, including those commonly subject to abuse. What are the short-term and long-term medical complications of substance abuse? What drugs are being developed and used as adjuncts to addictions counseling? What are the costs and benefits of prescription drugs such as anti-depressants, chronic pain medication, methadone, and suboxone to short and long-term abstinence? This course discusses the pros and cons of adjunctive psychotherapies, including the addictive properties of some classes of prescribed medications.
Prerequisite: None.
Video Introduction | Closed Captioned

Description: This course will provide an overview of the role of alcoholism /chemical dependancy in the family system and the various intervention and treatment approaches used in assisting families troubled by alcoholism or chemical dependancy.
Prerequisite: None.
Video Introduction | Closed Captioned

Description: A participant enrolled in the 300 hour practicum will be supervised in a licensed alcoholism/chemical dependency treatment facility by a licensed supervisor. The program coordinator will assist each participant in making arrangements for an appropriate practicum. Participants currently employed in a setting meeting the practicum criteria may choose to complete their practicum hours in that setting. Participants not so employed will find placements in detoxification centers, recovery homes, outpatient clinics, court clinics, hospital-based programs, transitional programs, and other such facilities.

Description: The Practice of Addictions Counseling is a course designed to facilitate the adoption of new knowledge into every day practice. This course facilitates the application of this knowledge into "best practices" in addictions prevention and treatment. In addition to the 30 on-site clinical supervision hours provided by qualified supervisors at the practicum setting, upon successful complete of this course, students receive an additional 40 educational hours from a University practicum supervisor.

Description: This course examines the different functions of the courts, alternatives to incarceration models, and the components of the law enforcement system - Jail, House of Corrections, and the State Prison System. Parole, Probation, and their function in Massachusetts will be addressed. This course will explore how the counselor can partner with the criminal justice system to increase the effectiveness of prevention and intervention programs.

Description: This course is a compilation of critical topics by experts in the field of addictions. The course includes presentations on nicotine dependence, motivational interviewing strategies, screening and assessment instruments, criminal justice and treatment, HIV/AIDS, domestic violence, and so forth. The course incorporates Best Practices in each of its presentations; teaching students the most effective research-based substance abuse treatment strategies. Topics discussed meet the standards of credentialing boards nationwide.
Prerequisite: Completion and/or current enrollment in the five core courses: "Use & Abuse" "Delivery" "Counseling" "Psychopharmacology" "Family".

Video Introduction | Closed Captioned

Description: This is a Forensic Course providing instruction in the preparing and writing of pre-sentencing investigation reports, assessments, and evaluations, that provide valid and reliable information to assist in determining criminal justice sanctions.