Drug and Alcohol Counseling Courses Needed for Certification

Each course is worth 4.5 quarter units, or 45 hours.

Overview of Addiction Course

Examines the history of alcohol and other mood-changing drugs; the myths and stereotypes of alcohol use; the socio-cultural factors that contribute to the use of drugs; and the patterns and progressions of alcoholism. ​

Physiology and Pharmacology Course

Examines the effects of alcohol and drugs on the body, mind and behavior. The course also has a component on HIV/AIDS. 
Examines legal and professional responsibility, regulatory restrictions; community prevention education; outreach; confidentiality and issues surrounding clients’ rights such as confidentiality.

Law and Ethics Course

Examines legal and professional responsibility, regulatory restrictions; community prevention education; outreach; confidentiality and issues surrounding clients’ rights such as confidentiality. The course uses case studies to highlight ethical dilemmas counselors may face.

Case Management Course

Focuses on the core functions of intake, screening, assessment, orientation, treatment planning, referral, and reports and record keeping. Relapse prevention is also included.

Individual, Group and Family Counseling Course

Focuses on the objectives of counseling; theories of counseling; family and group dynamics; and counseling techniques.

Personal and Professional Growth Course

Focuses on symptoms of counselor burnout; the recovering counselor; professional standards; certification requirements; and professional resources. ​

​Supervised Practicum

A course in which students begin their 255-hour supervised internship at an approved drug and alcohol facility. The focus of the course is on the 12 Core Functions of a drug and alcohol counselor. A student will need to complete 21 hours in each of the Core Functions and an approved supervisor must sign-off on them. The Core Functions are: Screening, Intake, Orientation, Assessment, Treatment Planning, Case Management, Counseling, Referral, Crisis Intervention, Client Education, Consultation and Reports and Record Keeping.