Drug & Alcohol Counselor

Overview

Drug and Alcohol Counseling reflects the explosion of information regarding the understanding, identification, and treatment of addictive disorders. It examines the use and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, barbiturates, amphetamines, cocaine, opiates, and hallucinogens, as well as chemicals -- such as aerosols, steroids, and over-the-counter analgesics. Additionally, the program investigates solid strategies for working with clients, the differences between abusers and addicts; drug effects on children, teenagers, and pregnant and nursing women; and children of alcoholics, evidence-based treatments available, including motivational enhancement, cognitive behavioral therapy, skills training, medication and 12 step facilitation. Guiding the student step-by-step through treatment, this course presents state-of-the-art tools, and forms and tests necessary to deliver outstanding treatment and to meet the highest standards demanded by accrediting bodies.

The Job Outlook

Employment of substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors is expected to grow by 27 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth is expected as more people seek treatment for their addictions or other behaviors and drug offenders are increasingly sentenced to treatment rather than jail time. In recent years, the criminal justice system has recognized that people committing crimes related to drugs are less likely to offend again if they get treatment for addiction. As a result, sentences for drug offenders often include treatment programs. This practice is expected to increase the use of substance abuse treatment programs and the demand for addiction counselors.

Drug & Alcohol Counseling - Level 1

Drug and Alcohol Counseling Level 1 reflects the explosion of information regarding the understanding, identification, and treatment of addictive disorders. It examines the use and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, barbiturates, amphetamines, cocaine, opiates, and hallucinogens, as well as chemicals -- such as aerosols, steroids, and over-the-counter analgesics. Additionally, the course investigates solid strategies for working with clients, the differences between abusers and addicts; drug effects on children, teenagers, and pregnant and nursing women; and children of alcoholics.

Drug & Alcohol Counseling - Level 2

Drug and Alcohol Counseling Level 2 is a comprehensive course for people who want to work with the chemically dependent and addicted in a variety of treatment settings. This course shows the student how to use the best evidence-based treatments available, including motivational enhancement, cognitive behavioral therapy, skills training, medication and 12 step facilitation. Guiding the student step-by-step through treatment, this course presents state-of-the-art tools, and forms and tests necessary to deliver outstanding treatment and to meet the highest standards demanded by accrediting bodies.

After completing this course, you should be able to:

Define methods for detecting and determining addiction type

Identify methods for understanding addiction and avoiding triggers

Define the different treatment approaches

Identify techniques for overcoming addiction and solving the problems it has caused

Identify methods for counseling and treatment

After completing this course, you should be able to:

Identify steps for initial assessment and treatment planning

Comprehend various therapies and treatment groups available to the individual

Identify the steps involved in the AA 12 step program

Identify dual diagnoses and family treatment programs

Define clinical staff and characteristics of a good counselor

Languages

English

Course Access Time

6 months

Instructor

This class supported by an Educational Mentor. Our educational mentors have worked or are working in the subject they mentor. Educational Mentors reviews student work, student progress, and interacts with students as needed. They respond to any questions or concerns you might have, as well as encouraging and motivating you to succeed.

Prerequisites/Audience

Prerequisite: Drug and Alcohol Counseling Level 1

Requirements

Required Materials:

Chemical Dependency Counseling: A Practical Guide by Robert R. Perkinson

Concepts of Chemical Dependency by Harold E. Doweiko

System Requirements:

Internet Access

• Broadband or high-speed internet access is strongly recommended. Broadband includes DSL, cable, and wireless connections.
• Dial-Up internet connections will result in a diminished online experience. Moodle pages may load slowly and viewing large audio and video files may not be possible.

Hardware

• Virtually all Windows-Mac hardware configurations and processors are acceptable.
• 1 GB RAM recommended
• Software
• Operating Systems
  • Windows XP or Vista and Mac OS X 10 and higher
• Web Browsers
  • Mozilla Firefox 2 and 3 (previous versions will work also)
  • Internet Explorer 6, 7 and 8
  • Safari is not currently recommended as it cannot display certain Moodle editing menus for both students and instructors
• Media Plug-ins (These may be required depending on your course media-click on the links below to download the latest versions)
• Adobe Flash Player
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Apple Quicktime
• Windows Media Player
• Real Player
• PowerPoint Viewer (use this if you don''t have PowerPoint)