Courses

Courses offered in the Addictions Studies Major include:

ADA 102 (3 credits)
Substance Abuse and Society
An introductory course designed specifically for students not majoring in Addiction Studies. Offers a blend of information and exercises to assist the student in developing necessary skills for living in a world where alcohol, tobacco, medicines and other drugs are readily available. Involves a variety of individual and small group educational activities. Satisfies Social Science requirement.

ADA 201 (3 credits)
Foundation of Addiction Studies
Concepts from psychopharmacology, genetics, counseling theory, law, medicine, sociology and other disciplines are applied to provide a basic understanding of the practical issues surrounding the prevention and treatment of substance abuse and dependence. Intended for Addiction Studies majors. Satisfies Social Science requirement.

ADA 203 (3 credits)
Drugs of Abuse
The major classes of mood-altering drugs are examined in detail with emphasis given to history of use, mechanism of action, extent of use in society, consequences of use, and factors relevant to the treatment of individuals harmfully involved with each substance.

ADA 204 (3 credits)
Counseling Theories
Major theoretical counseling orientations are examined with an emphasis on how each of these theories applies to the treatment of substance use disorders. Theories considered include: Freudian Theory, Client-Centered Theory, Gestalt Theory, Reality Therapy, Rational Emotive Therapy and other Cognitive-Behavior theoretical approaches.

ADA 220 (3 credits)
Prevention and Intervention Services
Introduction to the current prevention and intervention services that substance abuse professionals are providing within the contexts of schools, the criminal justice system and the general community. Specific services examined include: Driving Under the Influence (DUI) programs, programs for juvenile offenders and peer counseling programs.

ADA 230 (3 credits)
Assessment, Evaluation and Treatment Interventions
Introduction to the assessment and evaluation of chemical dependency and the interviewing skills that facilitate this process. Students will examine the components of clinical reasoning that are utilized in determining the various levels of counseling and treatment interventions.

ADA 240 (3 credits)
When Love Hurts
What causes people to continue with certain behaviors despite harmful consequences. Students will examine addiction to love and harmful relationships, as well as other addictive behaviors such as gambling, codependency and eating disorders.

ADA 303 (3 credits)
Counseling Techniques I
The basic elements of interpersonal communication such as attending, reflection of feelings, paraphrasing, summarizing, self-disclosure and interpreting are emphasized. Various confrontation styles are also explored. Finally, the legal and ethical issues concerning the counseling profession are examined.

ADA 304 (3 credits)
Counseling Techniques II
Skills developed in Counseling Techniques I are built upon and applied to various substance abuse case studies. In addition, specific techniques such as relaxation training, assertiveness training, and family intervention are introduced. Prerequisite: ADA 303.

ADA 305 (3 credits)
Group Counseling I
The dynamics of group interaction and the role of the group therapist are examined. Emphasis is placed on understanding the special demands on the group leader which are unique to group therapy with substance abuse clients.

ADA 306 (3 credits)
Group Counseling II
Skills developed in Group Counseling I are built upon and applied in a simulated group process. Participants co-lead simulated group sessions and review videotapes of their performance. Prerequisite: ADA 305.

ADA 308 (3 credits)
Spiritual Values and Recovery
The spiritual dimension of recovery is examined in depth. Topics include: dynamics of the 12-Step Fellowships (A.A., N.A., Al-Anon, etc.), religious conversion, religious-oriented programs such as Teen Challenge, spiritual development and the utilization of clergy in working with clients.

ADA 400 (3 credits)
Family Counseling I
Introduction to family counseling for the substance abuser and his/her co-dependent family is provided. Emphasis is given to understanding common family roles that exist and the part a counselor can play in helping families transcend these roles.

ADA 401 (3 credits)
Family Counseling II
Advanced concepts in family counseling are explored. Special topics examined include: adult children of alcoholics/addicts, family sculpturing, couples counseling and intervention techniques. Prerequisite: ADA 400.

ADA 402 (3 credits)
Professional Counseling Practices
Practical aspects involved in the administration of a substance abuse treatment facility are examined including: staff and program development, funding and grant writing, state licensing and JCAHO accreditation standards, and staff supervision.

ADA 404/405 (3/3 credits)
Practicum Field Experience
Participation in a field experience in a substance abuse treatment or prevention/intervention setting for a minimum of 100 hours (per (3 credits)) is arranged with assistance from the program director.

ADA 406 (6 credits)
Practicum Field Experience
Participation in a field experience in a substance abuse treatment or prevention/intervention setting for a minimum of 200 hours (per 6 credits) is arranged with assistance from the program director.

ADA 407 (6 credits)
Practicum Field Experience
Participation in a field experience in a substance abuse treatment or prevention/intervention setting for a minimum of 200 hours (per 6 credits) is arranged with assistance from the program director.

ADA 411 (3 credits)
Counseling Special Populations
Issues relevant to working with members of special populations are examined. Impact of group membership on individual identity is explored. In addition, special populations such as the disabled, adolescents, elderly, women, sexual minorities, ethnic groups, and various professional groups (such as physicians, clergy and lawyers) are considered. This course fulfills the human diversity graduation requirement.

ADA 413 (3 credits)
Special Issues Seminar
In-depth examination of current trends and issues in the substance abuse field. Previous seminars have focused on women, sexuality, children of alcoholics, and adolescents.

ADA 414 (3 credits)
Differential Diagnosis
Individuals suffering from substance use disorders frequently manifest symptoms of other forms of psychopathology. Some major categories of mental illness likely to coexist with substance use disorders are explored in depth.

Updated: October 18, 2005

Your comments are welcome.