What can I do with a major in...

What can I do with a major in Addiction Studies?

A degree in Addiction Studies provides theoretical and practical training for professional roles in prevention and treatment settings. In addition, and perhaps more importantly, it is highly valued by related fields such as criminal justice, mental health, and children/youth agencies. Because of its wide application, the degree is designed to expand employment and placement opportunities for its majors upon graduation.

Alvernia's Addiction Studies Degree was one of the first of its kind in the United States. Students who pursue this major find the subject area extremely relevant, challenging, and rewarding in their quest to understand one of society's major problems.

Strategies

• Obtain internship in licensed drug & alcohol prevention or treatment program

• Minor in related academic area such as Criminal Justice or Psychology

• Attend 12 Step meetings

• Obtain internship in mental health facility

• Gain volunteer experience at hotline or crisis center

• Learn another language

• Consider earning a graduate degree in counseling or other psychological field

• Become familiar with governmental hiring processes

• Get experience in advocacy

• Enhance knowledge of community problems

• Gain leadership experience as a resident hall advisor, admissions tour guide, etc

• Volunteer as a tutor

Career Titles

Account Executive Activity Leader Addictionologist Art Therapist Child Advocate Child Psychologist College Student Affairs CommunityService Worker Community Relations Representative Community Relations Director Copywriter Correctional Caseworker Corrections Officer Cottage Parent Counselor:Alcohol/Drug Counselor: Crisis Intervention Counselor:Guidance Counselor: School Criminologist Customer Service Representative Customs/Immigrations Officer Drug and Alcohol Curriculum Developer

Drug &; Alcohol Curriculum Specialist D&A Treatment D&A Prevention Editor EEO/AA Specialist Employee Assistance Director Employee Relations Employment Counselor Health Club Manager Health Educator Hospice Coordinator Human Resources Administrator Human Resources Professional Mental Health Coordinator Mental Health Minister Minority Relations Specialist Motivational Researcher Music Therapist Nurse Outplacement Specialist Penologist

Personnel Assistant Personnel Interviewer Personnel Manager Prisoner Classification Interviewer Probation Officer Psychologist Psychometrist Public Health Statistician Public Policy Developer Public Relations Specialist Recreation Specialist Regulatory Administrator Safety Engineer Sales Representative Social Service Administrator Social Worker Sociologist Teacher Television Research Training & Development Professional Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Youth Corrections Officer

Professional Organizations

Upon graduation, Addiction Studies majors receive advance standing with the Pennsylvania Chemical Abuse Certification Board as it related to becoming a Certified Addiction Counselor.

Web sites

Council on Chemical Abuse: Programs, treatment services
Easy Does It Inc.: Assists people in recovery
The American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc.: Resource guides
Web of Addictions: Informational site for addictions studies
Pathways of Addiction: Opportunities in Drug Abuse Research
Alcoholics Anonymous
Al-Anon/Alateen
Narcotics Anonymous
National Association for Children of Alcoholics
Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention, US Department of Education
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information: Prevention Online
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
American Society of Addiction Medicine
Society for Prevention Research: Early career planning and placement