Alcohol and Drug Studies Associate of Science

The Alcohol and Drug Studies program integrates theory, knowledge, and practical experience in the development of skills necessary to work with individuals and families affected by Substance Use Disorders (SUD), as well as employers of individuals affected by SUD. The Alcohol and Drug Studies program prepares students to take the exam for Certified Addiction Counselors with a state-approved certifying organization. This program option combines the Human Services behavioral core skills training and clinical supervised experiential learning in beginning and advanced practicums in SUD fieldwork settings. The Alcohol and Drug Studies program prepares students for career development in field of behavioral health and the helping professions.

Completion of the five (5) Human Services Core Courses are prerequisites for the application to the HS 110 Fieldwork and Seminar I (Beginning Practicum) and is required for the completion of the Alcohol and Drug Studies Associate of Science degree. Visit the Human Services website at https://www.saddleback.edu/ hs/human-services for the Alcohol and Drug Studies Roadmap chart. Fieldwork and Seminar Information Sessions are scheduled in the fall and spring semesters to inform students of the application process. Check the Human Services website or Facebook page for the dates and times.

The application process is competitive and completion of an application does not guarantee acceptance into the HS110 Fieldwork & Seminar I (Beginning Practicum) course. A minimum grade of “C” in all courses is required to receive the certificate. Students who successfully complete the HS110 Fieldwork & Seminar I (Beginning Practicum) course may self-enroll in the HS 150 Fieldwork & Seminar II (Advanced Practicum) course.

Potential Careers: Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor, Case Manager, Community Outreach Worker, Halfway House Worker, Intake Specialist, Rehabilitation Case Worker, Residential/House Manager.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students who complete this program will be able to:

Demonstrate best-practice counseling approaches for individuals and families affected by Substance Use Disorders (SUD).
Utilize effective communication and active listening skills and group counseling facilitation skills.
Demonstrate the effective use of addiction counseling competencies.
Apply Human Services behavioral core skills and experiential training in an addiction treatment setting

Required Core Courses

HS 100 INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN SERVICES 3 Units *
HS 120 HUMAN DEVELOPMENT IN THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT 3 Units *
HS 170 ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS IN OUR SOCIETY 3 Units
HS 171 SUBSTANCE ABUSE - INTERVENTION, TREATMENT AND RECOVERY 3 Units
HS 140 GROUP LEADERSHIP AND GROUP PROCESS 3 Units
HS 174 CASE ADMINISTRATION, CRISIS INTERVENTION AND REFERRAL 3 Units
HS 176 CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS 3 Units *
HS 285 ETHICAL ISSUES AND CLIENT’S RIGHTS 3 Units
HS 172 PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS AND PHARMACOLOGY OF ALCOHOL AND DRUGS 3 Units *
HS 110 FIELD INSTRUCTION AND SEMINAR I 3.5 Units *
HS 150 FIELD INSTRUCTION AND SEMINAR II 3.5 Units *
Select from Restricted Electives 3 Units

Total Units for the Major: 37

Restricted Electives: Students are required to choose one restricted elective

HS 128 COMMUNITY-BASED CORRECTIONS 3 Units
HS 131 MULTICULTURAL AND DIVERSE POPULATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES 3 Units
HS 175 SUBSTANCE ABUSE EDUCATION, PREVENTION, AND INTERVENTION 3 Units
HS 177 FAMILY DYNAMICS OF ADDICTION AND ABUSE 3 Units
HS 182 SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS 3 Units *
HS 112 CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND MEDIATION 3 Units *
HS 220 BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENT 3 Units
*Course has a prerequisite, corequisite, limitation, or recommended preparation; see course description.

Associate of Science Degree

Complete a minimum of 60 units including the total number of units described above and the General Education requirements with an overall GPA of 2.0 to qualify for the Associate of Science degree. A minimum of 12 units must be completed at Saddleback College.

General Education Requirements for Associate Degrees

Refer to the Graduation Requirements or to the CSU-GE and IGETC patterns in this catalog for specific courses which meet general education requirements. Refer to ASSIST.org and to the transfer institution’s catalog for transfer requirements.