Alcohol and Drug Studies
About the Program
As a student in the Alcohol and Drug Studies program, you will prepare to work with the alcohol and other drug-dependent population, and the family and employer of the chemically dependent person. The program addresses community needs for trained alcohol and other drug specialists to work and volunteer in both public and private agencies in the Bay Area and across the State of California.
Career opportunities in this field include:
- Primary Addiction Counselor/Supervisor
- Case Manager
- Program Director
- Prevention Educator
- Co-occurring Rehabilitation Counselor
- Crisis Intervention Specialist
- Criminal Justice Addiction Counselor
- Assessment/Placement Specialist
Other opportunities include working with adolescents, seniors, multicultural populations, and those who have been affected by HIV/AIDS. Students who are awarded a certificate may be employed by:
- In-patient and out-patient treatment clinics
- Mental health clinics
- Job training/placement programs
- Shelters for various homeless populations
- Detoxification units
- Crisis intervention centers
- Criminal justice programs
- DUI programs
- Education/prevention programs in schools and community
| Name/Office | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CAADAC) | (916) 368-9412 |
| Humanities and Social Sciences Division | (408) 288-3785 |
Associate Degrees
Certificates
- Alcohol and Drug Studies - Certificate of Achievement Level 2
- Alcohol and Drug Studies Certification - Certificate of Achievement Level 3
- Addiction and Criminal Justice - Certificate of Specialization
- Alcohol and Drug Studies Peer Mentor - Certificate of Specialization
- Integrated Behavioral Health - Certificate of Specialization
ADS 070 Introduction to Chemical Dependency 3 Units
Students will examine cultural, historical and political influences on alcohol and drug abuse and its impact on the community. Sociocultural factors that contribute to the use of drugs, addiction issues will be examined through the lens of Western and non-western societies, as well as a comparisons between the impact of substance use on gender, diverse ages and subgroups. As an overview course, the review of the pattern and progression of chemical addiction will connect treatment modalities and interventions from a theoretical perspective. Students will be required to attend outside workshops or events.
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: D IGETC: None District GE: D
ADS 071 Pharmacology/Physiology of Addiction 3 Units
Students will examine in-depth the pharmacological and physiological effects of alcohol and other drugs, physical consequences of chemical dependency, and pharmacological/physiological treatment and recovery strategies.
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Corequisite: ADS 070
Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ADS 072 Codependency & Family Dynamics 3 Units
Students will examine codependency through attachment theory across the lifespan. Codependency behaviors will be explored as a response to disrupted attachment, which includes individual, sociocultural, psychological and physiological impact. The physical legacy of disrupted attachment is connected with the neurological and Central Nervous System changes resulting from the ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) study indicators, and the legacy of this impact across the lifespan. Course topics include attachment theory definitions and characteristics, Pia Mellody's Five Core Symptoms, genograms, dysfunctional and healthy family systems, codependency and parenting, social and cultural indicators, the psychical legacy of disrupted attachment which includes damage to the immune system, approaches to recovery, and tools of recovery. Students will be required to attend self-help groups in the community.
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Corequisite: ADS 070
Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ADS 073 Case Management 3 Units
Students will learn to conduct an assessment, orientation, treatment planning, record keeping, and relapse prevention (aftercare planning) from an ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine) models in case management. Students will be required to attend outside self-help workshops or events.
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ADS 074 Ethics, and Personal and Professional Growth 3 Units
Students will learn to address ethical, personal, and professional issues for alcohol and drug counselors, with an emphasis on continued individual growth and development. Ethical and professional standards, credentialing requirements, assessment of personal strengths and weaknesses, burnout and stress management, and peer networking will be examined. Students will be required to attend outside workshops or events.
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ADS 075A Counseling Theories and Skills 3 Units
Students examine the theories and purposes of various counseling approaches with individuals in addiction treatment. Theories will be explored for sociological, physiological and psychological process across the lifespan of the client. Students will also practice and demonstrate skills and interventions to support the counseling progress of recovering individuals integrating both cultural and age-related issues.
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: E IGETC: None District GE: E
ADS 076 Law and Prevention: Community Response 3 Units
Students develop awareness of community responses to addiction by examining alcohol and drug laws, and programs of prevention, education, outreach, intervention, and referral.
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Corequisite: ADS 070 previous or concurrent enrollment
Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ADS 077A Supervised Practicum A 2 Units
Students begin the clinical counseling experience hours in an approved chemical dependency treatment facility. Direct supervision is provided by a staff member meeting CCAPP/CAADE (California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals/California Association for Alcohol and Drug Educators) approved standards. Students apply and integrate acquired knowledge and values. This "learning by doing" requires concurrent enrollment in 2.0 units of ADS 138 Work Experience for the first half of the 255 hours required for certification and is essential to adequately prepare for professional practice.
Lecture Hours: 1.5 Lab Hours: 1.5 Repeatable: No Grading: L
Prerequisite: ADS 070 and ADS 071 and ADS 073 and ADS 074 and ADS 075A and ADS 079; all with C or better
Corequisite: Requires concurrent enrollment in 2 unit of ADS 138. Students begin clinical practice hours in an approved chemical dependency treatment clinic according to CAADAC/CCAPP standards. Students in this first practicum will participate in a minimum of 128 hours towards the minimum of 255 hours for certification
Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ADS 077B Supervised Practicum B 2 Units
Students will complete the clinical counseling experience hours in an approved chemical dependency treatment facility. Direct supervision is provided by a staff member meeting CCAPP (California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals) approved standards. Students apply and integrate acquired knowledge and values. This "learning by doing" practicum fulfills the 255 hours required for certification essential to adequately prepare for professional practice. Concurrent enrollment in 2.0 units of ADS 138 Work Experience.
Lecture Hours: 1.5 Lab Hours: 1.5 Repeatable: No Grading: L
Prerequisite: ADS 077A with C or better
Corequisite: Requires 2 units of concurrent enrollment in ADS 138. Students complete clinical practice hours in an approved chemical dependency treatment clinic according to CAADAC/CCAPP standards. Students in this second practicum will participate in more complex cases for a minimum of 128 hours that will in combination with the first practicum complete the minimum of 255 hours for certification.
Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ADS 078 Integrated Behavioral Health 3 Units
Students will study the differences in mental health and chemical dependency treatment cultures. They will review the key DSM5 diagnostic categories that appear in addiction treatment and approaches to assessment and treatment planning that address mental health, physical health, and substance abuse disorders. Students will examine psychotropic medication and the interaction with medication assisted approaches to treatment, as well as barriers to effective treatment. Professional ethics and scope of practice will also be covered.
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ADS 079 Group Dynamics 3 Units
Students will be introduced to group dynamics and group leadership skills within the context of treating substance use disorder. The focus is on group development, interpersonal and intrapersonal processes, and group facilitation skills. The course incorporates a strong experiential component with an emphasis on changing behavior as a goal.
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Corequisite: ADS 070
Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ADS 080 Addiction in the Criminal Justice Population 2 Units
Students will examine the addiction disease process and its role in criminality. Students will explore the criminal justice response to addiction, and historical and current trends in addressing the needs of the addicted offender in county, state, and federal incarceration settings.
Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ADS 081 Criminal Justice Process for the Addicted Offender 2 Units
Students will explore addiction treatment services and intervention at each segment of the criminal justice system. The sectors covered in this course include: community policing, points of arrest, initial interventions for first-time offense, drug courts, response to relapse, prison services, and services regarding reentry into society.
Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ADS 082 Co-Occurring Disorders in the Addicted Offender Population 2 Units
Students will become aware of the substantial percentage of those under criminal justice supervision that have one or more co-occurring mental disorders in addition to their substance use disorder. Students will review the intersection between behavioral health and addiction, approaches to co-occurring disorder assessment, symptoms of major mental health disorders, and trauma-informed services in the criminal justice system.
Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ADS 083 Treatment and Interventions for the Addicted Offender 2 Units
Students will review the challenges facing addicted criminal justice clients. Addicted offenders may require help meeting basic life needs, such as finding housing, applying for a job, or cooking a meal. Students will explore the use of motivational interviewing to assist clients to manage their feelings, control impulses, and work toward concrete goals. Students will explore strategies and techniques which include confronting manipulation and setting boundaries.
Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ADS 089 Overview of Core Functions of Addiction Treatment 1 Unit
Students will review the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Technical Assistance Publication (TAP) 21 core and global functions of addiction treatment in preparation for the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) exam for the California Certified Prevention Specialist (CCPS) process through the California Consortium of Addiction Professionals and Programs (CCAPP).
Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ADS 090 Peer Advocacy and Wellness 2 Units
This course is designed to train peer mentors. Students will master the federally-funded training called Whole Health Action Management (WHAM) developed by the SAMHSA-HRSA Center for Integrated Health Solutions operated by the National Council for Behavioral Health. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a peer provider is a person who uses his or her "lived experience" of recovery from mental illness and/or addiction, plus skills learned in formal training, to deliver services in recovery and behavioral health settings to promote mind-body recovery, self-advocacy, and resiliency. Students will enroll in one unit of ADS-138 with this course to meet CCAPP Peer Recovery Specialist requirements.
Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ADS 091 Ems Pre-Hospital Behavioral Emergencies 3 Units
This course is designed to prepare emergency medical services (EMS) workers to identify and respond to the most frequent substance use and mental health conditions they confront as first responders. Topics will include: an overview of psychiatric disorders, an understanding of agitation levels and strategies for de-escalations, tools for responding to caregiver/family stress and anxiety disorders, and screening and interviewing techniques for patients with suicidal ideation. This course is also intended to prepare EMS workers to develop self-care strategies to avoid developing long-term mental health, burnout and substance use disorder symptoms in response to ongoing trauma exposure.
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ADS 092 Peer Support Specialist Supervisor Training 2 Units
The California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA) Peer certification standards require that Peer certification program, such as the current Peer Mentor Certificate through San Jose City College, include a component on supervision connected to the certification process. SAMHSA-based Peer Support Specialist Supervision Training will include the administrative, educative and supportive functions of a peer supervisor, as well as essential functions of supervisors and a strengths-based supervision approach. This course will address ethics and boundary issues, integration of peer workers in the workplace, as well as selected competencies for peer supervisors.
Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ADS 098 ADS Directed Study 0.5-9 Units
Individual or small groups of students, with previous coursework in the discipline, who would benefit from Independent Study under the direction of faculty members in specific or related disciplines may develop individualized learning contracts designed to enhance their individual instructional programs. The students and the faculty member will develop appropriate learning outcomes and activities. The number of units to be earned will be determined by the faculty and Division Dean. Instructions and the Learning Contract forms are available in the Division office. Repeatable to a maximum of 9 units across all disciplines.
Lecture Hours: None Lab Hours: 2.07 Repeatable: Yes Grading: L
Recommended: Students will have completed ADS 170-176 or equivalent.
Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ADS 138 Work Experience 1-6 Units
Work Experience is designed for students who work or volunteer in a field related to their career major. Students are required to provide evidence that they are enrolled in a career program (e.g., education plan or coursework in a career/technical subject area). Students can earn one unit of credit for each 60 hours of unpaid volunteer time or 75 hours of paid work during the semester. Students can repeat Career/Technical Work Experience, combined with General Work Experience, or alone, up to a maximum of 16 units. Internship/job placement is not guaranteed.
Lecture Hours: None Lab Hours: 2.07 Repeatable: Yes Grading: O
Corequisite: Be employed or a volunteer at an approved work-site for the minimum number of hours per unit as stipulated for paid and unpaid status.
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ADS 170 LAADC Introduction to Chemical Dependency 2.5 Units
Students learn about chemical dependency issues, including a historical perspective on alcohol and drug abuse and its impact on the community; the sociocultural factors that contribute to the use of drugs; issues for special populations; and the pattern and progression of chemical addiction. This is one of six required courses for LAADC (Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor) certification. This course is not transferable and does not meet requirements of the AS Degree in Alcohol and Drug Studies. This is part of a nine-unit series of courses preparing students with a master's degree in counseling or social work for an LAADC certificate of specialization through the California Consortium of Addiction Professionals and Programs (CCAPP).
Lecture Hours: 2.5 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Must have graduate degree in counseling, psychology or social work per LAADC requirements.
Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NAA
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ADS 171 LAADC Pharmacology and Physiology of Addiction 1.5 Units
Students examine, in-depth, the pharmacological and physiological effects of alcohol and other drugs; physical consequences of chemical dependency; and pharmacological/physiological treatment and recovery strategies. This is one of six required courses for LAADC (Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor) certification. This course is not transferable and does not meet requirements of the AS Degree in Alcohol and Drug Studies. This is part of a nine-unit series of courses preparing students with a masters degree in psychology or social work for an LAADC certificate of specialization through the California Consortium of Addiction Professionals and Programs (CCAPP).
Lecture Hours: 1.5 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Prerequisite: Must have graduate degree in counseling, psychology or social work per LAADC requirements.
Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NAA
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ADS 172 LAADC Codependency and Family Dynamics 1.5 Units
Students will learn approaches to codependency from an attachment theory, behavioral, and physical perspective. Course covers topics that include attachment theory definitions and characteristics, Pia Mellody's Five Core Symptoms, genograms, dysfunctional and healthy family systems, parenting, culture and codependency, reparenting, and approaches to recovery. This is one of six required courses for LAADC (Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor) advanced certification. This course is not transferable and does not meet requirements of the AS Degree in Alcohol and Drug Studies. This is part of a nine-unit series of courses preparing students with a masters degree in psychology or social work for an LAADC certificate of specialization through the California Consortium of Addiction Professionals and Programs (CCAPP).
Lecture Hours: 1.5 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Prerequisite: Must have graduate degree in counseling, psychology or social work per LAADC requirements.
Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ADS 173 LAADC Case Management 2.5 Units
Students will learn to conduct assessment, orientation, treatment planning, recordkeeping, and relapse prevention (aftercare planning) from both medical and social models in case management. This is one of six required courses for LAADC (Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor) advanced certification. This course is not transferable and does not meet requirements of the AS Degree in Alcohol and Drug Studies. This is part of a nine-unit series of courses preparing students with a master's degree in psychology or social work for an LAADC certificate of specialization through the California Consortium of Addiction Professionals and Programs (CCAPP).
Lecture Hours: 2.5 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Prerequisite: Must have graduate degree in counseling, psychology or social work per LAADC requirements.
Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ADS 174 LAADC Ethics, Personal and Professional Growth 1.5 Units
Students will learn to address ethical, personal, and professional concerns of alcohol and drug counselors with an emphasis on continued individual growth and development. Ethical and professional standards, credentialing requirements, and assessment of personal strengths and weaknesses will be examined. This is one of six required courses for LAADC (Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor) advanced certification. This course is not transferable and does not meet requirements of the AS Degree in Alcohol and Drug Studies. This is part of a nine-unit series of courses preparing students with a masters degree in psychology or social work for an LAADC certificate of specialization through the California Consortium of Addiction Professionals and Programs (CCAPP).
Lecture Hours: 1.5 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Prerequisite: Must have graduate degree in counseling, psychology or social work per LAADC requirements.
Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ADS 176 LAADC Law and Prevention: Community Response 1.5 Units
Students in this course will learn to examine how the community responds to addiction through alcohol and drug laws, prevention, education, outreach, and referral programs. This is one of six required courses for LAADC (Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor) advanced certification. This course is not transferable and does not meet requirements of the AS Degree in Alcohol and Drug Studies. This is part of a nine-unit series of courses preparing students with a masters degree in psychology or social work for an LAADC certificate of specialization through the California Consortium of Addiction Professionals and Programs (CCAPP).
Lecture Hours: 1.5 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Prerequisite: Must have graduate degree in counseling, psychology or social work per LAADC requirements.
Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ADS 177A LAADC Supervised Practicum A 1.5 Units
Students examine the dynamics of substance abuse counseling and work to integrate the theories and concepts of chemical dependencies. Students are required to co-enroll in three units of ADS 138 Work Experience (to meet a minimum of 150 hours completed in an approved CD treatment facility, and under the direct supervision of a staff member meeting LAADC (Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor) approved standards.
Lecture Hours: 1.5 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Prerequisite: ADS 170 and ADS 171 and ADS 172 and ADS 173 and ADS 174 and ADS 176; all with C or better.
Corequisite: 3 units of ADS 138 Prerequisite: Must have graduate degree in counseling, psychology or social work per LAADC requirements.
Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NAA
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ADS 177B LAADC Supervised Practicum B 1.5 Units
Students learn to apply and integrate the acquired knowledge and values from prior LAADC course work. Students are required to co-enroll in three units of ADS 138 Work Experience (to meet a minimum of 150 hours completed in an approved CD treatment facility, and under direct supervision of a staff member meeting LAADC (Licensed and Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor) approved standards).
Lecture Hours: 1.5 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Prerequisite: ADS 177A, with a C or better.
Corequisite: 3 units of ADS 138 Prerequisite: Must have graduate degree in counseling, psychology or social work per LAADC requirements.
Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NAA
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None