Alcohol and Drug Studies

alcohol and drug studies Overview

The ADS program at San José City College is committed to addressing the critical community needs for well-trained alcohol and other drug specialists. These specialists play a vital role in supporting individuals and communities affected by substance abuse issues, both in the Bay Area and across the State of California. Our program provides comprehensive training that empowers students to work effectively in public and private agencies, making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.

Success Resources

 

Department Contacts

  • Humanities, Social Sciences, and Arts Division
  • (408) 288-3785

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
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L​earning Outcomes:

  • Demonstrate competent performance of the Twelve Core Functions and Global Criteria in their Supervised Practicum placements, evidenced by written supervisor review in both Supervised Practicum A and B.
  • By the completion of the Alcohol and Drug Studies Program, students will clearly identify themselves as professional counselors, committed to the CADAC Ethical standards as evidenced by completion of the Ethics and Professional Developmental course, and the signed Ethics Code submitted in the Supervised Practicum A and B course.
  • Analyze and describe the physiological and pharmacological aspects of substance abuse and dependence. This includes how drugs affect different body system, cause side effects, and impacts the community as a whole.
  • Demonstrate the ability to competently conduct and follow a client from the point of program entry to discharge, and complete all treatment planning and case management connected to that case.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

SJCC offers both Associate in Arts (AA) and Associate in Science (AS) degrees in Alcohol and Drug Studies. Additionally, the program provides certificates, including the Chemical Dependency Certificate, which is certified by the California Consortium of Addiction Professionals and Programs (CCAPP). This certificate meets the requirement of 315 hours of approved alcohol and drug training education and 255 hours of supervised practicum.

Graduates can pursue various roles, such as:

  • Primary Addiction Counselor/Supervisor
  • Case Manager
  • Program Director
  • Prevention Educator
  • Co-occurring Rehabilitation Counselor
  • Crisis Intervention Specialist
  • Criminal Justice Addiction Counselor
  • Assessment/Placement Specialist

Yes, the Chemical Dependency Certificate is certified by CCAPP and is designed to meet the requirements for alcohol and drug training education and supervised practicum. Additionally, the program meets the requirements of the California Association of Alcohol and Drug Counselors (CAADE) with courses in General Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and Social Programs.

Upon completion, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate competent performance of the Twelve Core Functions and Global Criteria in supervised practicum placements.
  • Identify as professional counselors committed to ethical standards.
  • Analyze and describe the physiological and pharmacological aspects of substance abuse and dependence.
  • Competently conduct and manage client cases from program entry to discharge, including treatment planning and case management.

For additional details, you can reach out to the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Arts Division at (408) 288-3785 or via email at HSSA@sjcc.edu.