Addiction Studies AS Degree

associate in Science | AS.1603

The Alcohol and Drug Studies pathway gives students both hands-on experience and classroom learning. This program trains students to become counselors who help people struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. It focuses on preventing, treating, and helping people recover from addiction. The program is based on the latest research and meets the need for trained specialists to work or volunteer in public and private agencies throughout Northern California and beyond. After completing the program, students will meet the requirements to take the state exams needed to become certified drug and alcohol counselors.

Choose your path

Map your education by viewing the program map for the degree or certificate you’re interested in earning below. Meet with a counselor to create your official comprehensive education plan.

A program map shows all the required and recommended courses you need to graduate and a suggested order in which you should take them. The suggested sequence of courses is based on enrollment and includes all major and general education courses required for the degree.

Fall Semester, First Year

16 Units Total
ENGL 1A
GE 4
College Composition
ENGL 1A
Units 4
Note: For students who would benefit from further instruction and individual support while taking their first college-transfer level English course, ENGL 1AX is a recommended alternative to ENGL 1A.

This course develops the reading, critical thinking, and writing skills necessary for academic success, emphasizing expository and argumentative writing as well as research and documentation skills. As a transferable course, it presupposes that students already have a substantial grasp of grammar, syntax, and organization, and that their writing is reasonably free from errors. A research paper is required for successful completion of the course. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
Alternative Courses
  • XSCGE CAT4A Shasta College GE Category 4A
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SOC 3
GE 3
Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
SOC 3
Units 3
This course is an introduction to the basic statistical methods and analyses commonly used in the behavioral sciences. Topics include descriptive and inferential statistics; levels and types of measurement; measures of central tendency and dispersion; normal, t, and chi-square distributions; probability and hypothesis testing; and correlation and regression. Applications of statistical software to the behavioral sciences and/or other social science data is required. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
Alternative Courses
  • XSCGE CAT4C Shasta College GE Category 4C
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ADS 10
M 3
Introduction to Addiction Studies
ADS 10
Units 3
This course provides a historical and sociological perspective on the use, abuse, and social control of drugs associated with substance use disorder. Included are overviews of the biopsychosocial nature of addiction, the impact of addiction on children, families and society, contemporary treatment and prevention approaches, and the addiction counseling profession. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ADS 11
M 3
Substance Abuse Counseling for Diverse Populations
ADS 11
Units 3
Advisory: ADS 10

This course introduces students to the unique problems, issues, and concerns of diverse populations and the characteristics of these populations with respect to the incidence of substance use disorders, intervention needs, and responses to treatment. It discusses research on historical, social, health, and environmental factors impacting special populations, as well as the role of ethnic and cultural differences. Particular emphasis is on population characteristics such as ethnicity/race, gender, age, economic, sexual orientation, and disability status. This emphasis provides students with the skills needed to communicate effectively with diverse populations. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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HUSV 70
GE M 3
Introduction to Social Work and Human Services
HUSV 70
Units 3
This is an introductory overview of social welfare and the societal institutions in the U.S. that structure the provision of social services. The course presents a historical perspective on the development of U.S. social work and human services. Special attention is given to current service delivery systems, their policies and procedures, and the tasks of culturally responsive social workers and human service workers within those settings. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Spring Semester, First Year

15 Units Total
NUTR 25
GE 3
Nutrition
NUTR 25
Units 3
This course provides a comprehensive study of the relationship between nutrition and human biology. A study of nutrients and their biological functions, chemical classifications, sources, digestion, absorption, metabolic pathways, chemical reactions, and the interplay of neural, enzymatic, and hormonal mechanisms will be emphasized. The sequential steps of the scientific method will be explored. Students will identify and apply relevant scientific research in nutrition guidelines, health, weight regulation, sports nutrition, the diet-disease relationship, psych-social impact on food choice, and analysis of special nutritional requirements and needs during the life cycle.
Alternative Courses
  • XSCGE CAT1 Shasta College GE Category 1
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ART 4
GE 3
World Art
ART 4
Units 3
This is a survey of the visual arts of diverse ethnic and indigenous cultures with an emphasis on both historic and contemporary art. Explored are the Americas, Africa, and the Pacific Islands. Lectures are focused on the styles, motifs, symbols, rituals and traditions of the cultures by examining their crafts, drawings, sculpture, printmaking and paintings. This course is designed as a Humanities elective, recommended for Art Core Programs, and required for the Art History Concentration. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
Alternative Courses
  • XSCGE CAT3 Shasta College GE Category 3
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ADS 16
M 3
Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues in Drug and Alcohol Counseling
ADS 16
Units 3
Students will learn to address ethical, personal, legal, and professional issues for alcohol and drug counselors, with an emphasis on continued individual growth and development. Ethical and professional standards, working in a diverse environment, credentialing requirements, assessment of personal strengths and weaknesses, stress management, and peer networking will be examined. Students may be required to attend outside workshops or events. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ADS 17
M 3
Alcohol and Drug Counseling Case Management
ADS 17
Units 3
This course offers an introduction to case management, intake and data collection, client record management, client-centered counseling, documentation, treatment planning, referrals, ethics, clients' rights, and confidentiality. It prepares students to work in the field of substance abuse counseling and community behavioral health services. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ADS 12
M 3
Basic Addiction Counseling Skills
ADS 12
Units 3
This course is an introduction to the basic skills and techniques of counseling for addiction counselors. This course describes characteristics of an effective counselor, explores several theoretical models of counseling, and assists the individual to develop skills in active listening, building trust, reflecting feelings and content, and using motivational interviewing techniques. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Fall Semester, Second Year

15 Units Total
CMST 60
GE 3
Public Speaking
CMST 60
Units 3
This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with an emphasis on public speaking. The subjects covered are speech topic selection, audience analysis, information competency (e.g. researching, evaluating, and using supporting materials), presentation outlining, principles of effective speech delivery, critical evaluation of speeches, and presentation of informative and persuasive speeches. Most students will have the opportunity to be recorded and to use presentational technology. College-level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines, and short essays. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
Alternative Courses
  • XSCGE CAT4B Shasta College GE Category 4B
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ETHS 1
GE 3
Introduction to Ethnic Studies
ETHS 1
Units 3
Advisory: Essay-writing skills and eligibility to enroll in a transfer-level English Composition course

This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of race and ethnicity in the United States. It examines social justice movements in relation to ethnic and racial groups in the United States to provide a basis for a better understanding of the socioeconomic, cultural, and political conditions among key social groups including, but not limited to, Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latina/o Americans. This course examines the systemic nature of racial/ethnic oppression through an examination of key concepts including racialization and ethnocentrism, with a specific focus on the persistence of white supremacy. Using an anti-racist framework, the course will examine historical and contemporary social movements dedicated to the decolonization of social institutions, resistance, and social justice. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
Alternative Courses
  • SCGE CAT5/6 Shasta College GE Category 5/6: Multicultural/Living Skills or Multicultural Requirement
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ADS 13
M 3
Group Counseling for Treatment and Recovery
ADS 13
Units 3
This course is an introduction to group facilitation skills within the context of treatment for substance use disorder (SUD). Focus will be on group dynamics, interpersonal and intrapersonal processes and group facilitation skills. It prepares students for competence in group and family addiction treatment facilitation as required by the California Association for Drug/Alcohol Educators (CAADE).
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ADS 19
M 3
Co-Occurring Substance Abuse Disorders
ADS 19
Units 3
This course reviews the major concepts, definitions, and features of co-occurring mental health disorders associated with addiction. It emphasizes skills in recognizing co-occurring disorders, referral and case management of clients, and appropriate scope of practice. It covers common types of mental health issues associated with addiction, including mood, anxiety, and adjustment disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and unresolved issues of childhood abuse, as well as an overview of appropriate treatment and management approaches. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ADS 18
M 3
Family and Addiction
ADS 18
Units 3
This course provides an overview of the family systems approach to addiction counseling including analysis and examination of the relationship patterns that develop in families including multicultural families. The student will develop treatment strategies for assisting families and significant others during the stages of active addiction, addiction treatment, long-term recovery, and relapse prevention using family-involved approaches, including adolescent drug issues, co-dependency, enabling, and adult children of alcoholics (ACA) with an interdisciplinary perspective. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Spring Semester, Second Year

16 Units Total
PSYC 1A
M 3
General Psychology
PSYC 1A
Units 3
Advisory: College-level writing skills

This course provides an introduction to psychology, the study of the mind and behavior, as a science and as an applied field. The course provides an integration of physiological, cognitive, social-behavioral, psychodynamic, humanistic, cultural, and evolutionary perspectives. Topics include research methods, the nervous system, perception, learning, thinking, memory, human development, social behavior, emotions, motivation, personality, abnormal behavior, and psychotherapy. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ADS 14
M 3
Pharmacology of Alcohol and Addictive Substances
ADS 14
Units 3
This course provides an overview of the neurochemical, physical, and mental effects of alcohol and other commonly used addictive substances. Emphasis is placed on the pharmacology of addictive substances by exploring the mechanisms of action, the pharmacokinetics, the pharmacodynamics, and the adverse reactions of the drugs. Additionally, the medical consequences of use and the therapeutic approaches for managing withdrawal, overdose, and substance use disorder will be covered. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ADS 15
M 3
Substance Abuse Prevention, Intervention, and Recovery
ADS 15
Units 3
This course provides a comprehensive overview of theories and strategies for the prevention of substance use disorders. Primary, secondary, tertiary, and evidence-based prevention models will be introduced and assessed. Prevention programs and activities appropriate for the community, school, parents and family, and work-sites will be covered. Strategies such as education; public policies; media/information dissemination; ethnic, cultural, and gender-specific approaches; environmental risk reduction; and alternatives will be presented and assessed for their application to different target populations. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ADS 21
M 2.5
Addiction Studies Internship Seminar
ADS 21
Units 2.5
This course is a study of the nature of the treatment of substance use disorders with an emphasis on developing the skills and abilities of the student in the field. Emphasis is placed on supporting students enrolled in an addiction studies internship. Throughout this course, students engage in critical analysis of their strengths and weaknesses as potential professionals in the field. Students must be accepted at an approved substance abuse treatment facility. This course is intended for students only in their final semester of an Addiction Studies Program and fulfills the 45 minimum classroom seminar hours required for certification. Students must complete the prerequisite courses in order to be eligible for this course. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ADS 94
M 4.5
Field Work/Internship in Addiction Studies
ADS 94
Units 4.5
Note: Level 6 English placement level (eligible for English 1A, but does not have to be completed).

This course offers the student a supervised field experience in a community organization, agency, or institution, allowing the student to apply knowledge and learn new skills outside of the classroom environment. This course is designed to provide the student with an opportunity to develop skills that would facilitate gaining employment in the addiction or human services field, and it fulfills the 255 minimum field hours required for certification. Students must complete the prerequisite courses in order to be eligible for this course.
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62

Total Units

Please see a counselor to discuss options for meeting general education requirements for transfer to California State Universities (CSU) and/or University of California (UC) campuses, as well as any specific additional courses that may be required by your chosen institution of transfer.

*Alternative Courses: Please see a Shasta College counselor for alternative course options. You can also view the following to find other courses to meet degree/certificate requirements:

Need a print out? Feel free to download and/or print out a copy of the sample program map(s).

Contact Us for More Information

Counseling & Student Services

Contact Info
Email counseling@shastacollege.edu
Phone (530) 242-7724
Fax (530) 225-4652
Site www.shastacollege.edu/counseling

Academic/Instructional Division Office

Health Sciences

Contact Info
Email hsupconnect@shastacollege.edu
Phone (530) 339-3600
Fax (530) 225-4780
Location Downtown Redding Campus | 1400 Market Street, Suite 8204 | Redding, CA 96001
Mailing Health Sciences Division | PO Box 496006 | Redding, CA 96049-6006
Alternative Phone (530) 339-3661

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