Our dedication to Racial Equality and Social Justice (RESJ) spans decades. Learn more about our RESJ Initiative

time exposed photo of headlights in urban center

Addictions Counseling Concentration

  • Credits:
    9

Concentration Description

The master’s concentration in Addictions Counseling is offered to students who are interested in developing the professional knowledge, skills and training needed to provide effective and informed addictions counseling, treatment, education and prevention.

A Key Element in Your Counseling Degree. The Addictions Counseling concentration provides an important area of knowledge for professional counselors who work with people suffering from addictions. The concentration is accepted in the following Cambridge College degree programs:

  • Mental Health Counseling
  • School Adjustment & Mental Health Counseling

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will complete the coursework and field experience required for LADC certification.

Careers

Addictions counseling professionals help people through public health agencies, youth services, residential treatment programs, hospitals, outpatient substance abuse programs, and homeless shelters.

Curriculum

Choose three of the following courses:

Addiction Disorders
CCP 640 • 3 credit(s)
This course provides an introduction to substance abuse treatment. Students will delve into prevention and treatment strategies, the interconnectedness of substance use theories on the origins of addiction, the pharmacology of psychoactive drugs, cultural influences on substance use, and the assessment and intervention techniques for individuals and their families affected by substance abuse. Special emphasis is placed on developing skills in diagnosis, treatment planning, and facilitating referrals to appropriate resources. This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standard for School Counseling: f: Knowledge of strategies used for the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, physical and sexual abuse, and violence in PreK-12 students.
Family Treatment of Substance Abuse
CCP 606 • 3 credit(s)
This course focuses on the integration of various treatment models for substance use disorders (SUDs) within a family systems framework. Students will develop the skills necessary to assess, diagnose, and treat SUDs in the context of diverse cultural and minority populations. Emphasis is on the creation of SMART goals for clients and culturally sensitive treatment strategies that account for the multifaceted nature of SUDs within families.
Alcohol and Drugs in Society
CCP 516 • 3 credit(s)

This course provides an overview of the abuse of alcohol and other drugs in our society today. The common drugs of abuse will be named, and their actions based on substance, setting, and individual psychological set will be described and examined. We will explore the consequences of abuse and dependence on the individual, the family, and society at large. Historical approaches to this issue, including understanding etiological factors, as well as scientific methods of treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention, will be covered. Bio-psychosocial assessment and related interventions will be identified, including medications, counseling, 12 Step support, and other psychological methods.

Psychopharmacology in Addictions and Mental Health Counseling
CCP 720 • 3 credit(s)
This course explores the basic neurobiological processes of psychotropic medications and the use of medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders while emphasizing the challenge of integrating evidence-based treatment and psychopharmacological interventions for co-occurring disorders. It delves into historical practices and the increasing use of newer, less addictive medications impacting addiction neurochemistry.
Download Program Sheet