Alcoholism and Substance Abuses Counselor CASAC   

This course provides a comprehensive outlook and exploration of the diversity of alcoholism and substance abuse interventions and treatment approaches. Various assessment tools and Diagnostic Criteria are introduced as a skill set and tool in the evaluative process. Treatment and prevention techniques are presented as well as school and community-based intervention programs. Inpatient treatment and rehabilitation programs, residential treatment programs, detoxification services, medically supervised ambulatory drug-free treatment programs, methadone maintenance, psychotherapy, acupuncture, cognitive/behavioral approaches as well as self-help principles are discussed as part of this comprehensive study of the Substance Use Disorder Treatment dynamic.

Physical growth and psychological development from the prenatal period through late adulthood are studied. The relationship between life-span development and alcohol and substance abuse issues is addressed. Undergraduate or graduate courses in this area might be accepted for CASAC credentialing; therefore students are advised to consult with the program coordinator prior to enrolling.

This course outlines the importance of necessary knowledge in counseling clients with communicable diseases including HIV, AIDS, tuberculosis and hepatitis. The course expounds upon and provides knowledge of special populations and the impact of substance use disorders on these various special populations such as the homeless, women, teenagers, and the elderly, MICA, racial and ethnic minorities, the LGBT population and the disabled are considered in the context of techniques and approaches in outreach referral and treatment. (Prerequisites: ASC 01 and ASC 02 or permission of program coordinator.)

This course will clearly outline and define the comprehensive clinical assessment process. Assessment, Case Management and Referral will be explored and elaborated on as part of the CASAC 12 Core Function dynamic. Students will learn and demonstrate an understanding of clinical evaluation and the impact on case management and the referral process. Interviewing techniques and instruments used in assessment and case management are covered. The role of the CASAC counselor in the larger context of social and other human services delivery systems is also addressed. (Prerequisites: ASC 01, ASC 02, and ASC 31.) 40 hours, 4 CEU

This course covers basic definitions of ethical behavior in the alcoholism and substance abuse counselor/client
relationship and addresses traditional areas such as transference and counter-transference and their roles in
maintaining ethical behavior. Federal and state guidelines regarding ethics are also addressed. The importance
of confidentiality from clinical and legal perspectives is studied and students learn how to explain related issues
such as signed consent forms to their clients. (Prerequisites: ASC 01 and ASC 02 or permission of program
coordinator.) 45 hours, 4.5 CEU