Alcoholism and Substance Abuses Counselor CASAC   

This course provides an overview and history of the required and basic knowledge of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs and their use and abuse (ATOD). Special focus and attention is given to physical and pharmacological effects of alcohol and other substances of abuse and the interactive role of these effects on the dynamics of addiction. Particular psychoactive substances are discussed and elaborated on as well as those social and environmental effects that drugs have on society.

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.

The impact of alcoholism and substance abuse on the family and assessment skills for effective intervention are covered. Also studied are the dynamics of relapse prevention and the importance of alternative copying strategies. The various approaches used in developing effective vocational and educational plans that will minimize the likelihood of relapse and maintain healthy family relationships are addressed. (Prerequisites: ASC 01 and ASC 02 or permission of the program coordinator.) 40 hours, 4 CEU

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 addresses initial aspects of effective treatment plans for the alcohol and substance abuser such as long- and short-range goals and reviews the importance of appropriate clinical documentation. Specifics include confidentiality, social histories, case notes and diagnostic documents. The contents and process of appropriate discharge planning for individual cases are covered. 30 hours, 3 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

This intensive workshop will help you prepare for the CASAC examination. Taught by the CASAC Coordinator, Rory Gilbert, CASAC. Prerequisite CASAC program or equivalent.