How to Pick an Addiction Studies Course

Addiction has often been a misunderstood disease. In the past, addicts were notoriously misjudged as incorrigible scoundrels. Thanks in part to Betty Ford and the founding of her clinic in 1982, people began to understand that alcoholism is a disease brought on by genetic and environmental factors. Addictions rehabilitation grew out of a new understanding that all addiction is disease based. Pick an addiction studies course to counsel people overcoming addictions.

Instructions

1. Decide if you want to take a course in addiction studies to simply learn more about addictions or to obtain training and certification and complete a four-year degree.

2. Know that certification through an addiction studies course usually requires completion of a training program. Understand that programs are governed by state-specific certification boards.

3. Learn the differences between certified professionals before you pick an addiction studies course (e.g., Certified Prevention Specialist, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor or Certified Criminal Justice Addiction Professional).

4. Read about various addiction studies career paths and training by visiting state certification board websites, such as the "California Association of Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Counselors" website.

5. Find out if colleges in your area offer addiction studies courses. Know that many community colleges, as well as universities, offer certificate programs like the "Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Counseling."

6. Check out universities offering four-year degrees in addiction studies, which is usually part of a psychology studies program.

7. Telephone or visit various schools or training facilities offering addiction studies to find out about tuition costs, books and room and board (if the campus is in another town). Ask about scholarships and other funding sources available to new students.

8. Know that some employers (e.g., hospitals) may offer tuition reimbursement programs to their employees. Find out through your employer if you qualify. Check certification board websites for scholarship information.

9. Pick an addiction studies course and determine how far you want to go with your addiction studies education.

Tips & Warnings

• Check credentials and the accreditation of all schools offering addiction studies courses before enrolling.

Resources

• Learn about addiction studies certifications-New Jersey.
• Learn about addiction studies certifications with the California Association of Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Counselors.
• Find out about the different types of addiction studies certification programs that are available.