Addiction studies major begins this fall

Have you ever known someone: a friend, a relative or co-worker who had or has a problem with alcohol or drug abuse or dependence? According to Associate Professor Deb Murray, most people who end up working as a substance abuse counselor answer yes to that question.

The conditions of alcohol and other drug abuse or dependence can profoundly impact individuals, families, institutions and society, leading to a need for professional substance abuse counselors.

Starting in the fall 2010 semester, Viterbo and the school of Graduate, Professional and Adult Education will meet the needs of the community and Viterbo students by introducing a new Addiction Studies major.

 “A major in Addiction Studies will prepare students for careers in psychology, human services, criminal justice, ministry, health care, education and business,” adult education adviser Darcie Mueller, told Lumen.

“Students will be ready, willing and able to assist with program development, program evaluation, developing lesson plans and managing data,” she said.

“A total of 31 credits are required for the major in the form of 11 different classes,” Mueller said. Nine classes are in psychology with two other classes in alcohol and drug abuse. For students with a lot of psychology classes already taken, it could be very easy to attain the six credits needed in alcohol and drug abuse specific courses to fill the degree requirements.”

“Professional skills (ADCT427) and Professional issues (ADCT423) are two classes needed for the degree requirements and both are three credit courses,” Mueller said.

“For the training and required education hours that are determined by the state; the degree program follows all regulations and the state has accepted the courses and program,” Murray said.

“There are two primary components to Substance Abuse counselor training,” Mueller said. “First, students need 360 hours of state approved education which is covered by the courses required in the Addictions Studies major. The second component for training is to have 4,000 supervised hours in the field by a certified substance abuse counselor.”