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Addiction Studies


Addiction Studies is an interdisciplinary field focused on understanding and treating substance use disorders through research and evidence-based practice. Students gain skills in assessment, motivational interviewing, relapse prevention, and harm reduction, while exploring topics like the neurobiology of addiction, co-occurring disorders, and recovery models. Graduates are prepared for careers in clinical care, community outreach, and policy, serving as counselors, prevention coordinators, and recovery specialists. 

Addiction Circle

Certificate and Degree Pathways

Our certificate and degree pathways are carefully designed to prepare students for employment in various service sectors related to addiction studies. Students can complete a certificate of achievement or pursue an AA in Addiction. These can be completed in less than 2 years or at a slower pace to accommodate your work or other life obligations. Courses are available in various formats, in person, online, and hybrid. Day and evening courses are also offered. Our dedicated advisors work with you to create personalized plans tailored to your professional goals.

Fieldwork Preparation


Our program is committed to providing our students with practical, hands-on experience through fieldwork internships in social work and human services. Students in the Addiction Studies Program are required to complete two fieldwork internships for a total of 250 hours of experience in various drug/alcohol treatment settings, such as in- and out-patient treatment clinics, transitional housing centers, detoxification units, education/prevention programs, and other programs in the community. These internships offer invaluable opportunities for students to develop their skills, gain insight into the challenges and rewards of the field, and build a professional network. 

Certification 

Our program fulfills the course and practicum requirements needed to take state exams to become a certified drug/alcohol counselor. Our program is accredited by both (CAADE) California Association for Alcohol/Drug Educators and (CCAPP) California Consortium of Addiction Programs & Professionals.


CAADE Program Certification

CCAPP Program Certification

Certificate

Careers in Addiction Studies

  • Substance Abuse Counselor
  • Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)

  • Addiction Treatment Specialist

  • Case Manager (Addiction Services)

  • Recovery Coach

  • Peer Support Specialist

  • Intake and Assessment Coordinator

  • Detox Technician

  • Residential Treatment Counselor

  • Group Facilitator (Substance Use)

  • Crisis Intervention Worker

  • Dual Diagnosis Counselor

  • Relapse Prevention Specialist

  • Family Support Counselor

  • Sober Living House Manager

  • Outpatient Program Coordinator

  • Harm Reduction Specialist
  • Methadone Program Counselor

  • Court Liaison (Drug Court Programs)

  • Prevention Specialist

  • Substance Use Navigator (SUN)

  • Clinical Supervisor (Addiction Services)

  • Community Outreach Worker (SUD focus)

  • Behavioral Health Technician

  • Program Evaluator (Addiction Programs)

  • Reentry Counselor (Post-Incarceration)

  • Case Aide (Recovery Support)

  • Adolescent Substance Abuse Counselor

  • Veterans Addiction Services Specialist

  • Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Coordinator

  • Inpatient Treatment Technician

  • Addiction Education Specialist

Psychology & Human Services Department

Location

Department Office in Holmes Hall 100

Contact

David Sedghi, Department Chair
Email: @email
Phone: (323) 953-4000 ext. 2935
Office: Holmes Hall 100G