Frequently Asked Questions
| What is the addiction studies program? |
| The Diablo Valley College addiction studies program prepares its students for a variety of rewarding careers in human services that specialize in addiction treatment and prevention. We offer a certificate of achievement in both addiction studies and addiction counseling as well as an Associates of Science degree with the major of either addiction studies or addiction counseling. |
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| Why consider the addiction counseling certificate studies program? |
| Those who work in the addiction field enjoy a challenging and rewarding career working with diverse communities and populations providing a greatly needed service to individuals and the community. |
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| What will you develop in regard to the addiction studies program? |
| As an addiction studies student you will develop an understanding of what addiction is and how it progresses, empathy for the individuals and families who struggle with these issues, and the skills to motivate someone towards positive change. |
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| What will I learn about employment opportunities in the addiction field? |
| Students in the addiction couseling certificate program accure 270 hours in field placements, gaining hands-on experience and training in an addiction treatment, detoxification, drug prevention or DUI program. |
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| What will I gain through the addiction studies program? |
| Specifically, students will gain:
Basic listening and group facilititation skills;
An understanding of addiction, family systems,recovery and substance abuse prevention issues;
Familiarity with various assessment tools,
treatment plans, and charting protocls;
An understanding of legal and ethical concerns for workers in the addiction field. |
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| What career opportunities does the addiction counseling certificate of achievement program prepare students? |
| Alcohol and drug abuse counselor.
Community/Human services worker.
Substance abuse specialist. |
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| When are classes offered? |
| Courses are offered in the afternoon, evening and weekends. Both full-term and short term courses are available. |
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| How long will it take to earn a certificate? |
| Students generally take four semesters to complete all of the courses required for the certificate of achievement, but you may take the courses at your own pace. |
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| How much can I expect to earn once I complete my certificate? |
| Addiction workers earn anywhere from $20,000 - $45,000 per year, depending on the agency and their experience. |
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| What if I'm not ready to undertake the full certificate at this time? |
| For those students who want to learn more about the addiction and recovery process, but are not ready, or don't intend to undertake the addiction counseling certificate, a 21 unit addiction studies certificate is available. This certificate is for students who want a specialized focus in addiction, treatment, and recovery, but are not preparing to become an addiction counselor. This certificate may be useful for teachers, human services personnel, or community service personnel who want to have a deeper understanding of the addiction process.
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| What can I do with an alcohol and drug studies certificate? |
| After a student has earned a certificate of achievement in addiction counseling he or she is well prepared for employment in the addiction field.
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| What other credentials can I earn? |
| Upon completing the DVC certificate of achievement in addiction counseling, a student may apply for any of the state recognized professional credentials offered by the following organizations:
California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (CAADAC),
California Association of Alcohol and Drug Educators (CAADE),
California Association of Addiction Recovery Resources (CAARR). |
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| Where can I get more information? |
| Call the Biological and Life Science Division,
(925) 685-1230, ext. 2230, or visit the college web site:
http://voyager2.dvc.edu/ads |
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321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523. (925)685-1230
