Addictions and Substance Use Disorders

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The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Addictions and Substance Use Disorders program is designed to prepare individuals with the skills necessary to become an addictions and substance use disorders professional, as well as provide continuing education to current professionals. Courses in the program focus on theories and techniques, ethics, communication skills, interviewing and documentation, and recovery and relapse. Courses also focus on advanced theories and techniques, family dynamics and relationships, and multicultural and diverse populations. The program includes a Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Addictions and Substance Use Disorders Level I, a Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Addictions and Substance Use Disorders Level II, and an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Addictions and Substance Use Disorders. In addition, a Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Professional Addictions Counseling is also available.

Details

Field of Interest
Behavioral Science and Human Services
Degree Type
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Academic Plan
Addictions and Substance Use Disorders (DEG)
Academic Plan Code
3302
Total credits required
62-71
Catalog Year
2024-2025
Effective Term
Fall 2024
Notes

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.

This program provides the foundational coursework necessary for transfer to the following four-year degree programs:
Grand Canyon University, Bachelor of Science in Counseling with an emphasis in Addiction, Chemical Dependency, and Substance Abuse
Ottawa University, Bachelor of Science in Addiction Counseling

With the completion of the AGEC-A, this program provides the foundational coursework necessary for transfer to the Northern Arizona University, Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Public Administration and Justice Studies program.

Students can achieve the AGEC-A by completing a second Humanities, Arts and Design course, a second Social-Behavioral Sciences course (if not fulfilled by Oral Communication requirement), a second Natural Sciences course, and a Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Applications course and by meeting the Awareness Areas and Literacy requirements.

CIS105 Survey of Computer Information Systems or BPC110 Computer Usage and Applications required for students transferring to NAU.

Licensing Disclosures
The Associate in Applied Science in Addictions and Substance Use Disorders is designed to meet the coursework requirements for a Licensed Substance Abuse Technician in the State of Arizona. For students seeking certification or licensure in a state other than Arizona, you may need to fulfill additional coursework or training requirements prior to applying for your certification or licensure, and additional requirements including but not limited to: obtaining a fingerprint clearance card, passing licensure or certification exams, completing supervised work experience in the practice of substance abuse counseling, and/or a supervised practicum.

The

Rio Salado Addictions and Substance Use Disorder Program State Approval Map

(https://public.tableau.com/profile/maricopaanalytics#!/vizhome/RSCASDNov...) identifies whether the Rio Salado Addictions and Substance Use Disorders program meets or does not meet academic requirements for licensure/certification state-by-state or students may contact the appropriate

licensure / certification

board directly: (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D9WbOvSWVNLn0Cng-Mb4eub3_1QCRfFG/view?u...).

What You'll Learn

This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:

  1. Identify symptoms of addictions and substance use disorders.
  2. Describe the relapse process.
  3. Demonstrate beginning skills in identification of co-occurring disorders.
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of ethical communication.
  5. Describe the counseling process in terms of objectives and issues of the initial counseling sessions, middle phase, termination of counseling, and follow-up.
  6. Describe how to establish the atmosphere for counseling, encourage clients and family members to establish counseling goals, commit to work on those goals, and to become involved in self-help groups.
  7. Identify the major concepts and goals of major counseling theories.
  8. Identify the fundamental principles of self-help groups and differentiate between counseling and self-help models.
  9. Identify and critically analyze the twelve steps.
  10. State the psychological and pharmacological effects of substance use/abuse.
  11. Explain roles, functions, and limitations of the addictions and substance use disorders counselor.
  12. Identify the professional standards for practice, ethics, and development for the addictions and substance use disorders counselor.
  13. Describe strategies and treatment modalities recommended for working with persons with AIDS.
  14. Identify and describe laws pertaining to confidentiality, maintenance of client records, and reporting child abuse.
  15. Demonstrate ability to complete a psychosocial assessment, a mental status assessment, and progress notes.
  16. Describe how to establish client rapport.
  17. Describe roles assumed by individuals in the family impacted by addiction.
  18. Describe Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and fetal alcohol effect.
  19. Summarize the variations of language, gender and age specific issues, and major pattern variations of addictions and substance use/abuse among diverse populations.
  20. Identify transcultural communication/counseling styles.
  21. Describe the recovery process.
  22. Describe the relapse process.
  23. Describe client`s relapse triggers.
  24. Compare and contrast different treatment approaches in treating clients with co-occurring disorders.
  25. Identify group stages and tasks.
  26. Describe group intervention.
  27. Demonstrate methods for dealing with problematic behaviors which occur with clients.
  28. Demonstrate case management skills.
  29. Describe ethical issues facing the addictions and substance use disorders counselor.
  30. Determine and summarize personal counseling style and philosophy.
  31. Demonstrate record keeping and documentation skills.
  32. Describe addictions and substance use disorders counseling skills and techniques.

Successful completion of this degree may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Arizona-based annual median wages* for this program. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

$41,560

Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors

$50,460

* Wage information sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics Program. Updated May 2022.

Course Sequence by Term

The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:

  • Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Pathway Planner tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
  • The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
  • Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
  • Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.
  • Consult with your faculty mentor or academic advisor to determine educational requirements, including possible university transfer options, for your chosen career field.

Full-time Sequence

Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
ASD100 Foundations of Addictions and Substance Use Disorders Critical course Gateway course 3
ASD102 Communication Skills in Treating Addiction 3
ENG101 or
ENG107
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL FYC or FYC 3
COM100 or
COM110 or
COM225 or
COM230
Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking or Small Group Communication COM225 Public Speaking recommended for students intending to transfer to NAU. SB or SB or L or SB 3
HU Humanities, Fine Arts, and Design HU 3
FYE101 or
FYE103
Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success 1–3

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
ASD110 Pharmacology of Substances of Abuse and Dependency Critical course 3
ASD120 Professional Ethics in Addictions and Substance Use Disorders 1
ASD150 Principles of Self-Help Groups 2
CRE101 College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking Or equivalent as indicated by assessment. L 0–3
SQ or
SG
Natural Sciences Quantitative or Natural Sciences General BIO100 Biology Concepts OR BIO160 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology recommended for students transferring to NAU. SQ or SG 4
PSY101 or
PSY270
Introduction to Psychology or Personal and Social Adjustment SB or None 3
RE Restricted Electives 2

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
ASD145 AIDS and Addiction 1
ASD161 Beginning Clinical Documentation Skills 3
ASD165 Theories and Techniques in the Treatment of Addictions 2
ENG102 or
ENG108
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL FYC or FYC 3
BHS205 Introduction to Individual Counseling Theories 3
MAT112 Mathematical Concepts and Applications MAT14+ College Mathematics or any approved general education course in the Mathematical Applications [MA] area required for students intending to transfer 3

Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
ASD220 Family Dynamics and Addiction 3
ASD250 Group Interventions 3
ASD236 Relapse, Recovery, and Addiction 2
ASD226 Counseling Multicultural and Diverse Populations 3
ASD275 Advanced Theory and Techniques in the Treatment of Addiction Disorders 3
ASD245 Co-Occurring Disorders 2

Program Electives

A list of additional, alternative, or supplemental courses for this pathway map
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
ASD280 Addictions and Substance Use Disorders Practicum 6
ASD285 Addictions Seminar ASD285 may be repeated for a total of four (4) credit hours. 1–4
ASD295 Advanced Foundations: Addictions and Substance Use Disorders Counselor Licensing/Certification Exams 3
ASD285++ Any ASD Addictions and Substance Use Disorders seminar course 1
CPD+++++ Any CPD Counseling and Personal Development course 1–3
PSY2++++ Any 200 Level PSY Psychology Course 3
SOC2++++ Any 200 Level SWU Social Work Course 3
SWU2++++ Any 200 Level SWU Social Work Course 3

Part-time Sequence

Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
ASD100 Foundations of Addictions and Substance Use Disorders Critical course Gateway course 3
ASD102 Communication Skills in Treating Addiction 3
FYE101 or
FYE103
Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success 1–3

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
ENG101 or
ENG107
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL FYC or FYC 3
ASD110 Pharmacology of Substances of Abuse and Dependency Critical course 3

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
ASD120 Professional Ethics in Addictions and Substance Use Disorders 1
ASD150 Principles of Self-Help Groups 2
RE Restricted Electives 2
ENG102 or
ENG108
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL FYC or FYC 3

Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
CRE101 College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking Or equivalent as indicated by assessment. L 0–3
ASD161 Beginning Clinical Documentation Skills 3
PSY101 or
PSY270
Introduction to Psychology or Personal and Social Adjustment SB or None 3

Term 5

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 5
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
COM100 or
COM110 or
COM225 or
COM230
Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking or Small Group Communication COM225 Public Speaking recommended for students intending to transfer to NAU. SB or SB or L or SB 3
ASD145 AIDS and Addiction 1
ASD165 Theories and Techniques in the Treatment of Addictions 2

Term 6

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 6
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
BHS205 Introduction to Individual Counseling Theories 3
MAT112 Mathematical Concepts and Applications MAT14+ College Mathematics or any approved general education course in the Mathematical Applications [MA] area required for students intending to transfer 3–6

Term 7

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 7
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
HU Humanities, Fine Arts, and Design HU 3
ASD220 Family Dynamics and Addiction 3
ASD236 Relapse, Recovery, and Addiction 2

Term 8

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 8
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
ASD250 Group Interventions 3
ASD226 Counseling Multicultural and Diverse Populations 3
ASD245 Co-Occurring Disorders 2

Term 9

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 9
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
SQ or
SG
Natural Sciences Quantitative or Natural Sciences General BIO100 Biology Concepts OR BIO160 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology recommended for students transferring to NAU. SQ or SG 4
ASD275 Advanced Theory and Techniques in the Treatment of Addiction Disorders 3

Program Electives

A list of additional, alternative, or supplemental courses for this pathway map
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
ASD280 Addictions and Substance Use Disorders Practicum 6
ASD285 Addictions Seminar ASD285 may be repeated for a total of four (4) credit hours. 1–4
ASD295 Advanced Foundations: Addictions and Substance Use Disorders Counselor Licensing/Certification Exams 3
ASD285++ Any ASD Addictions and Substance Use Disorders seminar course 1
CPD+++++ Any CPD Counseling and Personal Development course 1–3
PSY2++++ Any 200 Level PSY Psychology Course 3
SOC2++++ Any 200 Level SOC Sociology Course 3
SWU2++++ Any 200 Level SWU Social Work Course 3

Licensing Disclosures

The Associate of Applied Science in Addictions and Substance Use Disorders is designed to meet the coursework requirements for a Licensed Substance Abuse Technician in the State of Arizona. For students seeking certification or licensure in a state other than Arizona, you may need to fulfill additional coursework or training requirements prior to applying for your certification or licensure, and additional requirements including but not limited to: obtaining a fingerprint clearance card, passing licensure or certification exams, completing supervised work experience in the practice of substance abuse counseling, and/or a supervised practicum.

The Rio Salado Addictions and Substance Use Disorders Program State Approval Map identifies whether the Rio Salado Addictions and Substance Use Disorders program meets or does not meet academic requirements for licensure/certification state-by-state or students may contact the appropriate licensure / certification board directly.

Course Area Key

Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.

Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.

Disclaimer

Students must earn a grade of C or better for all courses required within the program.

Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.

View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm3?id=185912).

At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.

Addictions and Substance Use Disorders FAQ

The Behavioral Health Scholarship offers scholarships plus tuition assistance. Scholarships cover tuition and fees for courses relevant to an approved program of study. Tuition assistance funds are awarded at $500 for 1 to 5 credits and $1,000 for 6 or more credits, and can be utilized for expenses such as books, supplies, and technology. Note that tuition assistance funds will first settle any outstanding balance on a student's account before disbursing any remaining funds to the student for other uses.

Students who receive a confirmation email are eligible for funds. When a student enrolls for the semester, the AHCCCS scholarship office is notified and determines which courses can be funded for the scholarship. Once this occurs the AHCCCS scholarship office notifies Rio’s student financial aid office of the amount awarded and funds are automatically applied to the student's amount owed.

To qualify for either the Behavioral Health Scholarship applicants must fulfill the following eligibility criteria:

  • Have an active admissions application on file at a Maricopa Community College
  • Have a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file
  • Be enrolled in an eligible non-credit or credit program
  • Meet the minimum standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) of a grade C or better
  • Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or alien admitted as a refugee
  • Enroll in courses at a participating Maricopa Community College

Failure to meet any of these requirements will result in disqualification from eligibility for either scholarship. The Behavioral Health Scholarship is exclusively offered at Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, Rio Salado, and South Mountain. Failing to enroll in courses at any of these colleges will render applicants ineligible for the Behavioral Health Scholarship.

If you have previously been awarded the scholarship and continue to meet the eligibility requirements, your eligibility will be reviewed each semester, eliminating the need for reapplication. You will receive notification of your eligibility via email. In the event that you successfully complete your current program of study and opt to pursue another eligible program, there is no need to submit a new application. Simply notify us upon the conclusion of your current program.

Funding is exclusively available for courses taken at the Maricopa Community Colleges.

Scholarships and tuition assistance will be available through the Fall 2024 semester, with disbursements expected to conclude September 30, 2024. In the event of an approval for extended funding, colleges participating in the program will be promptly notified, ensuring students are informed of any changes regarding eligibility and funding availability.

Yes. Check Rio’s summer block policy and talk to your Academic Advisor to determine the summer courses available in your program.

Students are eligible for the scholarship as long as they continue to meet SAP requirements. Students do not need to reapply for the program upon return. Students should contact the district AHCCCS scholarship office upon return to confirm continued eligibility.

SAP is checked at the end each semester. If a student does not meet SAP the following semester is considered a warning semester. The warning semester allows a student one semester to try to get their SAP status back into good standing. During the warning semester a student would still be funded for the scholarship. After the warning semester if the student does not meet SAP they will have to wait until they are meeting SAP again (or files an approved SAP Appeal) to be eligible for the scholarship. Once SAP is met, they would notify the scholarship office to check their account, if they meet SAP they are eligible again for the scholarship.

Students who fail to meet the grade requirements of a “C” or higher or who withdraw from their courses, or receive a Y for inactivity will be required to repay any scholarship and tuition assistance funds obtained for failed or dropped courses. This repayment policy applies universally, with no exceptions. It is crucial to remain enrolled and pass your courses, as failure to do so will result in debt accumulation. Once the debt is acquired, it becomes your responsibility to arrange for payment. Should you require guidance or wish to explore repayment options, we encourage you to reach out to Rio’s Student Business Services Office for assistance.

Transitioning to an ineligible program necessitates repayment of any scholarship and tuition assistance funds disbursed to you thus far. Funding remains available should you decide to change your major to an alternative approved program of study at Rio or any other participating college. To prevent repayment for the BEHS scholarship, students can only transition to other BEHS programs; it does not apply to transfer from BEHS to HCBS. You can view a list of approved programs on the AHCCCS Scholarship page.

Students who receive the Behavioral Health Scholarship must commit to working as behavioral health workers for an approved provider for a minimum of two years or for a duration equal to the length of their program, whichever is longer. Your work obligation commences only upon program completion, allowing flexibility in your employment choices throughout the program. This requirement applies exclusively to the Behavioral Health Scholarship.

If a student fails to honor their work commitment by withdrawing from the program or by failing to complete the full duration of the commitment, they will be responsible for repayment to MCCCD.

Unfortunately, exceptions cannot be made regarding the AHCCCS Scholarship funding. It is imperative that recipients assume responsibility for repaying any funds disbursed for courses in which they failed or withdrew. Upon the Financial Aid Office's update of your scholarship award, an email notification will be sent to inform you of the adjustment in your student account. You will then have the opportunity to repay these funds to your college's Student Business Services Office. This repayment policy applies universally, with no exceptions.

When a student completes a program, they can continue on the AHCCCS scholarship with another eligible program. A student receiving a certificate of completion can enroll in another certificate program or pursue an AAS. A student completing an AAS can transfer to a Bachelor’s program if one is offered within their scholarship. Lists of programs are listed in the AHCCCS Scholarship Application page. Students wanting to continue need to notify the district AHCCCS scholarship office so their account can be updated. It is advised that students contact their academic advisor for assistance.

For more information about the scholarships offered, including the requirements for eligibility, a list of eligible programs, participating colleges, and the application links, please visit the AHCCCS Scholarship webpage.

For any additional questions, please contact AHCCCS-Scholarships@domail.maricopa.edu.