Addictions and Substance Use Disorders

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.

Review the professional licensure certification disclosures page for information on state boards and program availability in your state.

What You'll Learn
  • Identify symptoms of addictions and substance use disorders.
  • Describe the relapse process.
  • Demonstrate beginning skills in identification of co-occurring disorders.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of ethical communication.
  • Describe the counseling process in terms of objectives and issues of the initial counseling sessions, middle phase, termination of counseling, and follow-up.
  • 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.
  • Identify the major concepts and goals of major counseling theories.
  • Identify the fundamental principles of self-help groups and differentiate between counseling and self-help models.
  • Identify and critically analyze the twelve steps.
  • State the psychological and pharmacological effects of substance use/abuse.
  • Explain roles, functions, and limitations of the addictions and substance use disorders counselor.
  • Identify the professional standards for practice, ethics, and development for the addictions and substance use disorders counselor.
  • Describe strategies and treatment modalities recommended for working with persons with AIDS.
  • Identify and describe laws pertaining to confidentiality, maintenance of client records, and reporting child abuse.
  • Demonstrate ability to complete a psychosocial assessment, a mental status assessment, and progress notes.
  • Describe how to establish client rapport.
  • Describe roles assumed by individuals in the family impacted by addiction.
  • Describe Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and fetal alcohol effect.
  • Summarize the variations of language, gender and age specific issues, and major pattern variations of addictions and substance use/abuse among diverse populations.
  • Identify transcultural communication/counseling styles.
  • Describe the recovery process.
  • Describe the relapse process.
  • Describe client`s relapse triggers.
  • Compare and contrast different treatment approaches in treating clients with co-occurring disorders.
  • Identify group stages and tasks.
  • Describe group intervention.
  • Demonstrate methods for dealing with problematic behaviors which occur with clients.
  • Demonstrate case management skills.
  • Describe ethical issues facing the addictions and substance use disorders counselor.
  • Determine and summarize personal counseling style and philosophy.
  • Demonstrate record keeping and documentation skills.
  • 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 wages* for this degree. 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. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.

Health Education Specialists

$51,400

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

$43,720

Mental Health Counselors

$50,460

Social and Human Service Assistants

$39,460

Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors

$50,460

* Career and wage information provided by Pipeline AZ using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources. Sources

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 Degree Progress Report 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
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.

  • FYC = First Year Composition
  • HU = Humanities, Fine Arts, and Design
  • L = Literacy & Critical Inquiry
  • SB = Social-Behavioral Sciences
  • SG = Natural Sciences General
  • SQ = Natural Sciences Quantitative
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.

Previous Catalog Years

The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. All previous catalog years for this pathway map are available at the link below.

Previous catalog years for Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Addictions and Substance Use Disorders