Addiction Studies

The Addiction Studies Program (formerly known as Alcohol/Drug Studies) is an Approved Academic Education Provider through NAADAC (the Association for Addiction Professionals) with the primary focus of preparing students for WA State Certification as Chemical Dependency Professionals.

Addiction Studies (ADST) also provides university-level education valuable for students in a variety of disciplines such as Counseling, Criminal Justice, Health Education, Psychology and Social Work, among others, and can also enhance effectiveness in personal and career endeavors. Employers are especially eager to hire students with a foundation in Addiction Studies coursework as a part of their major expertise.

General Admission Requirements for Addiction Studies: Students are required to contact the Director of Addiction Studies following the completion of ADST 300. Transfer students will need to meet with the Director to evaluate previous coursework for inclusion in the ADST program.

The ADST Counseling & Prevention minor is designed especially to provide students with the foundation knowledge required to be successful as treatment or prevention providers. Students can choose to add the additional courses, required by the state (approximately 15 credits), in order to complete the educational requirements for the State of WA Chemical Dependency Professionals credential.

The outlook for employment opportunities for addiction professionals is predicted to grow as the current workforce retires and new jobs are created to meet the nation's need for treatment services.

Types of jobs available:

• Addiction Counselor
• Detox Specialist
• Prevention Specialist

Enhanced career options for:

• Social Worker
• Psychologist/Psychiatrist
• Nurse/Psychiatric Nurse
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Counselor
• Educator/Teacher/Professor
• Vocational Counselor

Addictions professionals work in:

• Hospital behavioral health units, emergency rooms and trauma units
• Community mental health centers
• Detoxification centers
• Clinics and rehabilitation centers
• Student assistance programs
• Employee assistance programs
• Children and adolescent treatment centers
• Criminal justice organizations and agencies