Addiction Studies Addiction Studies Certificate Explore the causes, effects, prevention and treatment of substance use disorders and behavioral addictions through psychological, biological, social and policy perspectives. Request Information Apply Now Program Contact Amy Ford (413) 775-1127 forda@gcc.mass.edu Program Overview Degree Requirements Learning Outcomes Faculty Career Outlook Upcoming Events No Events Develop a thorough understanding of substance use disorder, treatment programs and prevention as you prepare for a career supporting individuals in addiction recovery or working in the broader field of human services. Build trauma-informed counseling and case-management skills in courses that explore the nature and history of addiction and treatment, the impact of drugs on our society, the helping relationship and human psychology, as well as through hands-on work in community agencies specializing in addiction treatment. 29credits Certificate Certificates are typically completed in one (1) year and designed for immediate workforce entry Learn more CORI/SORICORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) and/or additional background checks required for participation in this program.Learn more What's Next?Upon completion of GCC’s addiction studies program, you’ll be eligible to take the alcohol and drug counselor licensing exam. Pursue entry-level work in the field or further study for a career in addiction treatment, behavioral health, case management, research, policy advocacy or prevention education. Graduates will be able to identify and describe the foundational concepts of addiction. Graduates will explain the current theories and models of addiction. Graduates will describe the multiple contexts in which substance use occurs. Graduates will recognize and describe the effects of psychoactive drug use. Graduates will describe the continuum of care and the social contexts affecting the treatment and recovery process. Graduates will be able to discuss and classify the current models of treatment and recovery. Graduates will demonstrate knowledge of scientifically supported models of treatment. Graduates will recognize the importance of family, social networks, and community systems. Graduates will be able to explain the importance of research and outcome data and the methods for measuring treatment outcome. Graduates will be able to explain the value of an interdisciplinary approach to addiction treatment. Graduates will apply contextual knowledge of established treatment and recovery practices in a practicum placement. Graduates will be able to describe and apply the established diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder. Graduates will be able to classify and apply the appropriate treatment modalities and placement criteria within the continuum of care. Graduates will be able to describe and apply a variety of helping strategies. Graduates will describe the medical and pharmacological resources in the treatment of substance use disorder. Graduates will be able to demonstrate the skills and attitudes to function as an effective addiction counselor. Graduates will exhibit a willingness to form personal concepts of addiction and recovery through critical thinking. Graduates will exhibit a willingness to incorporate information that may differ from personally held views. Graduates will acquire knowledge of diverse racial and ethnic cultures, lifestyles, genders, age, and disabilities. Graduates will demonstrate an appreciation that different approaches to treatment and recovery work for different people. Amy Ford FacultyHuman ServicesB.A., William Patterson University M.P.A., University of Massachusetts Certified Alcoholism Counselor, CAC Human Services Board Certified Practitioner, HS-BCP E116F 1-413-775-1127 FordA@gcc.mass.edu These are just examples of jobs that someone with a certificate in Addiction Studies might pursue. Our programs provide a solid foundation for many careers, but some paths may require additional education, or even a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Don’t worry! Our advisors are here to support you in planning your educational journey.