Human Services/Alcohol & Drug Studies

The Alcohol and Drug Studies program is the study of chemical addiction and treatment. Career paths chosen by students pursuing undergraduate studies in alcohol and drug studies commonly include supervised alcohol and drug counseling. Even students who choose not to major in alcohol and drug studies find that coursework in the field can improve their ability to understand the issues surrounding chemical dependency and treatment. Student learning outcomes include the ability to: recognize the philosophy, values, terminology, and practice of the field of addiction studies; describe and interpret theory and research in areas relating to addictive behavior in individuals, families; groups, and communities;  Identify and describe addiction-related social policy; and identify knowledge, skill, and attitudes as they apply to the roles and responsibilities of the helping profession.

The College offers a Certificate of Achievement in Alcohol and Drug Studies and a non-transferable Associate of Science degree in Alcohol and Drug Studies. The Certificate of Achievement is designed to provide students with skills necessary for employment as supervised chemical dependency counselors, as well as advancement toward the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) and California Association of Alcohol and Drug Educators (CAADE) certification. Students earning the certificate may also choose to continue their study toward an Associate of Science degree in the field. Past recipients of the COD Certificate of Achievement in Alcohol and Drug Studies have obtained positions as supervised chemical dependency counselors, locally and throughout California.

Upon completion of the HSAD program students will able to: transfer to a higher level learning institution; fulfill the requirements for an entry-level position in their field; apply critical thinking skills to execute daily duties in their area of employment; apply critical thinking skills to research, evaluate, analyze and synthesize information; demonstrate the skills and aptitude necessary to pass certification exams in their field; and exhibit effective written, oral communication and interpersonal skills.

Furthermore, students completing the entire HSAD program at College of the Desert will demonstrate competency in the following areas as related to the treatment of substance use disorders: individual, group and family counseling; case management; pharmacology; law and ethics; dual diagnosis; personal and professional development; and cultural competence.

Students earning an associate’s degree in Alcohol and Drug Studies may pursue entry level positions as supervised chemical dependency counselors or may choose to continue their study in the discipline toward a bachelor’s or graduate degree in psychology or social work.

Transfer requirements at four year colleges and universities vary from institution to institution; students should consult with an academic advisor for specific information regarding the transfer requirements of their preferred college or university.

Requirements for Internship  

  1. Completion of the COD application.
  2. Completion of the nine core courses - HSAD 001, HSAD 002, HSAD 004, HSAD 020, HSAD 022, HSAD 024, HSAD 025HSAD 030, and HSAD 034 with a minimum grade of “C”.
  3. Students who have completion of HSAD 036 will receive placement priority.
  4. Course currency - completing the nine core courses within five years of applying for the internship OR currently working directly with clients at a substance abuse facility.
  5. 24 months of continuous sobriety – required for placement in many facilities.
  6. There is a 75% attendance requirement for HSAD courses to earn credit.
  7. Many facilities require interns to have evidence of student registration with a certification organization: ex: CCAPP-Registered Alcohol Drug Trainee (RADT -1) at the students’ expense.
  8. LiveScan – background checks are also required by the majority of the facilities (at the students’ expense).

Please contact program advisors with questions and concerns. For more information please call 760.773.2574. Returning HSAD students who have been out of the HSAD program for over 4 years must schedule an appointment with the COD program co-advisors to discuss currency of required coursework. 

Advisors:
Linda Emerson

lemerson@collegeofthedesert.edu    
760.776.7267

Chris Jones
cjonescage@collegeofthedesert.edu    
760.568.3264

Associate Degrees (AA/AS)

Certificates of Achievement

HSAD 001  Introduction to Alcohol & Drug Studies   Units: 3

This is a survey course that examines, interprets and evaluates the significant terms and definitions used in the study of drugs, addiction and alcoholism as a family affair. It looks at the causes and consequences of alcohol/drug use and abuse (i.e. psychological, sociological, physiological, economic, and political), as well as the myths, images and stereotypes of substance abuse and substance users. It examines the modalities utilized in education, prevention, intervention, treatment, recovery, and relapse. This is the basic prerequisite for the Alcohol/Drug Studies Certificate. (C-ID ADS 110X)
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: ENG 061
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C5                 CSU GE: E                 IGETC: None

HSAD 002  Intro to Human Services Counseling   Units: 3

This course is designed to introduce students to the basic concepts and principles of human services and to study the past, present, and future of human services. Students will be familiarized with the vocabulary of the helping professions and introduced to the roles, activities and interventions of human services workers. The course will review the ethical standards of human services professionals. (C-ID ADS 120X)
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: ENG 061
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

HSAD 004  Personal & Professional Growth   Units: 2

This course covers the personal and professional aspects of alcohol and drug counseling as a career. It deals with such problematic areas as burnout, recovery, certification and credential requirements, professional associations and personal and professional growth. It introduces problems and possible solutions that will be thematic in many courses in this program. This course can be taken concurrently with HSAD 001, if HSAD 001 not previously completed. This is a required course for the Alcohol and Drug Studies Certificate.
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: HSAD 001 or concurrent enrollment
Advisory: ENG 061
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

HSAD 020  Biomedical Pharmacology   Units: 3

This course investigates the effects of alcohol and drugs on human behavior. Models and biomedical principles of the disease process and treatment are presented. Interpretations and evaluations of the strategies utilized in recovery by various treatment modalities are studied. This course can be taken concurrently with HSAD 001, if HSAD 001 not previously completed. This is a required course for the Alcohol and Drug Studies Certificate. (C-ID ADS 140X)
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: HSAD 001 or concurrent enrollment
Advisory: ENG 061
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

HSAD 022  Case Management   Units: 3

This course presents case management from the initial intake and assessment of an individual, to recovery planning, record keeping, aftercare, follow-up and referral. This is a required course for the Alcohol/Drug Studies Certificate.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: HSAD 002
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

HSAD 024  Law/Ethics: Community Resources   Units: 3

This course is the study, interpretation, and practice of legal and ethical responsibilities and liabilities encountered when providing and utilizing human services. Special focus is placed on privileged relationships, counseling, and confidentiality. It also deals with community agencies responsible for outreach, education, and referrals. This course can be taken concurrently with HSAD 001, if HSAD 001 not previously completed. This is a required course for the Alcohol and Drug Studies Certificate. (C-ID ADS 160X)
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: HSAD 001 or concurrent enrollment
Advisory: ENG 061
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

HSAD 025  Prevention, Intervention and Recovery   Units: 3

This course provides a comprehensive overview of theories and strategies for the prevention of substance use disorders. Primary, secondary and tertiary and evidence based prevention models will be introduced. Prevention programs and activities appropriate for community, school, parents, families, and work sites will be presented. Strategies on treatment intervention, information dissemination and relapse prevention will be covered. The course will also provide examples of harm reduction or environmental risk reduction strategies targeting different populations. This course is required for completion of the Alcohol & Drug Studies AS degree and/or certificate. (C-ID ADS 150X)
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: HSAD 001 or concurrent enrollment
Advisory: ENG 061
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

HSAD 030  Individual, Group & Family Counseling   Units: 3

This is a survey course that addresses the differences and similarities of individual and group counseling with special emphasis on the family situations of those with alcohol/drug abuse and dependence. It traces the development of individual and group counseling and explores its dynamics. It interprets and assesses the impact on individuals and on their relationships. In addition, it interprets and assesses the impact on society and on its institutions. Practical strategies and experiential exercises are utilized. Skills development in counseling the family unit is addressed. This course can be taken concurrently with HSAD 001, if HSAD 001 not previously completed. This is a required course for the Alcohol and Drug Studies Certificate. (C-ID ADS 130X)
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: HSAD 001 or concurrent enrollment
Advisory: ENG 061
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

HSAD 032A  Alcohol & Drug: Supervised Practicum I   Units: 2

This course gives direction, interpretation, guidance, and evaluation to assist the student in making the transition from the college to job placement via the Supervised Internship I (HSAD 033A). Values, knowledge, and skills applied in the practical setting are essential to professional dependency counseling. Special attention is given to individual, group, and family approaches to counseling. This is a required course for the Alcohol and Drug Studies Certificate. (C-ID ADS 200 X)
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: Eight (8) HSAD core courses with a grade of C or better within the past five (5) years and acceptance to the HSAD internship program with application on file. Corequisite: HSAD 033A
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

HSAD 032B  Alcohol & Drug: Supervised Practicum II   Units: 2

This course concludes the work begun in Supervised Practicum I (HSAD 032A). This is a required course for the Alcohol and Drug Studies Certificate. (C-ID ADS 210 X)
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: HSAD 032A Corequisite: HSAD 033B
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

HSAD 033A  Alcohol & Drug Supervised Internship I   Units: 1

Supervised Internship (HSAD 033A) is an introduction to HSAD Internship experience (HSAD 033A/HSAD 095B). Students will develop and apply counseling and communication skills in a supervised internship in the field of drug and alcohol studies. Students will master the 12 core functions of substance abuse counseling and apply these skills. The Internship experience consists of lecture (HSAD 033A) and clinical experience (HSAD 095B). HSAD 033A is the lecture component. During lecture, students will expand on their counseling and communication skills and ability to apply the 12 Core Functions. They will also prepare for state certification and employment. Supervised Internship (HSAD 033A) is a required component of the HSAD Certificate and Degree Program. In the Corequisite HSAD 095B, students will apply and refine knowledge and skills developed in the classroom in diverse drug and alcohol treatment programs. (C-ID ADS 200 X)
Lecture Hours: 18         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: Eight (8) HSAD core courses with a grade of C or better within the past 5 years. Corequisite: HSAD 032A & HSAD 095B
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

HSAD 033B  Alcohol & Drug Supervised Internship II   Units: 1

This course concludes the HSAD Internship experience begun in Supervised Internship I - HSAD 033A/HSAD 095B). The student will continue to develop and apply counseling and communication skills in a supervised internship in the field of drug and alcohol studies. Students will continue to master the 12 core functions of substance abuse counseling and apply these skills. The Internship experience consists of lecture (HSAD 033B) and clinical experience (HSAD 095B). HSAD 033B is the lecture component. During lecture, students will expand on their counseling and communication skills and ability to apply the 12 Core Functions. They will also prepare for state certification and employment. Supervised Internship (HSAD 033B) is a required component of the HSAD Certificate and Degree Program. In the Corequisite HSAD 095B, students will apply and refine knowledge and skills developed in the classroom in diverse drug and alcohol treatment programs. (C-ID ADS 210 X)
Lecture Hours: 18         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: HSAD 032A HSAD 033A & HSAD 095B Corequisite: HSAD 032B & HSAD 095B
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

HSAD 034  Dual Diagnosis   Units: 3

This course prepares the student to meet the challenge to mental health workers and substance abuse counselors in dealing with clients who have psychiatric disorders coexisting with drug dependency. The focus is on the diagnosis, assessment, treatment, and aftercare of such clients. This course can be taken concurrently with HSAD 001, if HSAD 001 not previously completed. This is a required course for the Alcohol and Drug Studies Certificate.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: HSAD 001 or concurrent enrollment
Advisory: ENG 061
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

HSAD 036  Counseling Diverse Populations   Units: 3

This counseling course introduces students to multicultural counseling and skills used to support diverse populations in the substance abuse treatment environment. This course surveys the history and experiences of many populations and provides current intervention modalities. This course can be taken concurrently with HSAD-001, if HSAD-001 not previously completed. C-ID: ADS 195X
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: HSAD 001 or concurrent enrollment
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

HSAD 095B  Alcohol and Drug Work Experience   Units: 2

This course is the field work co-requisite for Supervised Internship I (HSAD 033A) and Supervised Internship II (HSAD 033B). The student builds on skills in an internship experience in the field of drug and alcohol studies. Students will develop counseling and communication skills and apply these skills in diverse drug and alcohol treatment programs. Students will master the 12 core functions of substance abuse counseling and apply these skills. The course consists of Internships/ clinical fieldwork experience at drug and alcohol treatment programs. Internships are a required component of the HSAD Certificate and Degree Program.
Lecture Hours: None         Lab Hours: 150          Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: HSAD 001 & HSAD 002 & HSAD 004 & HSAD 020 & HSAD 022 & HSAD 024 & HSAD 030 & HSAD 034. Corequisite: HSAD 032A HSAD 033B HSAD 033A HSAD 032B
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None