Addiction Counseling
12 courses · Mt. San Antonio College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Winter 2027
AD 1 Introduction to Addiction Counseling
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 54
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ADS 110X
Presents an overview of substance use and its ramifications. Explores the impact of addiction on an individual's social, psychological, economic, and physiological well-being; as well as community and family functioning. Examines the myths, images, and stereotypes about drugs and drug users. Explores various approaches to recovery. Includes familiarization with terms. Student attendance of a 12 Step meeting is required. This course, in conjunction with AD 3, meets requirements for AB2473.
AD 2 Physiological Effects of Alcohol and Drugs
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 54
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ADS 140 X
Examines effects of alcohol and drugs on the human body. Includes tolerance, habituation, cross-tolerance, and synergistic effect.
AD 3 Addiction: Prevention, Intervention, and Recovery
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 54
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ADS 150 X
Introduces prevention, intervention, and recovery protection strategies for persons experiencing substance use disorder and related problems. Examines evidence-based treatment models, policies, and practices focused on diverse and underserved populations. This course, in conjunction with AD 1, meets basic skills requirements of AB 2473
AD 4 Issues in Domestic Violence
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 54
History, law, and psychology of domestic violence. Cultural, social aspects, and relationship to substance abuse explored.
AD 6 Co-Occurring Disorders
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 54
- Prerequisite
- AD 1 and AD 2 and AD 3 and AD 4 (may be taken concurrently)
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ADS 190 X
Overview of the complex interactions of mental health and addiction disorders. Reviews and examines the key areas involving co-occurring disorders: definition, diagnosis, treatment, and aftercare.
AD 8 Group Process and Leadership
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 54
- Prerequisite
- AD 1 and AD 2 and AD 3
- Corequisite
- AD 4 and AD 6 (May have been taken previously)
- C-ID
- ADS 130 X
Goals, stages, and processes of group counseling in addiction treatment. The role, responsibilities, and ethics of the group leader are emphasized along with strategies and techniques for facilitating group processes as a means of changing behavior.
AD 9 Family Dynamics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 54
- Prerequisite
- AD 1 and AD 2 and AD 3
- Corequisite
- AD 4 (may have been taken previously) and AD 6 (may have been taken previously) and AD 15 (may have been taken previously)
- C-ID
- ADS 180 X
Explores the multigenerational nature of substance use disorders in family systems with emphasis on the risk factors for addiction, dynamics of dysfunctional families; and the effect of neglect and abuse in the home. Typical norms, values, roles, and beliefs of family systems, adaptation, and treatment strategies will be examined.
AD 10 Case Management and Documentation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 54
- Prerequisite
- AD 1 and AD 2 and AD 3 and AD 4 and AD 6 and AD 15
- C-ID
- ADS 170 X
The importance of case management in complex and diverse client populations and in facilitating comprehensive documentation that meets clinical and legal regulations. Students will gain hands-on experience with a variety of current, industry-accepted documents with an emphasis on state and federal expectations impacting substance abuse treatment records.
AD 11 Techniques of Interviewing and Counseling
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 54
- Prerequisite
- AD 1 and AD 2 and AD 3
- Corequisite
- AD 4 and AD 6 (May have been taken previously)
- C-ID
- ADS 120 X
Introduction to theories, models, and the basic principles of interviewing and counseling that promote helping relationships within a diverse treatment population. Students will learn and practice basic skills in attentive listening, assessing, crisis intervention, and recognizing and responding to different levels of communication as it pertains to paraprofessionals. Specific emphasis is placed on self-awareness and self-care.
AD 15 Laws and Ethics for Addiction Counselors
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 54
- Prerequisite
- AD 1 and AD 2 and AD 3
- Corequisite
- AD 4 and AD 6 (May have been taken previously)
- Formerly
- AD 15A
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course introduces students to those issues associated with the dignity and worth of individual human beings and the protection of fundamental human rights. Professional ethics, clients' rights, confidentiality, and other relevant material related to the field of addiction will be explored. Topics include discussing situations for setting boundaries, and an overview of current federal legislation pertaining to client confidentiality and release of information.
AD 16 Addiction Counseling Work Experience Seminar
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture: 27
- Prerequisite
- AD 1 and AD 2 and AD 3 and AD 4 and AD 6 and AD 15
- Corequisite
- AD 85
Engages students in critical analysis of their strengths and areas for growth as professional addiction counselors. Emphasis on values, building self-awareness, competence, self-care, and preparation to meet certification standards in the State of California. This is a co-requisite course for AD 85 Work Experience in Addiction Counseling.
AD 85 Work Experience in Addiction Counseling
- Units
- 4.5
- Prerequisite
- AD 1 and AD 2 and AD 3 and AD 4 and AD 6 and AD 15 and Instructor approval required. Students must have completed at least one-third of the units for the related program or be concurrently enrolled in a class in a program related to the work experience course.
- Corequisite
- AD 16
- Formerly
- AD 82A
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students will gain work experience by observing and performing the core functions of an addiction counselor in a substance abuse treatment program. Students must complete a minimum of 255 hours to pass the course and meet requirements for the addiction counseling certificate and AS degree.