pcc.edu/programs/addiction-counseling/
Program information and application materials can be found at the website.
Career and Program Description
Addiction counselors work in public and private sector organizations to provide diagnosis, assessment, education, referral and treatment services to clients with alcohol and other drug problems. The Addiction Counseling program at Portland Community College provides students with the educational coursework and a portion of the supervised client contact hours needed to become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) in the State of Oregon through the Mental Health and Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO).
Anyone interested in working in the addiction counseling profession in the State of Oregon should be aware that a Criminal History Check as a condition of employment is a standard practice. A conviction does not automatically disqualify someone from obtaining employment. Each situation is evaluated on a case by case basis and therefore, the Addiction Counseling Program cannot determine in advance who is or is not employable due to their criminal history. It is commonplace for individuals with a conviction on their record to be employed in the addiction counseling profession.
Recovery status from nicotine addiction is not required but it is highly recommended. Active nicotine addiction can be a barrier to employment and is an ethical issue to be considered for the addiction counseling specialist.
Using technology to create medical records is an important part of the Addiction Counseling field. It is strongly recommended students have strong computer skills. Those students needing to strengthen their skills should contact the program advisor for recommendations.
Program courses are usually offered in afternoons or evenings. A few courses are offered via distance learning format. Students must complete all Addiction Counseling Program courses with a C or P or better to progress in the program.
A number of four-year institutions accept the program’s credits for application toward their degree. Students interested in pursuing their four year degree should contact a representative of their college of choice. Transferability of credits to another institution is subject to the approval of that institution.
Degrees and Certificates Offered
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Addiction Counselor
Less than One-Year Certificate
Addiction Studies
Counselor In Training
Academic Prerequisites
AD Counseling courses are open to all PCC students who meet the registration requirements.
Students interested in pursuing a certificate or degree in addiction studies will need to meet these academic prerequisites prior to admission into the program.
- Completion of LIB 101 with a C or better.
- Completion of WR 121Z with a C or better.
- Completion of AD 101 with a C or better.
- Completion of AD 153 with a C or better.
- Completion of AD 160 with a C or better.
- Complete the Addiction Counselor Program application.
The following courses are restricted to students who have fulfilled all admission requirements to the AD Counseling Program.
- AD 152
- AD 154
- AD 161
- AD 255
- AD 270A
- AD 270B
- AD 278
Non-Academic Prerequisites
- Documentation of not abusing alcohol or drugs for 21 months prior to admission.
Non-Academic Requirements
- While participating in the program, recovering students will agree to abstain from alcohol and illicit drug use. All other students must agree to not abuse alcohol and other drugs while in the program.
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Examination (CADC)
- The CADC is granted by the Mental Health and Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO http://www.mhacbo.com). Completion of the Addiction Counseling Program does not result in completion of the CADC. The programs coursework is designed to meet the educational requirements for the CADC II. All practicum hours contribute towards the work experience requirement for the CADC I.
Addiction Counselor AAS Degree
Minimum 91 credits. Students must also meet Associate Degree Comprehensive Requirements and Associate of Applied Science Requirements. Students must complete a total of four courses of General Education. Some courses specified within the program may be used as General Education. In addition to required courses in the program of study, students must satisfy MTH 58/65 competency. Students should consult with program advisors for course planning.
Addiction Counselor Degree Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AD 101 | Addiction | 3 |
| AD 102 | Drug Use and Addiction | 3 |
| AD 103 | Women and Addiction | 3 |
| AD 104 | Multicultural Counseling | 3 |
| AD 106 | Nicotine Cessation | 1 |
| AD 152 | Group Counseling and Addiction | 3 |
| AD 153 | Theories of Counseling | 3 |
| AD 154 | Client Record Management and Addiction | 3 |
| AD 156 | Professional Ethics and Issues in Addiction Counseling | 3 |
| AD 160 | Basic Counseling | 4 |
| or AD 150 & AD 151 | and | |
| AD 161 | Motivational Interviewing and Addiction | 4 |
| or AD 155 & AD 157 | and | |
| AD 184 | Men & Addiction | 3 |
| AD 202 | Trauma and Recovery | 3 |
| AD 255 | Multiple Diagnoses | 3 |
| AD 256 | Advanced Counseling and Addiction | 4 |
| AD 270A | Practicum: Addiction | 18 |
| AD 270B | Practicum: Addiction - Seminar 1 | 8 |
| AD 278 | Practicum Preparation | 1 |
| Addiction Counselor Degree Electives | 6 | |
| General Education: 4 courses | ||
| Total Credits | 91 | |
- 1
Students attend a concurrent two credit seminar each term. Students who complete practicum in three terms only need six credits of AD 270B.
Addiction Counselor Degree Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AD 105 | Aging & Addiction | 3 |
| AD 107 | Addiction Recovery Mentor | 3 |
| AD 108 | Adolescence and Addiction | 3 |
| AD 109 | Justice Systems and Addiction | 3 |
| AD 110 | Substance Abuse Prevention | 3 |
| HUS 102 | Mental Health First Aid: Adult | 1 |
| HUS 106 | Mental Health First Aid: Youth | 1 |
| HUS 107 | Mental Health First Aid: Older Adult | 1 |
| MTH 105 | Math in Society (MTH105=MTH105Z) Z | 4 |
| MTH 111 | Precalculus I: Functions (MTH111=MTH111Z) Z | 4 |
| MTH 112 | Precalculus II: Trigonometry (MTH112=MTH112Z) Z | 4 |
| STAT 243 | Elementary Statistics I (MTH/STAT243=STAT243Z) Z | 4 |
| MTH 244 | Statistics II | 4 |
| MTH 251 | Calculus I | 4 |
| PSY 215 | Human Development | 4 |
| SOC 204 | Introduction to Sociology | 4 |
| SOC 205 | Social Change | 4 |
| SOC 206 | Social Problems | 4 |
| SPA 101 | First Year Spanish - First Term | 4 |
| SPA 102 | First Year Spanish - Second Term | 4 |
| SPA 103 | First Year Spanish - Third Term | 4 |
| SPA 150 | First Year Spanish | 6 |
| SPA 151 | First Year Spanish | 6 |
| Any 2nd year Foreign Language course | 4 | |
| Any 4 credit Science Course with Lab | 4 | |
- Z
This course is part of Oregon Common Course Numbering. The following courses are equivalent:
MTH 105 and MTH 105Z
MTH 111 and MTH 111Z
MTH 112 and MTH 112Z
MTH 243, STAT 243, and STAT 243Z
Less Than One-Year Certificate
Addiction Studies
Counselor In Training
Addiction Studies Less than One-Year Certificate
Minimum 44 credits. Students must meet all certificate requirements. A maximum of 10 Pass/No Pass credits are allowed in the Addiction Studies Less than One-Year Certificate.
Addiction Studies Certificate Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AD 102 | Drug Use and Addiction | 3 |
| AD 104 | Multicultural Counseling | 3 |
| AD 106 | Nicotine Cessation | 1 |
| AD 152 | Group Counseling and Addiction | 3 |
| AD 153 | Theories of Counseling | 3 |
| AD 154 | Client Record Management and Addiction | 3 |
| AD 156 | Professional Ethics and Issues in Addiction Counseling | 3 |
| AD 160 | Basic Counseling | 4 |
| AD 161 | Motivational Interviewing and Addiction | 4 |
| AD 255 | Multiple Diagnoses | 3 |
| Addiction Studies Certificate Electives | 14 | |
| Total Credits | 44 | |
Addiction Studies Certificate Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AD 103 | Women and Addiction | 3 |
| AD 105 | Aging & Addiction | 3 |
| AD 107 | Addiction Recovery Mentor | 3 |
| AD 108 | Adolescence and Addiction | 3 |
| AD 109 | Justice Systems and Addiction | 3 |
| AD 110 | Substance Abuse Prevention | 3 |
| AD 184 | Men & Addiction | 3 |
| AD 202 | Trauma and Recovery | 3 |
| AD 256 | Advanced Counseling and Addiction | 4 |
| AD 270A | Practicum: Addiction 1 | 3-6 |
| AD 270B | Practicum: Addiction - Seminar 2 | 2 |
| AD 278 | Practicum Preparation 3 | 1 |
| HUS 102 | Mental Health First Aid: Adult | 1 |
| HUS 106 | Mental Health First Aid: Youth | 1 |
| HUS 107 | Mental Health First Aid: Older Adult | 1 |
| PSY 213 | Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience | 4 |
| PSY 215 | Human Development | 4 |
| PSY 222 | Family & Intimate Relationships | 4 |
| SOC 204 | Introduction to Sociology | 4 |
| SOC 205 | Social Change | 4 |
| SOC 206 | Social Problems | 4 |
- 1
Up to 9 credits.
- 2
Up to 4 credits (2 credits required per term in Practicum).
- 3
Required in order to enter Practicum.
Counselor In Training Less than One-Year Certificate
Minimum 36 credits. Students must meet all certificate requirements.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AD 120E | Introduction to Addiction Counseling | 3 |
| AD 121E | Pharmacology and Addiction | 4 |
| AD 122E | Professional Ethics and Laws in Addiction Counseling | 4 |
| AD 123E | Smoke, Chew, Vape: Reduce Your Use | 1 |
| AD 124E | Cultural Humility in Counseling | 4 |
| AD 140E | Risk Assessment and Reduction | 4 |
| AD 141E | Clinical Evaluation | 4 |
| AD 142E | Addiction Counseling Skills | 4 |
| AD 143E | Addiction Group Counseling | 4 |
| AD 144E | Introduction to Motivational Interviewing | 4 |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
AD 101. Addiction. 3 Credits.
Provides a basic overview of addiction. Considers the contribution of early childhood trauma on the developing brain and its influence on addictive behaviors, the signs and symptoms of addiction, the continuum of addictive behaviors, treatment, prevention, recovery and relapse. Audit available.
AD 102. Drug Use and Addiction. 3 Credits.
Covers current drug use and psychological and behavioral aspects of client misuse or addiction. Includes drug chemistry, physiological effects of drug use upon the body and specific treatment formats and techniques. Audit available.
AD 103. Women and Addiction. 3 Credits.
Investigates patterns of alcohol and drug use by women and non-binary populations in our society. Explores models of treatment and recovery specific to the biology and gender identity of women. Audit available.
AD 104. Multicultural Counseling. 3 Credits.
Focuses on diversity of populations using addiction counseling services. Emphasizes developing understanding of relevant cultural differences and building skills in addressing them. Audit available.
AD 105. Aging & Addiction. 3 Credits.
Covers drug and alcohol addiction among older adults, including prescription and other drugs and alcohol, used either alone or in combination. Includes the higher risk factors aging adults face due to decreased tolerance to the effects of alcohol and other drugs. Addresses issues specific to aging, including late onset addiction, effects of use on performance of activities of daily living, treatment issues and co-occurring disorders such as depression or other chronic illnesses. Offers an intersectional perspective. Audit available.
AD 106. Nicotine Cessation. 1 Credit.
Presents an overview of nicotine addiction and specific evidence-based practices that have been demonstrated to contribute to successful nicotine cessation efforts. Audit available.
AD 107. Addiction Recovery Mentor. 3 Credits.
Presents an overview of Addiction Recovery Mentor skills, resources and evidence-based practices that have been demonstrated to contribute to successful Peer Mentor Programs. Audit available.
AD 108. Adolescence and Addiction. 3 Credits.
Examines addiction and substance use from the adolescent point of view. Includes assessment and treatment planning appropriate to this population and considers ethical and legal ramifications. Audit available.
AD 109. Justice Systems and Addiction. 3 Credits.
Covers the facilitation of recovery with the person involved in the justice system using knowledge of cultural and peer group norms. Includes assessment of behavior to determine treatment plan and likelihood of success. Explores evidence-based treatment protocols relevant to persons with a history of substance use and involvement in justice systems. Audit available.
AD 110. Substance Abuse Prevention. 3 Credits.
Presents an overview of substance abuse prevention theories and prevention programming applications. Emphasizes theories and models basic to prevention, evidence-based prevention strategies and model programs, strategic planning and outcome evaluation. Audit available.
AD 120E. Introduction to Addiction Counseling. 3 Credits.
Introduces key concepts and theories of addiction science. Covers client-centered, culturally-responsive, and trauma-informed frameworks of addiction counseling practice. Audit available.
AD 121E. Pharmacology and Addiction. 4 Credits.
Covers the neurological, physiological, and behavioral impacts of substance use. Introduces common medications used in addiction treatment. Reviews common terminology used in addiction counseling documentation. Audit available.
AD 122E. Professional Ethics and Laws in Addiction Counseling. 4 Credits.
Introduces ethical and legal issues applicable to addiction counseling in a clinical setting. Explores the impact of one’s personal value system on decision making in addiction counseling. Audit available.
AD 123E. Smoke, Chew, Vape: Reduce Your Use. 1 Credit.
Presents an overview of nicotine addiction and specific evidence-based practices that have been demonstrated to contribute to successful nicotine cessation efforts. Audit available.
AD 124E. Cultural Humility in Counseling. 4 Credits.
Focuses on diversity of populations using addiction counseling services. Emphasizes developing understanding of relevant cultural differences and building skills in addressing them. Audit available.
AD 140E. Risk Assessment and Reduction. 4 Credits.
Covers risk assessment, risk reduction, and treatment methods in addiction counseling. Includes required documentation and reporting practices. Prerequisites: AD 120E, AD 121E, and AD 122E. Audit available.
AD 141E. Clinical Evaluation. 4 Credits.
Covers clinical evaluation. Includes treatment planning and the management of client records. Covers federal and state regulations as well as American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) placement criteria. Prerequisites: AD 120E, AD 121E, and AD 122E. Audit available.
AD 142E. Addiction Counseling Skills. 4 Credits.
Covers skills required for addiction counseling of individuals. Emphasizes in-class practice and feedback. Prerequisites: AD 120E, AD 121E, and AD 122E. Audit available.
AD 143E. Addiction Group Counseling. 4 Credits.
Introduces theory of effective addiction group counseling. Includes strategies for group development and for effective group leader facilitation. Prerequisites: AD 120E, AD 121E, and AD 122E. Audit available.
AD 144E. Introduction to Motivational Interviewing. 4 Credits.
Covers the spirit, core skills and fundamental processes of Motivational Interviewing with an emphasis on practical application. Prerequisites: AD 142E and acceptance into the Addiction Counseling Program. Audit available.
AD 152. Group Counseling and Addiction. 3 Credits.
Introduces the methodology for group counseling. Includes strategies for group development and for effective group leader facilitation. Prerequisite: Admission into the Addiction Counseling Program. Audit available.
AD 153. Theories of Counseling. 3 Credits.
Covers basic theories of counseling, emphasizing treatment of addiction. Uses the developmental model of recovery as a basis for discussion and comparison of the various theories. Prerequisite/concurrent: AD 101. Audit available.
AD 154. Client Record Management and Addiction. 3 Credits.
Covers the knowledge and skills needed to plan individual treatment and manage client records. Includes all aspects of client record management including federal and state regulations and American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) placement criteria. Prerequisites: AD 101 and acceptance into the Addiction Counseling Program. Audit available.
AD 156. Professional Ethics and Issues in Addiction Counseling. 3 Credits.
Covers ethical and legal issues relevant to the alcohol and drug counselor in a clinical setting. Audit available.
AD 160. Basic Counseling. 4 Credits.
Introduces basic skills required for establishing an effective professional helping relationship. Emphasizes in-class practice and feedback. Audit available.
AD 161. Motivational Interviewing and Addiction. 4 Credits.
Provides an opportunity to demonstrate facilitative skills required for motivational interviewing (MI). Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Addiction Counseling Program. Audit available.
AD 184. Men & Addiction. 3 Credits.
Provides an in-depth view of the biological, cultural, and sociological origins of male roles and behavior. Explores the implications of this for understanding mental health, sexuality, addiction, and behavior of men and non-binary populations. Develops a framework for the essential elements of gender-specific treatment. Audit available.
AD 202. Trauma and Recovery. 3 Credits.
Explores the neurobiology of attachment and reward as they relate to the addictive experience. Presents models of relational healing with a strong emphasis on specific skill acquisition that can be used in treatment settings. Utilizes trauma-informed and wellness-informed approaches targeted to working with families in the process of recovery from addictive disease. Audit available.
AD 255. Multiple Diagnoses. 3 Credits.
Covers assessment of chemical dependency clients for communicable diseases and co-existing mental disorders, effective intervention, and referral of clients to optimum resources for resolving co-existing diagnoses. Develops clear ethical guidelines for alcohol and drug counselors practicing within an area of competence. Prerequisites: AD 101, AD 102, (AD 160 or AD 150), WR 121Z and admission to the Addiction Counseling Program. Prerequisite/concurrent: PSY 239. Audit available.
AD 256. Advanced Counseling and Addiction. 4 Credits.
Enhances the professional knowledge and skills of counselors preparing to enter the field. Focuses on current evidence-based practice/best practice models in addiction counseling, integrating a variety of conceptual theories into a comprehensive framework for human behavior, addiction, and change. Prerequisites: AD 160 or (AD 150 and AD 151).
AD 270A. Practicum: Addiction. 3-6 Credit.
Provides clinical educational experience in an addiction treatment or DUII educational facility under the supervision of personnel who meet ACCBO requirements. Provides the opportunity to meet the ACCBO work experience requirements. Prerequisites: AD 161 or (AD 157 and AD 155), AD 102, AD 153, AD 154, AD 156, and AD 278. Prerequisite/concurrent: AD 152. Corequisite: AD 270B.
AD 270B. Practicum: Addiction - Seminar. 2 Credits.
Focuses on the integration and synthesis of academic preparation with "real world" addiction counseling experience. Includes consideration of counselor self-care, healthy work practice, professional ethics and ongoing professional development. Corequisite: AD 270A. Audit available.