Addiction Studies
Contact: Mary Feis-Christy, (208) 732-6713, mchristy@csi.edu
The Addiction Studies curriculum consists of coursework focusing on the nature of addiction, the impact of addiction on the physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual nature of the human being, family and society. Specialized coursework, including a practicum course, provides the student with foundational knowledge and entry-level skills to work not only with addicted individuals and their families, but to also work successfully within the treatment continuum and to network with other professionals and agencies.
Successful completion of particular courses within the Addiction Studies curriculum allows a student to apply for the Idaho Student of Addiction Studies (ISAS) certification test, which is offered through the Idaho Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselor Certification. This entry level certification allows a student the opportunity to work in the field of addiction treatment as a “trainee”, subsequently earning the necessary supervised hours required to make application for the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) certification test. These particular courses also meet the educational requirements (i.e. “educational domains”) for those individuals seeking CADC or ACADC certification through the Idaho Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselor certification.
Applying to this program is a separate application process from applying to the College or declaring your major.
Additional information and current application requirements can be found at: http://hshs.csi.edu/human_services
To promote success on the certificate/licensure examination(s), all ADDS courses must be passed with a grade of C or better.
Gainful Employment data for this program may be found on the department web page: https://www.csi.edu/ge/Addiction
Upon successful completion of the Addiction Studies program, students will be able to:
- Participate in self-introspection in order to identify one’s own values and beliefs, cultural biases and personality and how these personal characteristics may impact clients.
- Be able to identify and describe the 12 Core Functions of a Substance Abuse Counselor (trainee).
- Adhere to professional codes of conduct, professional codes of ethics, Federal and State Laws, agency policies and procedures and to be able to apply ethical decision-making models to resolve any ethical dilemmas that may arise as a Substance Abuse Counselor (trainee.)
- Describe a Substance Abuse Counselor’s (trainee) scope of practice and not practice in any area outside of their competency.
- Successfully pass the ISAS (Idaho Student of Addiction Studies) credentialing test through the Idaho Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselor Certification.
Program Application Required: Yes
Sample Career Opportunities: Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors; Mental Health Counselors