Support Individuals and Families Affected by Addiction
The addiction studies certificate of specialization (CS) at St. Louis Community College helps you understand substance use disorders and their impact on individuals, families and communities. You’ll explore the causes and effects of addiction, treatment and recovery approaches and the role support professionals play in helping people move toward positive change.
This certificate is a good fit if you’re interested in careers in social services, health care, criminal justice or education. It can also help you develop skills to support individuals and families affected by addiction and prepare for further education or career opportunities in helping professions.
What is Addictions Study at St. Louis Community College?
Addictions study focuses on understanding substance use and behavioral addictions and how they affect people and communities. In this program, you’ll learn about the causes of addiction, risk factors, prevention, and treatment, as well as ways to support individuals working toward recovery.
Courses introduce you to the social, emotional and behavioral factors that can lead to addiction, along with the populations most often affected. You’ll also build practical skills used in prevention and treatment settings for drug and alcohol addiction.
You'll learn how to:
- Respond to crisis situations.
- Use basic counseling techniques.
- Connect individuals to wrap-around services.
- Support recovery and group counseling.
- Apply ethical standards in professional settings.
- Make client referrals to appropriate resources.
What Can You Do with an Addictions Study Certificate?
An addiction studies certificate can prepare you for support roles in settings that help individuals and families affected by substance use disorders. You’ll gain knowledge of addiction, recovery services and support strategies that can be applied in a variety of community and helping professions.
Graduates may find opportunities in inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, transitional or recovery housing, detox centers, correctional facilities and probation or parole agencies. The skills gained through this certificate can also support roles that involve connecting individuals with resources, assisting with recovery plans and providing encouragement throughout the recovery process.
If you already have a higher-level degree, this certificate can help you build specialized knowledge for career paths in addiction counseling, behavioral health or leadership roles within mental health, health care, education and community organizations. Additional experience, training or professional certification may be required for some positions.
CS in Addictions Study
- Degree offered: Certificate of specialization
- Locations: Forest Park, Online
- Hours to complete: 27
- Program contact name: John E. Fallah
- Program contact email: jfallah1@stlcc.edu
Tuition for district residents is $127 per credit hour for in-district students. Find out more about our straightforward and low-cost tuition structure.
Field Experience
Upon completing the coursework, you will enroll into a practicum to acquire field experience by working with drug and alcohol agencies, inpatient and outpatient treatment centers, schools, hospitals and related institutions in St. Louis City and surrounding counties.
You will be required to complete 150 hours working in a clinical setting at your practicum agency. During this period, you will gain practical experience working with clients, patients and/or residents.
Why You Should Choose STLCC's Addictions Study Program
Graduate with Little or No Debt
We believe cost should never be a barrier to achieving your potential. Save over $4700 per year with tuition that's one-third lower than other local institutions.
Ramp Up High Wage Skills
STLCC offers career-focused programs for high-wage, high-skill and in-demand jobs. STLCC provides opportunities for college transfers, career development and workforce training. Certificate programs can establish you in a new career in as few as 12 weeks.
Build Skills You Need With Stackable Credentials
Stackable credentials help students level up career opportunities without investing a large amount of time and resources. Students can stack or assemble a series of traditional and nontraditional credentials including degrees, certificates, apprenticeships and more.
Earn College Credit While in High School
Earn up to 60 hours of college credit while in high school with dual credit and dual enrollment. Pay one-sixth the price for classes you'd be taking at a four-year university.
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