Support Individuals and Families Affected by Addiction
The addiction studies certificate of specialization (CS) at St. Louis Community College prepares you to better understand substance use disorders and the ways they affect individuals, families and communities. You’ll study addiction, prevention, treatment and recovery while learning how support professionals help people access resources and work toward meaningful change.
This certificate may be a good fit if you’re interested in social services, health care, criminal justice, education or another helping profession. It can also add specialized knowledge to your current career or provide a foundation for continued education in behavioral health and addiction services.
What is Addictions Study at St. Louis Community College?
Addictions study examines substance use and behavioral addictions through social, emotional and behavioral perspectives. You’ll learn about the factors that can contribute to addiction, the barriers people may face and the services that support prevention, treatment and recovery.
Coursework introduces approaches used in drug and alcohol treatment settings and explores how addiction can affect people from different backgrounds and life circumstances. You’ll also develop skills for communicating with clients, responding to immediate needs and connecting people with appropriate support.
You'll learn how to:
- Respond to crisis situations.
- Use basic counseling techniques.
- Connect individuals with coordinated support services.
- Support recovery and group counseling.
- Apply ethical standards in professional settings.
- Refer clients to appropriate programs and resources.
What Can You Do with an Addictions Study Certificate?
An addiction studies certificate can prepare you for entry-level support roles in organizations that serve individuals and families affected by substance use disorders. Depending on the position, you may help clients find services, follow recovery plans, navigate community resources or receive continued encouragement throughout treatment and recovery.
Potential work settings include inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, recovery housing, detox centers, correctional facilities and probation or parole agencies. The knowledge gained through this certificate may also support work in social services, behavioral health and community outreach.
For professionals who already hold a degree, the certificate can provide focused education in addiction and recovery. It may support career growth in counseling, behavioral health, health care, education or community leadership. Some positions may require additional education, supervised experience, licensure or professional certification.
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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