College offers chemical dependency programs

Drug and alcohol abuse has been present in American society since the 1600s when "water was unsafe, milk was scarce and…alcohol was a staple." according to Yyonne Fosse-Previs, curator of the Strong Museum in Rochester, NY. While addicts have always been present, society has only recently begun to accept and encourage drug and alcohol abusers to seek treatment in a more public manner.

Today, popular television shows such as Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew on VH1 and Intervention on A&E are giving Americans firsthand accounts of addicts' roads to recovery. As more addicts are stepping forward and seeking treatment the field of chemical dependency counseling continues to grow.

At ARC, students have the opportunity to join this field through the chemical dependency studies program offered through the department of behavioral and social sciences.

The 36-unit program allows students to obtain either a certificate or A.A. degree in chemical dependency studies. "The [chemical dependency studies] program at ARC was the first accredited program in the California College System," said Professor David Miller. "Our reputation is one of the best."

While students have the choice of graduating with a certificate or a degree, the A.A. serves as a more solid foundation for advancing as a California Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CDAC). For students looking to transfer to a four-year university, the A.A. also allows them to transfer into a psychology or social work major before continuing to pursue a career as a CDAC.

This program introduces students to the social, physical, and psychological effects chemical dependency has on the individual and on society. In addition, students learn the 12 counselor core function applications in addiction. These applications include screening, intake, assessment, orientation, counseling, crisis interventions, consultation, client's education and rights, confidentiality, professional ethics, and record keeping.

Once students complete the program, they are prepared to take the certification test required to become a California Drug and Alcohol Counselor.

"Then again, you can get a job without it [the certificate]," said Miller, "But the scope of pay is very narrow."

California is only one out of 20 states which does not regulate their drug and alcohol counselors.

In Sacramento County, a newly certified CDAC's entry pay runs around $12-$14 an hour. Different levels of certification within the field allow for continuing education and advancement.

Within the community, counselors can expect to see a variety of addictions.

Said Miller, "The number one drug reigning supreme since 1970 is methamphetamine. The reason being this is a big area of production."

Methamphetamines come in only second to alcohol, which continues to be the most abused substance nationwide.