Human Services: Addictions Counselling - Diploma
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Program Overview
| Location(s): |
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| Length:
65 weeks:
Year 1 - 32 weeks (on campus); Year 2 - 33 weeks (14 weeks at practicum locations) |
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Overview
Addictions Counselling is a diploma program. It provides the knowledge and skill development required to perform the functions of an entry level addictions counsellor, community prevention worker or other human service program providers.
The skills and knowledge presented in the program have been acquired and sanctioned by the Addictions Counselling Program Advisory Committee, the Addictions Professionals Association of Saskatchewan, and the Canadian Addictions Counsellor Certification Federation (CACCF).
You will learn how to:
- use interpersonal communication skills (including assertiveness and conflict resolution)
- use an integrated case management approach with addicted clients and their families while following the best practices philosophy
- facilitate brief screenings, comprehensive assessments, treatment plans and referrals
- use one-one counselling, suicide intervention and crisis intervention skills in extensive experiential learning lab settings that are monitored and coached by skilled faculty
- manage client resistance and ambivalence using motivational interviewing
- plan, prepare and deliver public education and health promotion sessions within communities
- plan, prepare and deliver community mobilization, prevention and community development projects
- conduct group counselling based on a 120-hour skill development lab that will include assessing group development, facilitating third party mediations and intervening and facilitating various levels of critical incidents
- use various administrative skills (including working within various human service agencies and community boards)
- prepare research papers and analyze evidence based documents
You will also learn about specialty areas. These include:
- cross cultural issues
- gambling
- gender issues
- seniors
- pharmacology
- drug abuse history in communities
- adolescents
- community development and health promotion
- additional knowledge in one-one counselling using technqiues such as Reality Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Focusing, Neuro-linguistic Programming and Transactional Analysis
You will also practice working in a detoxification setting (2-week practicum) and within an addictions program (such as an in-patient, out-patient, community development/prevention setting - 12-week practicum).
Graduates are eligible for membership in the Saskatchewan Association of Chemical Dependency Workers (SACDW) and will qualify for the Canadian Contingent Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counsellor designation (CCADC), which is the first step towards full certification as an internationally certified alcohol and drug abuse counsellor (ICADC). They may also apply their training hours towards the knowledge and skills required for full ICADC certification as an addictions counsellor or prevention worker through the Canadian Addictions Counsellor Certification Federation (CACCF).
Career Opportunities
Graduates have found employment opportunities within the federal and provincial governments, non-profit organizations, private industry, the National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program, community development and prevention programs, the Metis Addictions Council of Saskatchewan, and within school settings.
For more information about career opportunities related to this program, contact Student Employment Services at the campus nearest you.
Program Details
Start Date(s): SeptemberTuition and Fees
- For complete details on tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the SIAST campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.
Admission Information
Admission Requirements
- Grade 12 with English Language Arts A30 and English Language Arts B30
- Satisfactory assessment for chemical dependency (the assessment is made up of two parts; evaluation of the assessment and interpretation of results)*
- Satisfactory Criminal Record Check
- English Language Requirement
* The assessment must be completed by an addiction service provider in accordance
to the standards and methodology of SMRS (Saskatchewan Model of Recovery Services).
A Personal Information Package that provides more detail on the program's admission
requirements is available from Registration Services.
Note
Standard First Aid and CPR HeartSaver "A" AED or equivalent are required for occupational
and/or clinical placement.
Special Admission
Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores and Post Secondary Success Requirements for this program below, and review additional details concerning Special Admission.ACCUPLACER©
- 75 Reading
- 75 Sentence
- 4 WritePlacer
Admission Method
First Qualified/First AdmittedThe First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of SIAST programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.
Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.
Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
SIAST recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training. Frequently asked questions regarding PLAR for this program are answered in the Factsheet. A detailed Candidate Guide, which includes a self-audit for all PLAR-ready courses, has been developed for this program. This information guides a candidate through all steps in the PLAR process.
Transfer Credit
Many SIAST students benefit from transferring credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. To learn more, visit our transfer credit web page.
Transfer credit options vary over time; this information is subject to change. Transfer credit options for this program include:
- block transfer of 60 credits, Bachelor of Professional Arts, Human Services, Athabasca University
- 13 credit hours transfer, Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina
- course transfers, considered on an individual basis, Addictions Counselling Program, Health and Sciences, University of Lethbridge
Courses
Year 1
| Code | Course Name/Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CAPL 144 | Academic Management The course focuses on designing academic management plans that take adult learners and their personal/academic well being into consideration. You will review the whole person model, time management, neurolinguistic programming accessing cues, learning styles and study techniques. You will then use the results to create the individualized study plan needed to complete the program. Credit Units: 2 Other Hours: 24 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab, Web CT/Blackboard  | 2 |
| CAPL 145 | Writing Skills The course provides instruction and practice in written communication skills. You will review basic grammar and the mechanics of writing. You will also produce examples of technical writing (including basic reports, research papers using the A.P.A. format and using reference materials). Credit Units: 3 Other Hours: 45 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab, Web CT/Blackboard | 3 |
| CAPL 146 | Personal and Professional Development You will explore personal and professional development as it relates to the addictions and mental health industry. You will be introduced to the concepts of personal and professional development in a holistic and multifaceted approach. You will also be introduced to practical ways of exploring self-concept, self-esteem and raising one's self-esteem using "focusing" and a values clarification process to develop personal and professional goals. Credit Units: 3 Other Hours: 45 Prerequisites: CAPL 144 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab, Web CT/Blackboard | 3 |
| CDEP 155 | Behaviour and Drug Dynamics The course will introduce you to the pharmacological and physiological effects of drugs on the body. You will also discuss six major drug classifications. You will examine, in detail, key drugs of abuse encountered as addictions workers. You will also practice presenting information on drugs to education groups. Credit Units: 3 Other Hours: 45 Prerequisites: HLTH 151 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab, Web CT/Blackboard | 3 |
| CDEP 157 | Detoxification Management The course will introduce you to various detoxification programs. You will examine special considerations needed for withdrawal management. You will also be introduced to the detoxification management process that is done by qualified medical personnel. Credit Units: 1 Other Hours: 21 Prerequisites: CDEP 155 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab | 1 |
| CDEP 158 | Chemically Dependent Persons You will discuss the theories, etiology and best practices of working with chemically dependent clients. You will also review the addictions and recovery processes for alcohol, cocaine and marijuana for adults and adolescents. Credit Units: 3 Other Hours: 40 Prerequisites: CDEP 157, CDEP 174 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab, Web CT/Blackboard | 3 |
| CDEP 159 | Addictions Recovery Models You will examine various theories, treatment approaches and models of recovery from addictions. You will also explore the dynamics of relapse and methadone programs in the recovery process. Credit Units: 2 Other Hours: 24 Prerequisites: CDEP 158 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab | 2 |
| CDEP 160 | Family Systems Your studies will focus on the structure, functions, individual roles and values within the institution of the family. The Canadian family, the influence of family background and family dynamics within a "systems theory" will be emphasized. Credit Units: 2 Other Hours: 23 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab | 2 |
| CDEP 161 | Erosion of Addicted Families You will examine the progressive erosion of family functioning as chemical dependency progresses. The effects on the addicted person's spouse, children, parents and adult children of alcoholics will be given specific attention. Credit Units: 2 Other Hours: 36 Prerequisites: CDEP 159, CDEP 160 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab | 2 |
| CDEP 162 | Abuses in Families You will examine the types of abuses that occur in a family. You will also be introduced to various referral strategies for families entering into the healing process. Credit Units: 2 Other Hours: 24 Prerequisites: CDEP 161 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab | 2 |
| CDEP 163 | Concurrent Disorders Clients You will examine the mental and psychiatric disorders that coexist with the chemically dependent client and the problems that occur in assessing and designing treatment and follow-up plans for them. You will also discuss philosophical differences in referral resources and strategies for specialized assessments and treatment plans. You will practice using brief screening instruments and referral procedures. Credit Units: 2 Other Hours: 31 Prerequisites: CDEP 161 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab | 2 |
| CDEP 164 | Gender Issues You will study basic addictions issues specific to the sub-group population of gay men, men, lesbians, bisexuals and women. Credit Units: 1 Other Hours: 18 Prerequisites: CDEP 161 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab | 1 |
| CDEP 165 | Special Needs Clients You will be introduced to a number of basic issues surrounding special needs clients and the addictions assessment/treatment planning process. Special needs clients include the elderly, physically challenged, grieving, AIDS clients, clients on probation or parole and street youth. Credit Units: 3 Other Hours: 40 Prerequisites: CDEP 161 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab, Web CT/Blackboard | 3 |
| CDEP 166 | Gambling and Internet Issues You will examine the nature and extent of problem gambling/Internet use, the phases of problem use and the signs and characteristics of individuals who experience problem use. The course covers the introductory level screening/assessment tools used for compulsive gambling/Internet use, and the relapse recovery process and referral sources for problem gambling/Internet users. You will recognize the differences, similarities and relationships between gambling and other addictions. Credit Units: 1 Other Hours: 18 Prerequisites: CDEP 161 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab | 1 |
| CDEP 167 | Cross Cultural Counselling You will examine diversity, Canadian Aboriginal cultures and the special factors an addictions worker must consider when assessing and assisting clients from various cultures. You will also participate in Aboriginal culture awareness activities. Credit Units: 2 Other Hours: 30 Prerequisites: CDEP 161 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab | 2 |
| CDEP 168 | Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder The course will introduce you to the basic issues of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE). The course emphasizes the importance of early intervention and strategies for working with FASD clients and their families. Credit Units: 1 Other Hours: 20 Prerequisites: CDEP 161 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab | 1 |
| CDEP 171 | Human Relations in Addictions You will examine the importance of interpersonal competence and communication in one’s personal and professional life. You will study self-disclosure and the various levels needed as a person and as a professional. The course content includes trust building, active listening, verbal and nonverbal communication, and effective verbal responses linked to neuro-linguistic programming. Credit Units: 2 Other Hours: 30 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab | 2 |
| CDEP 172 | Communications in Addictions You will practice the communication skills needed to develop effective interpersonal communication. These include verbal and nonverbal communication, self-disclosure, trust building, demonstrating respect, summarizing, giving and receiving feedback, and paraphrasing. You will also examine the role addictions, co-dependency and cultural diversity play in communications from a client’s view and the skilled helper’s view. All activities are video recorded and analyzed. Credit Units: 3 Other Hours: 45 Prerequisites: CDEP 171 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab | 3 |
| CDEP 173 | Addictions and Conflict Resolution The course provides theory and skills development for effective anger, fear and conflict management. The course content includes identifying sources of anger, fear and conflicts. It also provides opportunities for you to practice assertiveness, conflict resolution, confrontation and negotiation skills. You will also explore the implications that arise when working with people affected by addictions and from various cultural backgrounds. All activities are video recorded and analyzed. Credit Units: 2 Other Hours: 30 Prerequisites: CDEP 172 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab | 2 |
| COUN 149 | Assessments and Recovery Plans You will examine and practice conducting various basic comprehensive assessment instruments, the process of assessing clients using the whole person model in treatment modalities, case management procedures, risk assessment, best practices, and documentation and record keeping. Credit Units: 2 Other Hours: 30 Prerequisites: CAPL 146, CDEP 162, CDEP 163, CDEP 164, CDEP 165, CDEP 166, CDEP 167, CDEP 168, CDEP 173, HLTH 151, HUMD 143 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab | 2 |
| COUN 150 | Motivational Interviewing You will examine the elements and process of motivational interviewing. You will also explore what motivates a person to change, in particular to seek and maintain recovery from addictions. You will practice the motivational interviewing process and working with resistant clients. Credit Units: 2 Other Hours: 24 Prerequisites: COUN 149 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab | 2 |
| COUN 151 | Brief Screenings You will examine and practice various brief-screening instruments. You will practice administering, scoring and presenting brief screening results. Credit Units: 1 Other Hours: 18 Prerequisites: COUN 149, COUN 158 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab, Web CT/Blackboard | 1 |
| COUN 152 | Suicide Interventions You will receive information on suicide, and suicide prevention and intervention. The course content includes recognizing suicidal behaviour, assessing risk and practicing prevention and intervention techniques. You will also discuss addictions centre protocol. Credit Units: 1 Other Hours: 15 Prerequisites: COUN 151 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab | 1 |
| COUN 154 | Addictions Counselling Theory You will receive an orientation to the complete skilled helping process. You will examine establishing rapport, foundational counselling skills, assessing client problems, the process of facilitating client self-exploration, assisting a client in developing new perspectives and setting goals. You will also examine the skills of challenging clients when they are stuck, the role of challenging denial in co-dependent and addicted clients, and the process of facilitating clients in designing their treatment plans. Credit Units: 3 Other Hours: 45 Prerequisites: COUN 150, COUN 152, ETHC 140 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab | 3 |
| ETHC 140 | Ethics in Human Services You will examine the purpose and ethical basis for being a skilled helper with particular emphasis in the addictions industry and be introduced to the problem management approach to helping. The course content includes how to apply the codes of ethics and confidentiality in the human services industry, notably the addictions industry. Credit Units: 2 Other Hours: 24 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab, Web CT/Blackboard | 2 |
| HLTH 151 | Stress Management in Helping Profession You will examine the various types, causes and effects of stress on an individual. You will learn how to assess stress levels and apply stress management techniques personally and for those experiencing stress as a result of mental health and chemical dependency. You will explore the use of cultural activities to manage stressors. Credit Units: 2 Other Hours: 24 Prerequisites: CAPL 146 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab, Web CT/Blackboard | 2 |
| HUMD 143 | Lifespan Issues You will examine changes in human development and the development of social roles across the lifespan Credit Units: 3 Other Hours: 42 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab | 3 |
Year 2
| Code | Course Name/Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ADMN 251 | Administrative Functions You will become familiar with the administrative functions required of addictions service agencies. You will examine organizational structure, working with community-based organizations measuring outcomes and management styles. You also practice time management and job search skills. Credit Units: 3 Other Hours: 45 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab | 3 |
| ADMN 253 | Industry Documentation You will learn how to write formal business letters and memos, and agency reports for staff presentations. You will also prepare other types of reports to government and various human service agencies. You will examine the function of public relations when working in human services agencies and/or as a community prevention worker. You will practice writing news releases. Credit Units: 2 Other Hours: 24 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab | 2 |
| CDEP 169 | Community Mobilization and Development You will examine the process of change, community mobilization and development. Emphasis will be placed on problem-solving and tools for working with people in communities. Credit Units: 2 Other Hours: 27 Prerequisites: ADMN 251, ADMN 253, COUN 245 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab | 2 |
| CDEP 170 | Prevention Programs You will examine the major forces and perspectives that have shaped our current addictions policies, laws and practices. Your studies will focus on prevention programming and strategies that can be used to help individuals and communities regain or maintain healthy lifestyles without substance abuse. Credit Units: 2 Other Hours: 30 Prerequisites: CDEP 169 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab | 2 |
| CDEP 246 | Presentation Skills You will apply various presentation delivery formats ranging from formal speeches, and media interviews, to interactive educational presentations. Credit Units: 3 Other Hours: 40 Prerequisites: CDEP 162, CDEP 163, CDEP 164, CDEP 165, CDEP 166, CDEP 167, CDEP 168, CDEP 173 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab | 3 |
| COUN 153 | Crisis Intervention Techniques You will investigate various types of crisis and crisis intervention models. The course content includes critical incident stress debriefing, follow-up, community involvement and traumatic events occurring in treatment centres and communities as a result of alcohol and drug abuse. Credit Units: 1 Other Hours: 15 Prerequisites: COUN 155 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab | 1 |
| COUN 155 | Addictions Counselling Practice The course focuses on the application of one-to-one counselling skills. You will apply the theory and skills you learned in ETHC 140 (Ethics in Addictions) and the Egan Three Stage Problem Management Approach to Helping. You will practice foundational counselling skills, assist addicted clients with identifying, exploring, clarifying and setting recovery goals, and create treatment plans. You will also practice challenging denial, establishing rapport, closing helping sessions and using the addictions worker code of ethics. All sessions will be videotaped and critiqued. Credit Units: 8 Lab Hours: 120 Prerequisites: COUN 154 Learning Methods: Lab/Practical | 8 |
| COUN 156 | Addictions and Interventions Your studies will focus on the goals and philosophy of interventions. You will examine and practice intervention techniques and processes as they apply to initiating the addictions recovery process. You will also examine the role of employee and family assistance programs as a form of intervention. You will also study harm reduction. Credit Units: 2 Other Hours: 24 Prerequisites: COUN 155 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab | 2 |
| COUN 239 | Addictions Group Counselling You will examine the principles of designing, facilitating and evaluating personal growth groups. Addictions education and recovery groups will be emphasized. The areas that you will explore include the nature and purpose of group counselling, models and stages of group growth and development, leadership/facilitator styles and skills, critical incidents, intervention techniques and designing groups using the Developmental Model of Recovery. Credit Units: 2 Other Hours: 28 Prerequisites: CDEP 246, COUN 155 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab | 2 |
| COUN 241 | Counselling Modalities You will be introduced to various counselling techniques that can be used to accompany the Egan Three Stage Counselling Model. Approaches vary and include Rational Emotive Therapy, Neurolinguistic programming, Transactional Analysis, Reality Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. You will examine the techniques as they would apply to addictions counselling. Credit Units: 3 Other Hours: 40 Prerequisites: COUN 155 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab | 3 |
| COUN 244 | Addictions Group Design You will examine, design, present and evaluate various addictions and personal growth group designs. The course will emphasize the developmental model of recovery and the trans-theoretical model of change. Credit Units: 2 Other Hours: 30 Prerequisites: COUN 239 Equivalent Courses: COUN 240 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab | 2 |
| COUN 245 | Addictions Group Facilitation Your studies will focus on the skills needed to facilitate a group process, manage critical incidents, conduct third-party mediations, present planned theory inputs, facilitate structured experiences and assess group progress. The activities are designed to replicate a typical addictions education/counselling group according to a developmental model of recovery. All activities will be videotaped with extensive feedback on your participation and facilitation skills. Credit Units: 6 Other Hours: 90 Prerequisites: COUN 244 Equivalent Courses: COUN 240 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab | 6 |
| HLTH 240 | Health Promotion You will examine health promotion history, and a variety of health promotion models, processes, strategies, activities, and programs relating to community health and wellness. You will examine the connection between community development, prevention programs, cultural influence, and health promotion activities. You will evaluate health promotion activities based on current health-related topics/issues. Credit Units: 2 Other Hours: 28 Prerequisites: CDEP 170 Equivalent Courses: WORK 251 Learning Methods: Lecture/Lab | 2 |
| PRAC 247 | Detox Practicum You will apply the theory and skills you learned in the program in a real-life social/medical detoxification setting. You will be evaluated based on the core functions an addictions worker performs in a detox setting and on your ability to monitor and assist clients in the withdrawal management process. Credit Units: 4 Other Hours: 60 Prerequisites: COUN 155 Equivalent Courses: WORK 250 Learning Methods: Clinical/Practicum-Individual | 4 |
| PRAC 248 | Developmental Model Practicum You will be evaluated on the 14 core functions an addictions worker performs within a clinical and community education setting. You will also examine and design activities based on the Developmental Model of Recovery. Credit Units: 24 Other Hours: 360 Prerequisites: COUN 153, COUN 156, COUN 241, HLTH 240, PRAC 247 Equivalent Courses: WORK 252 Learning Methods: Prior Learning, Clinical/Practicum-Individual | 24 |
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