By offering coures in alcohol and other drug studies within a program accredited by
CAADE, California Association of Alcohol/ Drug Educators, Palomar College provides academic courses and field placement opportunities to fulfill a variety of student needs. Students in these courses are able to evaluate their interests and aptitudes for understanding the physiological, psychological and social consequences of alcohol and psychoactive drug use and their own abilities for providing services to chemically dependent clients.In supervised field placement experiences, student learn comunication skills and have the opportunity to develop effective methods for providing services to clients in a variety of agencies and settings.
The California Association of Alcohol and Drug Programs requires that counselors who are employed in agencies providing alcohol and drug services must be certified to do so by having passed an approved state examination, or that they are enrolled as students in an accredited program such as Palomar College provides to prepare for those exams.
CAADE California Association of Alcohol/ Drug Educators and CAADAC
California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors are both professional organizations that offer a state board certification examinination. To be eligible for the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor written exam, CAADAC requirements inlcude the completion of
AODS courses: 150, 155, 255, (140 or 298), 250, 255, and 160 in addition to the Supervised Practicum AODS 299. Students must also complete 255 hours of internship work at an approved agency.
To be eligible for the Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor (C.A.T.C.),
CAADE requires that students must complete the courses listed above and additional requirements to obtain the Certificate of Achievement in AODS.
Certificate of Achievement - Alcohol and Drug Studies |
The AODS Certificate consists of an 11-course curriculum accredited by CAADE in 2004 after their extensive review. Palomar College (AODS) courses prepare students to provide services in court-mandated, public, and private agencies for alcohol and drug intervention, treatment, and prevention. Students are prepared to work in agencies that provide intake, assessment, detoxification, impaired driver interventions, drug testing, crisis intervention, inpatient and outpatient rehabitation, sober living services, relapse prevention, counseling, and perinatal and family recovery.
A grade of ‘C’ or higher must be achieved in all certificate courses. A Department Chair/Director may waive one (1) ‘D’ grade with written justification
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| AODS 150 Introduction to Chemically Depenency 3 units |
Fall, Spring |
| AODS 155 Physiology/Pharmacology of Psychoactive Drugs 3 units |
Fall, Spring, |
| AODS 160 Prevention, Intervention, and Education 3 units |
Spring |
| AODS 250 Group Leadership and Process 3 units |
Varies by semester |
| AODS 255 Treatment Modalities, Law and Ethics 3 units |
Varies by semester |
| AODS 260 Chemical Dependency Family Counseling 3 units |
Varies by semester |
| PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology 3 units |
Fall, Spring, Summer |
| PSYC 225 Psychology of Abnormal Behavior 3 units (prerequisite: Psychology 100) |
Fall, Spring |
| AODS 299 Directed Field Experience ll 6 units |
Spring |
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| Group One (Select 3 units) |
| SOC 110 Social Problems 3 units |
Fall, Spring, |
| SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology 3 |
Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Group One (Select 4-5 units) |
| AODS 140 Intro to Psychological and Social Services 4 units |
Fall, Spring |
| AODS 298 Directed Field Experience I 5 units |
Fall |
| Total Units |
37-38 Units |
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AODS/PSYC/SOC 150 Introduction to Chemical Dependency (3)
Transfer acceptability: CSU |
This basic course will provide a historical perspective on alcohol and other psychoactive drug abuse and its impact on the community. An interdisciplinary approach will be used. Topics will include definitions, socio-cultural factors related to use and/or abuse, identification of issues and models of dependency and recovery, and analysis of the effectiveness of policies and programs.
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SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology (3)
Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC; |
A study of the principles and problems pertaining to group behavior, the relationships among human beings, the development and nature of institutions, and the structure of society. |
PSYC 100 introduction to Psychology (3)
Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC; CAN |
A general introduction to the principles of human and animal behavior. Topics covered include history of psychology, research thinking, intelligence, lifespan development, gender and human sexuality, motivation and emotion, health psychology, personality, psychological disorders, therapy, social psychology, and other related topics (e.g., industrial/organizational psychology, sports psychology, environmental psychology, forensic psychology). Emphasis is placed upon the relationship between general principles of psychology and their practical applications.
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SOC 110 Social Problems (3)
3 hours lecture
Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC; |
Identification and analysis of contemporary social problems in the United States, with emphasis on the sociological factors involved. Topics include poverty and economic inequality; gender inequality; racial and ethnic inequality; problems in the family, government, education, and the economy; crime; drug use; warfare and violence, among others. A critical evaluation of the causes and solutions.
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AODS/ PSYC/SOC 160 Prevention, Intervention, and Education (3)
Transfer acceptability: CSU |
This course will review historical and contemporary approaches for chemical dependency,including prevention, intervention, and education. It will analyze the progression of substanceabuse and chemical dependency disorders and will evaluate types of prevention, education,and intervention strategies.
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AODS/PSYC/SOC 250 Group Leadership and Process (3)
Transfer acceptability: CSU |
An introduction to the dynamics of group interaction, with emphasis upon the individual’s firsthand experience as the group studies itself under supervision. Problems of communication, effective emotional responses, and personal growth will be highlighted. The emphasis will be upon group process as a means of changing behavior. |
AODS/PSYC/SOC 255 Treatment Modalities, Law and Ethics (3)
Transfer acceptability: CSU |
This course reviews the principles and practices of addiction treatment including screening, intake, orientation, assessment, treatment planning, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, education of clients and their families, referral, report and record keeping, and consultation. Legal and ethical standards of practice for addictions counselors will be reviewed and included in this body of knowledge, skills, and attitudes.
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AODS/PSYC/SOC 155 The Physiology and Pharmacology of Psychoactive Drugs (3)
3 hours lecture
Transfer acceptability: CSU |
This course will examine how psychoactive drugs affect the nervous system. Ways of classifying drugs will be identified including the processes of physical and psychological dependence, tolerance, withdrawal, and genetic predispositions. Temporary and long-term affective, behavioral, cognitive, biological, and social consequences of psychoactive drug use will be explored, including disorders such as Korsakoff’s syndrome and other nutritional deficiencies. |
AODS/PSYC/SOC 260 Chemical Dependency Family Counseling (3)
Transfer acceptability: CSU |
This course is designed to explore methods of assisting family members and others to understand and to cope with the alcohol and drug abuse of alcoholics and addicts. Several family therapy modalities will be explored. The approach will be experiential in format and students will participate in exercises that lead to the development of these skills.
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AODS/PSYC/SOC 299 Directed Field Experience II (6)
3 hours lecture-9 hours laboratory
Transfer acceptability: CSU |
This course emphasizes advanced concepts in chemical dependency. The functions and consequences of denial and ambivalence are explored in depth, and
students refine their skills for the 12 core functions of effective clinical practice.
They prepare for the oral California certifying examinations and for entry level
positions as alcohol and drug counselors. Students practice these skills in class
and under the supervision of agency personnel.
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PSYC 225 Psychology of Abnormal Behavior (3)
Prerequisite: PSYC 100
Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC |
This course emphasizes advanced concepts in chemical dependency. The functions and consequences of denial and ambivalence are explored in depth, and students refine their skills for the 12 core functions of effective clinical practice. They prepare for the oral California certifying examinations and for entry-level positions as alcohol and drug counselors. Students practice these skills in class and under the supervision of agency personnel.
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AODS/PSYC/SOC 140 Introduction to Psychological and Social Services (4)
3 hours lecture-3 hours laboratory
Transfer acceptability: CSU |
An overview of the theoretical basis of counseling skills, including social work, psychodynamic, behavioral, and client-centered approaches. The roles of psychologists, sociologists, social workers, family therapists, and therapeutic support providers are compared and contrasted, and the issues they deal with are described.
This course provides students with an opportunity to observe actual practices of human services providers working as interdisciplinary team members in an agency setting. Through cooperative efforts of provider agencies, the instructor, and the student, the skills utilized for entry level employment are observed, practiced, and evaluated under supervision. |
AODS 298/PSYC 298/SOC 298 Directed Field Experience I (5)
3 hours lecture-6 hours laboratory
Transfer acceptability: CSU |
Principles of interpersonal conflict dynamics and approaches for conflict resolution are analyzed. Non-directive, directive and behavior modification skills that are used to increase motivation for positive behavioral change are compared and evaluated. Field placement provides students with an opportunity to observe human services providers dealing with conflict in agency settings using structured and informal conflict resolution approaches. Interns are also provided with opportunities to practice conflict resolution techniques and skills for increasing motivation for positive change. |
AA Degree - Alcohol and Drug Studies |
Palomar College offers an AA Degree in Alcohol and Other Drug Studies (AODS). The AA Degree Major in AODS requires the same 11 courses as the Certificate of Achievement above. In addition, the Associate in Arts degree requires completion of a minimum of sixty (60) degree-applicable semester units to include the district requirements and general education requirements listed below. Courses numbered 1-49 do not count in the sixty (60) units toward the degree.
It is advisable to make an appointment with a Palomar College counselor for details about educational planning for an AA, including English, Math and Reading assessment testing. To make an appointment go to Palomar College Counseling Center . To sign up for the placement testing, go to Assessment Office .
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| Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (‘C’ average) or higher for all degree-applicable course work attempted. |
| Complete the AA Degree District Requirements. |
Complete English 100 with a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Competence in Mathematics
Competence in American History and institutions/california Government
Competence in Health and Physical education
Competence may be demonstrated by course completion, examination,
or military service.
Multicultural Requirement.
Students may satisfy this requirement by completing a minimum of 3 units from the approved courses listed in the current catalog. |
| Complete the AA Degree General Education Requirements. |
See the current catalog for courses approved to meet the AA General Education requirements:
A1. English Composition,
A2. Analytical Thinking and Oral Communication
B. Natural Sciences
C. Humanities
D. Social and Behavioral Sciences
E. Integrated Self and Life Long Learning
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| Complete 11 courses for the AA degree major. |
Psyc 100, Psyc 225, AODS 150, 155, 255, (140 or 298), 250, 255,160, 299 and Soc 100 or 110. |
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California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor (CAADAC)Certification
Suggested Education Plan
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Students wishing to specifically meet the academic requirements for the CAADAC written examination must complete 8 Palomar College AODS courses. CAADAC does not require that a student complete a Certificate of Achievement in AODS from Palomar College in order to be eligible for the written exam.
CAADAC requires a minimum of 315 hours of Alcohol and Other Drug Studies coursework to be completed to be academically eligible for the written exam. To complete the CAADAC academic requirement students should complete the following Palomar College courses: AODS 150, 155, 255, 250, 255,160, 298, and 299.
Maria Miller, Palomar College AODS Program Coordinator outlined a suggested educational plan below for students seeking to complete CAADAC requirements. This plan is based on CAADAC certification information at the date of this writing and is subject to change. Please consult the most current certification standards outlined by CAADA.
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Please consult with the current class schedule to find out when a particular class is offered.
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| First Semester |
| AODS 150 Introduction to Chemically Depenency 3 units |
Fall, Spring |
| AODS 155 Physiology/Pharmacology of Psychoactive Drugs 3 units |
Fall, Spring |
| Second Semester |
| AODS 160 Prevention, Intervention, and Education 3 units |
Spring |
| AODS 250 Group Leadership and Process 3 units |
Varies by semester |
| Third Semester |
| AODS 298 Directed Field Experience I 5 units |
Fall, |
| AODS 255 Treatment Modalities, Law and Ethics 3 units |
Varies by semester |
| Fourth Semester |
| AODS 299 Directed Field Experience ll 6 units (Spring Only) |
Spring |
| AODS 260 Chemical Dependency Family Counseling 3 units |
Varies by semester |
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Web Update MMiller - 6/10/08
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