Substance Abuse Program (A4538E)
What is Substance Abuse?
Substance abuse is a national problem that shows no discretion and impacts everyone. It crosses all societal boundaries, impacts every ethnic group, affects every socioeconomic group, can happen to all ages and in all places, and has consequences that affect the physical, psychological and spiritual well being of that person. The National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependency estimates that about 18 million Americans have alcohol problems, about 5 to 6 million have drug problems, more than half of all adults have a family history of alcoholism or problem drinking, and more than nine million children live with a parent dependent on alcohol and/or illicit drugs. Every individual who is addicted to alcohol and/or other drugs directly affects at least 4 other people, including family, friends and coworkers.
The cost and consequences of substance abuse place an enormous burden on American society. Labeled the nation’s number one health problem, substance abuse strains the health care system, the economy, harms family life and threatens public safety. There are more deaths and disabilities each year from substance abuse than from any other cause. Substance abuse costs the American economy an estimated $276 billion per year in lost productivity, health care expenditures, crime, motor vehicle crashes and other conditions.
Research demonstrates that treatment for substance abuse works. Our current knowledge of the dynamics of substance abuse combined with modern diagnostic and treatment services enables people to recover and establish healthy productive lives. Not only does it save lives, it saves money. For every dollar spent on substance abuse treatment, seven dollars is saved in reduced health care costs. The saved cost in quality of life is immeasurable.
Career Opportunities
The need for substance abuse treatment professionals and expansion of services continues to grow. Recognizing this need, Central Piedmont Community College offers a two year degree program in Human Services with a concentration in Substance Abuse, as well as three Certificate Programs. These programs are specifically designed to fulfill initial requirements for Certification/Licensure by the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board.
Graduates who continue to complete their Certification/Licensure by the State Board qualify for positions as:
Substance abuse counselors
DWI evaluators and educators
Residential and half-way house counselors
Criminal justice addiction professionals
Prevention and education specialists
Case managers
Community based program managers
Substance abuse knowledge is vital in many other areas of Human Services including mental health, social work, criminal justice, domestic violence, homelessness, and HIV prevention and education
The Substance Abuse Program
The Substance Abuse program is designed to prepare students for a career in the substance abuse field and assist them in the process of State Certification/Licensure. The program also enables students to transfer their credits earned and pursue a four year degree. Course work includes classroom and experiential activities geared toward:
- knowledge and skills in the twelve core functions of a substance abuse professional
- an understanding of the physical, psychological, and sociological aspects of addiction
- an understanding of the impact of addiction on the individual, the family and society
- knowledge and skills in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of addiction
- an understanding of the dynamics and treatment of relapse and relapse prevention strategies
- an understanding of the ethical and legal aspects involved in the substance abuse field
- an understanding of the process addictions and other co-occurring disorders evident in substance abuse clients
- development of the knowledge, skills and attitudes essential to be an effective substance abuse professional
Program options:
- Associate in Applied Science Degree - Human Services Technology with a concentration in Substance Abuse (A4538E)
- 15 hour Certificate with a specialization in Substance Abuse (C4538E-C2)
- 16 hour Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling (C4538E-C3)
Please note: The certificates are designed for those who already have a degree in a like field, such as counseling, psychology, human services, or social work, and are seeking additional knowledge in the area of substance abuse and/or State Certification/Licensure. Selection of certificate choice depends on the students’ specific career goals. Upon completion of these courses a certificate will be awarded by the college. This certificate may be used towards the initial or renewal of Certification/Licensure through the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board or NAADAC. These courses are also NBCC approved. If you already have a degree but it is not in a like field, you will be required to take additional courses prior to or in conjunction with those required of the certificate.
Admissions Procedure:
- complete required CPCC application either online or at any campus location
- submit high school and any college transcripts
- request college transcripts to be evaluated for transfer credit
- take any required placement tests
- see Program Chair for advising of course sequence and registration advisement
The program Chair for Substance Abuse is Frankie Tack. She may be reached at 704-330-6749 or frankie.tack@cpcc.edu.
