Substance Abuse Program

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

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)
• 16 hour Certificate in Substance Abuse Case Management (C4538E-C4)

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

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q:  How much does it cost?

A:  Currently for North Carolina residents, tuition is $50.00 per credit hour and $241.30 per credit hour for non-residents.  There are also other fees such as a student activity fee, a campus access, parking, and security fee, and a technology fee that are based on the number of credit hours taken.  Some courses include a lab fee.  (tuition is set by the state and is subject to change)  

Q:  Is State Certification/Licensure required to work in the field of substance abuse?

A:  Yes, if you are working with substance abuse specifically.  However, you can, in fact is required, that you work in the field while you are in the process of obtaining your certification/licensure.

Q:  How do I learn more about State Certification/Licensure?

A:  Contact the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board at 919-832-0975 or ncsappb.org

Q:  If I complete the certificate or degree program at CPCC, will I be certified by the Sate?

A:  No.  The certification process is outlined by the NCSAPPB.  Those requirements are found at the contact information listed above.  CPCC certificates and degree program will provide you the required number of education/training hours needed.  The degree as well as the Case Management and Counseling Certificates will also provide you with the 300 hours of clinical supervision required.  The information obtained in all courses helps to prepare you for the State written exam.     

Q:  Do I have to complete the degree or certificate program to become certified?

A:  No.  However, we do offer a high quality, cost-effective, and efficient path towards certification. 

Q:  How long does it take to complete the degree program?

A:  The degree program is a total of 76 credit hours.  If you are a full-time student taking 12 hours/semester, it would take you roughly 6 semesters to complete.  If you take more hours each semester or transfer hours in from another college it will take you less time, if you can only attend on a part-time basis it will take you longer to complete.  The Program Chair works with each student every semester to advise them on course sequence and offers guidance on how many credit hours to take.

Q:  How long does it take to complete the certificate program?

A:  It is possible to complete in 3 semesters, but recommended to complete in 4.  It is imperative to seek advisement from the Program Chair for course sequence to complete as quickly as possible.  Please note this timeframe does not apply to students that have a degree in an unrelated field and will need to take additional courses.  The timeframe for those students varies depending on how many additional classes they may need to take.

Q:  Where do I do my internships?

A:  Once all requirements have been met, the student will meet with the Program Chair to discuss the agency that might best suit the student’s interests, strengths and schedule.  The purpose of your internship is to learn the 12 core functions of a substance abuse professional, therefore an internship site must be substance abuse specific.  

Q:  Do you offer any classes online?

A:  Currently no substance abuse classes are offered online.  Our classes are very interactive and often have experiential aspects to them, thus are not conducive to online instruction.  Many of the general education classes are offered online.

Q:  Do you offer any classes in the summer?

A:  No.  However, some of the general education hours are offered during the summer.  

Q:  Which campuses do you offer classes at?

A:  All substance abuse and human services technology classes are on central campus.  Several general education classes are offered at a variety of campus locations.

Q:  Whom do I contact for more detailed information on the Substance Abuse Programs?

A:  The program Chair for Substance Abuse is Cathy Killian Reinbold.  She may be reached at 704-330-6380 or cathy.reinbold@cpcc.edu