Student Services Building Sunset

Addiction Studies

Addiction studies is an interdisciplinary field dedicated to understanding and treating substance use disorders and addictive behaviors through research and evidence-based practice. Students develop skills in assessment, motivational interviewing, relapse prevention and harm reduction while studying areas such as neurobiological mechanisms of addiction, co-occurring mental health disorders, prevention strategies and recovery support models. These competencies prepare graduates for roles in clinical settings, community outreach programs and policy development as substance abuse counselors, recovery support specialists, prevention coordinators, program evaluators and policy analysts. Applying addiction studies principles promotes recovery, reduces stigma and strengthens individual and community resilience.


 

addiction

Certificate and Degree Pathways

Our certificate and degree pathways are carefully designed to prepare students for employment in various service sectors related to addiction studies. Students can complete a certificate of achievement or pursue an AA in Addiction. These can be completed in less than 2 years or at a slower pace to accommodate your work or other life obligations. Our program fulfills the course and practicum requirements needed to take state exams to become a certified drug/alcohol counselor. Our program is accredited by both (CAADE) California Association for Alcohol/Drug Educators and (CCAPP) California Consortium of Addiction Programs & Professionals. Our dedicated advisors work with you to create personalized plans tailored to your professional goals.

Fieldwork Preparation


Our program is committed to providing our students with practical, hands-on experience through fieldwork internships in social work and human services. Students in the Addiction Studies Program are required to complete two fieldwork internships for a total of 250 hours of experience in various drug/alcohol treatment settings, such as in- and out-patient treatment clinics, transitional housing centers, detoxification units, education/prevention programs, and other programs in the community. These internships offer invaluable opportunities for students to develop their skills, gain insight into the challenges and rewards of the field, and build a professional network. 

Program Map

Join us at Los Angeles City College and embark on a journey toward a fulfilling career in human services. Whether you aspire to be a substance abuse counselor, peer recovery specialist, outpatient program coordinator, residential program counselor, public health educator, or another addiction studies career, our department is here to support and guide you every step of the way. Learn more about our transfer pathway by clicking the link below.

Certificate in Human Services: Addiction StudiesAA in Human Services: Addiction Studies

Related Links

Psi Beta National Honor Society
Western Psychological Association
American Psychological Association
CCAPP Program Certification
CAADE Program Certification

Course Descriptions

Academic Programs: Psychology
College Catalog
Class Schedules

Department Links

Department HomePsychology Social WorkHuman Services

Psychology and Human Services Department

Location

Department Office in Holmes Hall 100

Contact

David Sedghi, Department Chair
Email: @email
Phone: (323) 953-4000 ext. 2935
Office: Holmes Hall 100G