阿拉巴马大学

The purpose of this program is to provide students with an overview of the biological, psychological, and social factors associated with the development and progression of a variety of addictions (chemical and behavioral); teach students methods of identifying and preventing precursors to problems of addiction using evidence-based prevention techniques; demonstrate effective age-appropriate, behavioral and combination treatments that incorporate individual, family, peers, school/work and community influences as both origins of the problem and potential solutions; and explain the process of recovery from addiction with emphasis on combined physical, psychological, and community health techniques grounded in individualized needs within the social context. Consistent with UA’s mission to “advance the intellectual and social condition of the people of the state, nation and the world,” graduates of this program will help to tackle the addiction epidemic that is affecting our local communities, our country, and the globe.

Career Opportunities

Graduates will be prepared to work in entry-level positions at nonprofit substance abuse treatment centers and work toward their Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) Certification from AADAA, the Alabama Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association. Students who gain supervised experience at a prevention agency during their internship will be eligible to apply for their Associate Prevention Specialist (APS) credential upon graduation and then work toward their Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) credential after accruing additional supervised hours of experience. These credentials are also offered by AADAA.

Graduates will be qualified to work in a variety of agencies that serve at-risk children and families. There are several agencies in Alabama that have entry-level positions at the bachelor’s level (e.g., Tuscaloosa’s One Place, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham, Crisis Center, etc.).