This program focuses on preparing students to become addiction counselors, providing training in how individuals can be treated for addictions and related behavior problems, and the coping skills needed by relatives and friends of addicted individuals.

It provides full coverage of the Twelve Core Functions of Substance Abuse Counseling and is intended to prepare students to attain the Certified Addiction Counselor credential or equivalent in the states in which they reside. The courses also can be taken for continuing education credits for those already holding certification.

The program can be taken in a degree completion format leading to a Bachelor of Science degree or as a certificate program. To earn the degree the student must earn a total of 120 semester credit hours; a minimum of thirty must be from City Vision College. A total of thirty hours may come through credit-by-examination. There are also 30 hours of General Studies required. Ten courses must be taken to earn the certificate. View our Academic Policies for more information.

City Vision College is an Approved Education Provider for NAADAC, the national association for addiction professionals. Learn about the requirements for addiction counselor certification in your state.

City Vision College is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council and is an affiliate member of the Association for Biblical Higher Education. DETC is recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Learn more about how to earn a degree or certificate from City Vision College. The Addiction Studies program has been developed in partnership with the NET Training Institute of Orlando, FL, a world leader in training Christian counselors to work with addicts and alcoholics.

Students who complete the program will:

• Be academically qualified to be a certified addiction counselor.
• Learn how to help those with drug problems and others affected by their addiction.
• Understand the causes and effects of addiction to alcohol and drugs.
• Be familiar with the common addictive substances used, as well as drug terminology & street names.
• Understand the various alcohol/drug treatment models & theories.
• Learn more about related issues like mental illness, family dynamics and sexual and spiritual issues.
• Improve their ability to listen effectively and understand those with struggles related to addiction.
• Examine their ability to assess situations and therefore, intervene appropriately.
• Learn to make appropriate referrals for their clients.