Where to Take Drug & Alcohol Courses

Most drug and alcohol courses are designed as the first step toward certification as a drug and alcohol counselor. There are also drug and alcohol courses for continuing education. These courses are so people who are certified can remain up to date on current issues regarding substance abuse, prevention and criminal justice issues.

Options

• Most major colleges and universities offer courses that help students move toward state certification as a drug and alcohol counselor. These courses are available both online and in traditional classroom settings. Courses in continuing education are also offered at some major colleges and universities, as well as through several state associations of drug and alcohol educators. Certain junior colleges and local not-for-profit agencies offer a limited number of continuing education courses, but not courses that are accepted for certification.

Where to Look

• The extension offices of state universities and colleges have information regarding course offerings and course availability--at both their institutions and others. If one university does not offer a program for drug and alcohol training, someone there will be able to direct you toward a school that does. Calling the drug and alcohol education program specific to your state is another way to find out where courses are offered.

Organizations

• The National Institute on Drug Abuse offers informational meetings and courses for professionals on topics such as aging and addiction, addiction care and substance abuse training. State organizations, such as the California Association for Drug and Alcohol Educators, list colleges and universities as well as private organizations and providers that offer courses.

Government Agencies

• State government agencies have departments dedicated to the regulation and requirements for drug and alcohol course work and certification. State government websites list programs authorized to deliver curriculum relevant to drug and alcohol counselor certification as well as programs that offer continuing education units. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs has its own research-based program. Military or ex-military personnel should contact their local VA for both scholarship and program information.

Considerations

• Where one decides to pursue coursework is dependent upon his or her objectives. Individuals wishing to complete a full certification program should verify that the program they enter will fulfill any necessary state requirements and prepare them for certification exams that may be required. When taking continuing education courses, it is essential to check with your employer as well as the state licensing board specific to drug and alcohol education to make sure that the coursework will be accepted.