Chemical Addiction Studies (CAS)

CAS 140 Addictions and Diversity

Credits: 3

Term: (F, S)

Core Class: Cultural Diversity

Addiction affects all members of society, and the substance abuse counselor must be knowledgeable of differing cultural and ethnic needs where they are practicing. This course builds a solid foundation of multicultural competencies. It promotes an understanding of how working with clients and peers from diverse backgrounds, and with experiences, beliefs, and preferences which differ from our own, can greatly enhance effective practice in the field of addictions treatment. Completion of PSYX 100-Introduction to Psychology or PSYX 230-Developmental Psychology is strongly recommended prior to enrolling in this course.

CAS 231 Pharmacology/Addictions

Credits: 3

Term: (F)

Prerequisite: PSYX 150 or Consent of the Instructor

Prerequisite OR Corequisite: PSYX 240 or Consent of the Instructor

This course presents a comprehensive overview of addiction; and provides students with an understanding of the pharmacology involved in addiction. Addiction behavior and counseling are emphasized.

CAS 242 Fundamentals of Substance Abuse and Addiction

Credits: 3

Term: (F, S)

Prerequisite: PSYX 100 or PSYX 150

This course is an introduction to the field of addiction counseling. It focuses on current therapeutic trends, strategies, and modalities used in the treatment of addictions. Relapse and prevention strategies, along with treatment of special populations, will also be covered. This course if intended for students seeking to obtain their AA - Substance Abuse and Addictions counseling degree or who wish to become Licensed Addiction Counselors in the State of Montana. May also be appropriate for students of Social Work, Psychology, Sociology or Health Care.

CAS 243 Substance Abuse Counseling I

Credits: 3

Term: (F)

Prerequisite: CAS 242 or consent of the instructor

This course provides students specific knowledge regarding the theories, research, and evidence-based literature in addiction counseling services. Students will learn the overall scope of the problems of addictions, professional characteristics and principles of addiction counselors, and the ethical and legal responsibilities of professional behavior. In addition, this course facilitates development of addiction counseling skills and competencies, including case management, interviewing, and crisis intervention.

CAS 248 Substance Abuse Counseling II

Credits: 3

Term: (S)

Prerequisite: CAS 243

This course presents advanced knowledge in the counseling process and specifically addresses substance abuse. The objective is to increase the student's knowledge of counseling strategies.

CAS 250 Assessment and Case Management Processes

Credits: 4

Term: (S)

Prerequisite: CAS 242 or consent of the instructor

This course will introduce the student to assessment and evaluation procedures used in addiction counseling. The student will be able to understand, describe, administer, and interpret the various testing and evaluation tools used in addiction counseling. Case management processes, as a coordinated approach to the delivery of substance abuse services, are presented.

CAS 252 Gambling and Game Disorders in Substance Abuse Counseling

Credits: 2

Term: (S)

Prerequisite: CAS 242 or PSYX 100

This course will introduce the student to gambling and gaming addictions. Content will include etiology, subtypes, stages, diagnostic criteria, theories associated with gambling and gaming addiction, and methods for assessment and treatment. Prevention and the impact on work and family relationships will be considered.

CAS 254 Co-Occurring Disorders-Assessment &Treatment Planning

Credits: 2

Term: (F)

Prerequisite: CAS 242 or PSYX 100 or PSYX 240

This course will examine the presence of both addiction and mental illnesses in individuals needing mental health and substance abuse treatment. Content will include an understanding of the most common co-occurring disorders, as well as assessment and treatment planning.

CAS 260 Addiction Assessment/Documentation

Credits: 3

Term: (S)

Prerequisite: CAS 242 or consent of the instructor

This course introduces assessment and evaluation procedures used in addictions counseling. Students will be trained in clinical assessment diagnosis, treatment planning and patient record documentation used in addictions counseling.

CAS 264 Fundamentals of Group Dynamics for Substance Abuse Counselors

Credits: 3

Term: (F)

Prerequisite: CAS 242 or PSYX 100 or consent of the instructor

This course is an introduction to the use of group counseling in substance abuse treatment. The stages of group development, leadership skills, and ethical concerns in this approach to substance abuse treatment are highlighted.

CAS 279 Legal, Ethical, and Professional Issues in Substance Abuse Counseling

Credits: 2

Term: (S)

Prerequisite: PSYX 100 or consent of the instructor

Corequisite: CAS 242

This course explores the ethical and professional issues associated with substance abuse counseling. Diversity, values, morality, and the major ethical issues facing practitioners will be addressed.

CAS 295 Field Work/Clinical/Practicum

Credits: 1

Term: (S)

Prerequisite: CAS 242 or consent of the instructor

This clinical practicum provides the student with the opportunity to take academic knowledge gained through course work and apply the knowledge in a clinical setting, where the student is provided an environment to discuss and apply learning in various situations. Clinical placements allow the student to develop, practice, and apply learned academic competencies in real life settings.