What Is Addiction Studies?

Addiction studies combines preparation for community mental health treatment and overlapping (or "co-occuring") addiction problems, which can include drug or alcohol abuse, eating disorders, and problem gambling, among other things.

Current research from community mental health settings consistently indicates that anywhere from 40-80% of clients in treatment for mental health issues may also be experiencing the effects of co-occurring addiction-related problems.  At the same time, research demonstrates that mental health professionals working in the field today do not have adequate addiction-specific training. The Addiction Studies Program addresses this essential gap in training found in many traditional counseling programs. Our program prepares professional counselors to hold a broader understanding of many client problems and an expanded understanding of solutions for addressing such problems. Recognizing the trend towards integrated training models, we have developed a program of study that prepares students for certification as addiction counselors, as well as licensure as professional counselors. The program reflects the integration of the knowledge, skills, and experience of professionals working with addictions and traditional mental health in a pragmatic course of study reflective of the complex needs of a large percentage of clients.

A common misconception is that students trained as addiction counselors are only prepared to work with clients struggling with addiction and, therefore, are limited in what services they will be competent to provide when working in the field. On the contrary, our students receive training to work effectively and professionally with all mental health clients—those with addiction problems and those without.. With this knowledge and skill base, graduates of the Addiction Studies Program gain a broader perspective and understanding of the complexity of mental health problems and are prepared to effectively provide a full range of services in settings including community mental health and addiction centers, schools, criminal justice, and others.  

More specifically, we offer the only graduate-level addiction studies program in the Northwest that offers a research and evidenced-based integrated model for understanding and treating addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. In recognizing the diversity and complexity of addiction-related behaviors and the challenges facing professionals, we offer specific pre-certification coursework that prepares students to work with clients that have alcohol and drug addiction, disordered eating, and problem and compulsive gambling. The current curriculum draws from, but is not limited to, a wide array of evidence-based programs and techniques being used in the field today including the trans-theoretical model of change, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavioral therapy, the matrix model for treating methamphetamine dependence, and the seeking safety program among many others. Equipped with the best training available, our students are helping to transform the field of addictions counseling in Oregon to bring new hope and assistance to individuals experiencing the impacts of the full range of addiction-related behaviors. Coursework meets all of the State of Oregon accreditation standards for professional counselors.

The Addiction Studies Program is dedicated to providing and maintaining the highest standards of academic excellence. Our program is well integrated into the community mental health and addictions provider systems through our close working relationships with our many community-based practicum and internship sites and placements. Students can emphasize work with adults or with children, adolescents and families. Some of our internship sites also allow students further opportunities to specialize if they wish to work with specific populations. Taught by instructors with extensive experience in mental health and addictions-related work, our program fully integrates a growing body of empirical knowledge that is increasing our understanding of the processes of addiction and recovery. Our curriculum recognizes and addresses the fact that today’s addiction professional must integrate an increasingly diverse range of knowledge across many fields to be prepared to meet the needs of clients. Key areas of particular relevance to the addiction professional include biological influences, the socialization processes, and personality factors implicated in the development of addictive behaviors.  Similarly, knowledge and sensitivity concerning issues related to family, culture, ethnicity, gender, and spirituality are of the utmost importance. Our students are well-prepared to be skilled professionals responsible for demonstrating expertise of the highest professional and scientific standards.