University in Maine Offers Addiction Rehab Certificate

In response to the addiction epidemic all across the United States, a new certificate program is being offered at the University of Maine at Farmington to prepare students for a career in the addiction field. Demand for substance abuse and behavior disorder counselors is expected to grow by 31% through 2022, according to the U.S Department of labor. Well-trained professionals are needed in this filed especially to combat the widespread opioid crisis.

Joanne Grant, a UMF lecturer and director of residential services at Day One, a residential adolescent substance abuse treatment facility elaborated:

“Maine is really struggling with the opioid crisis and needs well-trained professionals who have a good educational foundation”

In order to get certified, students must complete 22 credits in rehabilitation courses that focus on addiction, prevention and recovery from substance abuse. Students are also placed in internships with licensed professional. After the certification and internship, students are then qualified to take the National Alcohol and Drug Counselor exam to earn a state license.

“Having a bachelor’s degree plus addiction training is of tremendous value when looking to be a professional in this field,” said Grant. “It gives a student a huge advantage. Several UMF students went directly from their internships at Day One to positions as full-time counselors.”

The certification began in the fall and is available to any UMF student in any major. As of now, 15 students have enrolled. On the UMF website, it more thoroughly describes the skills a student will learn about the different stages of substance abuse treatment and recovery. Their goal is to give students the tools to “make a difference in the lives of others every single day.”

As drug addiction treatment becomes increasingly in demand, the need is spreading from cities to urban areas to wealthy suburbs to small downs. The problem of addiction crosses all socioeconomic boundaries. President Obama recently issued a memorandum to encourage both the government and medical facilities to take steps to learn and create tools to combat addiction.

UMF’s Addiction Rehabilitation Certificate students are sought out after employment because they will have gained real-world skills and knowledge, as mentioned on the website. Professors who teach for the program also have worked in various fields related to rehabilitation services.

The Addiction Rehabilitation Certificate curriculum provides a full continuum of treatment, emphasizing the strengths of the individual within their environment while promoting and improving the client’s quality of life. Students will focus on issues surrounding the individual and family, within the context of one’s community.

The certificate is neither a major nor a minor. The new 22-credit Addiction Rehabilitation Certificate is open to UMF students in any major but it is highly recommended for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Services, Community Health Education and Psychology.

Courses Include:

• Substance Abuse Prevention
• Counseling and the Helping Relationship
• Introduction to Addiction
• Group Process
• Advanced Addiction Rehabilitation
• Rehabilitation and Families
• Child and Family Counseling and Psychopathology

Overall, the need for a substance abuse treatment certificate cannot be denied with the increase of people in recovery or seeking treatment for their addiction. If you are dealing with any sort of addiction, you should get to treatment immediately. Do not wait. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, please call toll-free 1-800-777-9588.

Author: Shernide Delva