August 8, 2018, Jersey City, NJ – Hudson County Community College (HCCC) recognizes that addiction is a chronic disease and a critical issue locally, nationally and globally. To help address the high demand for competent, trained individuals to treat addiction, the College will offer a new Associate in Science (A.S.) degree program with a Human Services option in Addiction Counseling starting this September.

“Addiction comes in many forms, and it can – and does – ruin lives and tear families apart.

However, addiction is highly treatable, and Hudson County Community College is committed to educating professionals to guide individuals through recovery,” stated Dr. Chris Reber, President of HCCC.

The 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that 21.5 million Americans aged 12 and older battled a substance abuse disorder. The cost of drug abuse and addiction to American society is estimated to be $200 billion a year in health care, criminal justice, legal, and lost workplace production/participation.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median annual salary for Addiction Counseling professionals is $43,300. According to U.S. News & World Report, the employment growth rate for this field is projected to be more than 20 percent by 2026 – a faster rate than any other occupation.

In the HCCC degree program, students will learn the skills needed to fulfill the educational requirements for becoming a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). These include assessment, counseling, case management, client education, and professional responsibility. Students will also develop an understanding of addiction, gain knowledge of the fundamental effects of addiction on drug/alcohol users and their families, and learn the biophysical impact of substance abuse. While in the program, students can also begin to fulfill the 3,000 hours of related work experience required for certification.

After earning this degree, students may gain employment at substance abuse treatment facilities, including drug/alcohol treatment clinics, mental health centers, community health centers, prisons, and private practices. The HCCC program also prepares graduates to transfer to four-year institutions for baccalaureate degrees in Human Services/Social Work, or other related fields.