COURSE CURRICULUM

The Addictions Counselling Diploma program at Medicine Hat College spans two years and is structured to provide a comprehensive blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. In Year One, Semester 1, students are introduced to foundational concepts through courses such as ADDC 110 Introduction to Addictions, ADDC 120 Introduction to Counselling, IDST 100 Introductory Communications for Helping Professionals, PSYC 200 Introduction to Psychology I with a natural science focus, and one of three English options: ENGL 123 Fundamentals of Writing, ENGL 125 Introductory Report Writing and Speech, or ENGL 252 Introductory Composition. Semester 2 builds on this foundation with ADDC 130 Assessment of Addiction, ADDC 140 Counselling Theories and Approaches, ANTH 213 Contemporary Indigenous Issues in Canada, ENGL 203 Identity and Invention: An Introduction to Literature, and SOCI 201 Introductory Sociology. Year Two, Semester 3, advances into specialized topics with ADDC 150 Prevention and Relapse, ADDC 160 Suicide and Mental Health, ADDC 170 Pharmacology of Addictions, ADDC 180 Indigenous Ways of Healing, and PHIL 248 Ethics in the Workplace. Semester 4 focuses on professional development and practical applications with IDST 250 Conflict Management and Crisis Intervention in the Helping Professions, IDST 260 Personal Health and Wellness, IDST 270 Leadership in Helping Professions, ADDC 190 Addictions Counselling with Families, and ADDC 195 Addictions Counselling with Groups. The final component of the program, Semester 5, is the ADDC 250 Practicum, where students apply their learning in real-world settings under supervision. This curriculum is designed to ensure graduates are well-prepared to assess, support, and counsel individuals and groups affected by addiction, while integrating culturally sensitive approaches, including Indigenous healing practices, and maintaining ethical and professional standards required in the field of addiction counselling.