Substance Use and Addictions Minor

A minor in Substance Use and Addictions provides you greater understanding of this complex and vitally important area of health and how to help those in need of guidance and support. Substance abuse counselors:

• Develop, recommend and review treatment goals and plans with clients and their families;
• Assist clients in developing skills and behaviors necessary to recover from their addiction; and,
• Work with clients to identify behaviors or situations that interfere with their recovery.

Program Requirements

Addiction Counselor Training Program

The Department of Social Work is designated as an Addiction Counselor Training Program by the North Dakota Board of Addiction Counseling Examiners. Students who complete required courses within the minor meet the education requirements to apply for licensing in addiction counseling in the states of North Dakota and Minnesota, following the completion of a practicum in a certified addiction facility.

Application Deadline February 1

• Students must apply for admittance into a board approved Clinical Training Program.
• Applications are accepted once per year on February 1, and if admitted to this competitive program, the 960 hour practicum begins the following fall semester.
• Students are admitted to this training on two levels. The first level includes social work majors who also complete the minor in Substance Use and Addictions (required courses for licensing in addiction counseling, or their equivalent) and the 25 week long practicum in the Clinical Training Program. Students must meet all requirements for a social work major in addition to the minor requirements and the addiction practicum requirement. This generally involves a five-year program of study. For more information regarding this program, please contact Isaac Karikari (isaac.karikari@UND.edu).
• The second level relates to graduate students in Counseling who must meet the required graduate program of study, the required addiction courses, and 700 hours of practicum. For more complete details, please contact Isaac Karikari (isaac.karikari@UND.edu) or the Department of Counseling.