Chemical Dependency Counseling Resources

Choosing a CDC Program of Study

Chemical Dependency Counseling Student Association

Wor-Wic Community College sponsors an on campus organization for students majoring in CDC or interested in the field of counseling. The association meets monthly to discuss areas of interest to students entering the field, sponsors campus speakers and participates in wellness day and alcohol awareness activities. Interested students may contact one of the club advisors:

• Cynthia Hargis: chargis@worwic.edu
• Joe Weker: jweker@worwic.edu

Certification

For information on certification and licensure in the state of Maryland, please contact the Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists. Scroll down on their menu and click the link entitled, "Alcohol and Drug Trainee Requirements".

• Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists

Educational Resources

As professionals, all chemical dependency counselors are expected to participate in continuing education and additional training. The following sites provide information for professionals and students in the field of addictions:

• Addictions Research Organization
• CSAT: Center for Substance Abuse Treatment
• Maryland Consortium for Addictions Training in Higher Education (CATHE)
• Office of Education and Training for Addiction Services (OETAS)

Professional Organizations

Professional organizations provide students and professionals with the opportunity to interact with others in their profession, access current information and research in the field and participate in conferences and training with other professionals. Most professional organizations allow students to join as student members at reduced rates. The following sites provide information on several national professional organizations:

• American Counseling Association
• American Psychiatric Association
• American Psychological Association
• National Association of Social Workers

Treatment Programs

Chemical dependency counseling takes place in a variety of treatment facilities both public and private. Information on programs in any area can be obtained through the local health department or social service agency. Students interested in treatment programs in Maryland can access a county list at the following site:

• ADAA Resource Directory

12 Step Programs

The concept of 12 step groups began with the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous, a self help grouped formed by two men interested in helping others on the road to recovery. AA has become a national organization that promotes the use of local self-help and adherence to the 12 steps to sobriety. The 12-step movement has also involved helping family members of Alcoholics (Al-Anon and Alateen), Adult Children of Alcoholics, Gamblers Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Overeaters Anonymous. For help with chemical dependency and addictions, these are effective programs. If you would like more information on the 12 Step Program, you can search the following national sites:

• Adult Children of Alcoholics
• Al-Anon and Alateen
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Gamblers Anonymous
• Narcotics Anonymous
• Overeaters Anonymous

Local 12 Step Programs

You may access information concerning local AA, Al-anon/Alateen and Narcotics Anonymous meetings through the following links:

• Alanon/Alateen Lower Eastern Shore
• Alcoholics Anonymous, Lower Shore Intergroup
• Narcotics Anonymous, OGANA, Ocean Gateway Area