Addictions Worker Specialty Certificate

The Addictions Worker Specialty Program is intended for individuals and healthcare professionals who want to work in the health or social services field and have previous related post-secondary education. Social and community service addiction workers administer and implement a variety of social assistance programs and community services specializing in additions. They assist clients to deal with personal and social problems. They are employed by social service and government agencies, mental health agencies, group homes, shelters, substance abuse centres, school boards, correctional facilities, and other establishments. 

This 300-hour program provides students with the base knowledge and skills to become employable in a social services or health-related field working with individuals and their families dealing with addictions.

Start Dates: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer 

Program Length: 12 Weeks (300 hours)

Class Times: Flexible Hours (Mornings, Afternoons, Online Studies also available)

Program Costs:

• Full Program Cost: $5,300
• SkillsPEI Funding (if EI Eligible): $3,710
• Student Cost: $1,590
• Book Cost: $110

Tuition fees include all course materials.

Graduation Requirements: Students must maintain a 75% program average to obtain a diploma.  

• Level II Police Records Check
• Previous related post-secondary education (which may include successfully completing our Community Service Worker program). 

Graduates of this program are qualified to work in a wide variety of settings and occupations:

• Rehabilitation Centre
• Public Addiction Counseling Clinics
• Private Addiction Counseling Clinics
• Addiction & Drug Awareness agencies
• Mental Health Centres
• Healthcare & Social Assistance
• Nursing & Residential Care Facilities
• Youth Centres
• Individual and Family Services
• Youth Protection Services
• Public Administration
• Civic & Social Administration
• Social Advocacy
• Grant-Making Organizations
• Provincial Government
• Out-Patient Care Centres 
• Local Community Service Centres
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services
• Educational Services
• Hospitals
• Social Food & Housing Programming
• Emergency Relief Services

Skill Development is delivered in the following areas:

• Addictions Worker Module I: This module introduces students to the world of addictions in Canadian society. They begin with an overview of drugs and drug use in Canada today. Topics include drugs as a social problem, toxicity, substance dependence, crime and violence as it pertains to drug use, and the pharmaceutical industry in Canada. Students review how drugs work on the brain and human body, and learn about the chemical theories of behaviour. Students are also introduced to various non-substance addictions, including Impulse Control Addictions (kleptomania, pyromania, gambling) and Behavioural Addictions (food, sex, pornography, using computers or the internet, playing video games, working, exercising , and shopping).

• Addictions Worker Module II: This module continues the exploration into addictions, this time focusing on stimulants (like cocaine), amphetamines (pain killers), depressants, and inhalants. Students learn how psychotherapeutic drugs including antipsychotics and antidepressants are used in the treatment of mental illness. Topics include alcohol and familiar drugs like tobacco and caffeine, as well as natural health products and over-the-counter drugs. 

• Addictions Worker Module III: This module moves into restricted drugs including opioids, hallucinogens, cannabis, and performance-enhancing drugs. Students learn about both the prevention and treatment of addictions, including organizations which focus on rehabilitation. 

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