Diploma in Substance Use & Addiction Counseling

Substance use and addiction affect not only individuals but also families, workplaces, and entire communities. From alcohol and drug dependence to gambling, internet, and behavioral addictions, the effects are often devastating, leading to health crises, broken relationships, and social problems.

The Diploma in Substance Use & Addiction Counseling at the Chartered Institute of Counseling in Nigeria (CICN) equips professionals with the knowledge, skills, and therapeutic tools to prevent, assess, and treat substance use and addiction in diverse contexts. Students will learn evidence-based approaches to recovery while also addressing the cultural, social, and economic realities of addiction in African communities.

Why Choose the CICN Diploma in Substance Use & Addiction Counseling?

Addiction is often misunderstood as a moral weakness instead of a mental health condition. CICN provides a professional, compassionate, and scientific approach that prepares graduates to help clients achieve recovery, restore relationships, and rebuild their lives.

This program combines theory, practical interventions, and supervised experience, making graduates highly sought-after in healthcare, rehabilitation, and community support services.

What You Will Learn

The curriculum blends psychology, counseling techniques, and rehabilitation strategies, covering:

Foundations of Addiction Counseling – Understanding substance use disorders and behavioral addictions.
Neurobiology of Addiction – How the brain and body are affected by substances and compulsive behaviors.
Screening, Assessment & Diagnosis – Tools for evaluating addiction severity and readiness for change.
Treatment Approaches & Modalities – Motivational interviewing, CBT, relapse prevention, harm reduction, and recovery models.
Co-Occurring Disorders – Addressing mental health conditions alongside addiction.
Family & Community Dynamics – Supporting families and reducing stigma in addiction recovery.
Relapse Management & Long-Term Recovery – Building resilience and sustainable change.
Ethics & Professional Boundaries – Working responsibly with vulnerable clients.
Rehabilitation & Reintegration – Helping clients re-enter society and workplaces.
Supervised Practicum – Real-world training in addiction and recovery support settings.

Program Outcomes

By the end of this diploma, graduates will be able to:

Provide counseling to individuals struggling with substance use and behavioral addictions.
Conduct assessments and develop treatment plans tailored to client needs.
Apply evidence-based interventions to support recovery and prevent relapse.
Support families affected by addiction with counseling and psychoeducation.
Promote prevention and awareness programs in communities and organizations.
Integrate ethical and culturally sensitive practices into addiction counseling.

Who Can Enroll?

This diploma is ideal for:

Aspiring professional addiction counselors.
Mental health practitioners, psychologists, and social workers.
Medical and healthcare professionals working in rehabilitation or psychiatric settings.
NGO and community workers addressing substance abuse and recovery.
Religious and community leaders supporting individuals and families affected by addiction.
Anyone passionate about helping people overcome destructive cycles and rebuild their lives.

Program Details

Duration: 12 months (with flexible online and on-campus study options)
Certification: Diploma in Substance Use & Addiction Counseling (Chartered Institute of Counseling in Nigeria)
Progression: Graduates may advance to a Higher Diploma, specialized addiction therapy certification, or professional licensing programs.

Career Opportunities After Graduation

Graduates of this program can work in:

Rehabilitation & Treatment Centers – supporting clients through recovery.
Hospitals & Healthcare Facilities – integrating counseling into medical care.
Private Practice Counseling – offering addiction-focused therapy.
NGOs & Community Outreach Programs – providing prevention, intervention, and recovery services.
Corporate Wellness Programs – helping employees overcome addiction challenges.
Faith-Based & Community Organizations – delivering compassionate recovery support.
Government & Social Welfare Agencies – contributing to public health policy and intervention strategies.

Why CICN?

As Africa’s leading institute for professional counseling education and licensing, CICN offers a curriculum that blends international best practices with African cultural realities. Our Diploma in Substance Use & Addiction Counseling is taught by expert practitioners with extensive experience in addiction recovery, mental health, and community-based interventions.

At CICN, we don’t just train addiction counselors, we raise recovery champions who restore hope, rebuild families, and transform communities.

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The Chartered Institute of Counseling in Nigeria is a reputable Counseling Institute, the first of its kind in Africa; affiliated with other professional educational Institutions, Associations, and bodies both in Nigeria and Internationally.

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