September is National Recovery Month! Started in 1989, this national observance is held every September to promote the importance of recovery practices, evidence-based treatment, and the dedication of service providers and communities who help make recovery possible.
At Rio Salado College, we’re proud to do our part to advance the recovery field with our Addictions and Substance Use Disorders program (ASD). As a NAADAC-approved educational institution, Rio Salado offers two-year degrees in Addictions and Substance Use Disorders counseling as well as several ASD certificate programs. Rio’s ASD program is currently the only one in metro Phoenix that offers associate degrees in the field.
Rio Salado’s ASD Faculty Chair Dr. Trish Hernandez made a significant change to transform the professional practice of addiction counseling earlier this year. As a member of the Public Policy Committee for the Arizona Association of Addiction Professionals, Dr. Hernandez worked on legislative efforts to change the professional title of “Substance Abuse Counselor” to “Addictions Counselor,” a more respectful and accurate terminology designed to help reduce stigma associated with the field. Dr. Hernandez’s hard work paid off with the May 2024 passage of SB1062 by Governor Hobbs, which made that title change official.
“This will further broaden the scope of work and confront the historical stigma of addiction as a default of character, rather than a disease,” said Josh Darland, Rio Salado's program coordinator for Addiction Studies and Behavioral Science.
The ASD program at Rio is well-regarded nationwide by other addictions counseling organizations thanks to the efforts of Dr. Hernandez, ASD faculty, and the work of previous Rio ASD Faculty Chair Dr. Kirk Bowden. The Bureau of Labour Statistics projects a 19% increase in job opportunities in the addictions counseling field from 2023 to 2033; a rate of growth that’s considerably faster than the average for most occupations. The BLS estimates around 48,900 job openings for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors each year during this period of growth. For students looking to enter a rewarding field of work that’s in-demand and provides relief and support to their communities, addiction counseling has a lot to offer.
"Addiction is more than substances," said Darland, reflecting on why the recovery field continues to grow so rapidly. “Social media, gambling and food are just as addictive as alcohol or illicit substances - and they are all more present in our society.”
One ASD student who has thrived in the program is Edgar Avalos, who enrolled in Rio to further his desire to help others.
“I decided to go for a degree in Behavioral Health after working in the field and seeing how much I enjoyed helping people through their challenges,” said Avalos. “The moment that pushed me to start was when I saw how education and structured support can make a big difference for those dealing with mental health and substance issues.’
For Avalos, it was a combination of flexibility and subject matter expertise that drew him to the ASD program.
“I chose Rio Salado because it’s known for being strong in behavioral health, offers online classes that fit into my busy life, and provides great support for adult learners like me,” Avalos continued. “It’s not always easy to balance work and school, but I set aside specific times each day to study and do my assignments. I started my program in Summer 2024 and expect to finish by Spring 2025. I'm working on getting an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Addictions and Substance Use Disorders, and I’m thinking about continuing my education later to get a bachelor’s degree to help me advance in my career.”
Students like Avalos benefit from the hands-on, real-world experience of Rio Salado’s ASD instructors, who can deftly explain both the science of addiction and the steps we can take to help people address their issues. Sometimes, especially for students who are themselves going through recovery, the program can offer deeper insights into our own patterns of behavior.
“Recovery is not the same for everybody,” said ASD student Marielena Aguirre. “Being in classes as a recovering addict, I’m learning how addiction works in the brain. It's helping me to help others, and learn about myself, how I got to where I was, and how I got to where I am now.”
Part of that self-knowledge comes from the field’s emphasis on its four dimensions of recovery: health, home, purpose, and community.
“When we address the stigmas, traumas and challenges of our lives and our world with empathy and compassion, these four dimensions of recovery lift the client,” Darland said. “In doing so, everyone around the client benefits. Addiction counseling directly impacts our world for the better.”
Another major benefit that comes from completing Rio’s ASD program is that it is well-regarded in the field and offers a rigorous level of training and knowledge.
“Our program trains students to pursue designation as a Licensed Substance Abuse Technician (LSAT) through the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners,” Darland said. “This licensure identifies the Rio Salado graduate as having a higher level of knowledge and professionalism in the industry than other entry-level employees.”
Interested in learning more about our ASD degree and certificate programs? Talk to an advisor to see how you can get your best foot forward onto this rewarding path.
Hear From ASD Students
People from all walks of life have completed our ASD program. Veterans, single mothers, recovering addicts, social workers, the formerly incarcerated, and young people looking to make a difference in their community are just some of the kinds of folks who are driven to embrace the role of healer. Read their stories and hear why they were compelled to pursue a career in addictions counseling.
- Grad Triumphs over Addiction while Earning Degree
- Online Learning Leads Veteran to Degree Completion
- Formerly Incarcerated Student Proves Education Changes Lives
- Bridging the Gap