Courses

Online Undergraduate Courses in Addictions Intervention

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2018) found that 92% of individuals who need treatment for a substance use disorder (SUD) do not receive it.

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Undergraduate-level courses, fully online
Gain Valuable Non-Clinical Experience

Throughout this program, students develop their understanding of general public health constructs, receive non-clinical training in prevention, and learn methodologies in lay counseling through an introductory capstone course.

A Growing Need

There is a growing need for non-clinical professionals to learn about substance use, evidence-based prevention practices, and systems to facilitate referral to treatment.

Addressing the Need

To address this public health issue, a sequence of courses has been developed for undergraduate students at Indiana University. Students who complete these courses with passing grades can immediately apply to receive formal credentials as a Board-Certified Substance Use Consultant (BCSUC) through the Indiana Credentialing Association on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (ICAADA).

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Become a Board-Certified Substance Use Consultant Required Courses

To be eligible to apply for the BCSUC credential, students must complete and pass 12 credit hours (four courses) of designated courses.



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ICAADA Accreditation Receive Credential

Once the required courses have been completed, students will be able to register to become a Board-Certified Substance Use Consultant (BCSUC) through the Indiana Credentialing Association on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (ICAADA).

Designated Courses


An interdisciplinary approach to the study of drug use in American society. The course will examine the effects of alcohol, tobacco, and the "illicit" drugs on the physical, mental, and social health of the individuals.

Addresses contemporary theories of addiction including behavioral, psychological, biological, physiological, social/cultural, and other approaches. Examines addictions found among youth and adults including tobacco, alcohol, other drugs, sex, eating, Internet, gambling, and work. Upon completion, students will demonstrate knowledge of addiction theories and the factors underlying addictive behaviors.

Reviews recent developments in mental health; implications for public health and school health programs; and roles of health educators in supportive listening, crisis intervention, and appropriate counseling and referral strategies for contemporary health issues.

Introduces students to evidence-based practices (EBPs) used in the assessment and treatment of substance abuse. It equips students with skills to identify and effectively intervene with, or make referrals for, individuals who are at moderate or high risk from substance use.


*Note: Some students may have taken this course as SPH-H 350. This will not affect the credentaling.


“I would like to thank you for your work and for providing us with so many great resources about drug use, assessment, and treatment. This is my only class from IU that has talked in depth about drug use and SBIRT, and I am very thankful to have been able to take the class.”

-Former H419 Student Capstone Course