Drexel University Online Launches Certificate of Advanced Study in Integrative Addiction Therapies

Drexel University Online Launches Certificate of Advanced Study in Integrative Addiction Therapies

April 24, 2014

Drexel University Online and the Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions are pleased to announce the creation of the Certificate of Advanced Study in Integrative Addiction Therapies (ASIAT).

Substance use disorders are among the United States’ most ubiquitous health and social issues. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 20.6 million people aged 12 or older were classified with substance dependence or abuse in 2011. Addressing this growing health concern, the online graduate certificate program teaches future addiction counselors how to help clients with substance use disorders achieve recovery through holistic and integrative health care.

“This pioneering program educates students to incorporate evidence-based complementary and integrative therapies, such as nutritional neuroscience, neurofeedback, meditation, auricular acupuncture and Qigong bioenergy therapies, within the framework of conventional health care,” said Stephanie Ross, founding director of the Complementary and Integrative Therapy Program and assistant clinical professor in the College of Nursing & Health Professions. 

To support a lifestyle change, an integrative treatment program for addiction requires combining neuronutritional treatment with bio, psycho, social, spiritual and economic facets, in conjunction with proper counseling and education. Students of the ASIAT program are trained in integrative therapies that enable health care practitioners to incorporate innovative, caring and holistic methods to an underserved population.

“Drexel’s Certificate of Advanced Study in Integrative Addiction Therapies program addresses the importance of treating patients suffering from substance use disorders within a holistic spectrum by healing the body, mind and spirit,” said Ross. 

Serving as the director of Drexel’s ASIAT program, Ross is a pioneer in bringing Complementary and Integrative Therapy education to nurses, medical students and other health care professionals throughout the United States. Her expertise in botanical medicine, women’s integrative health and clinical nutrition has positioned Ross to be an expert on the advisory board for the Center for Neural Renewal and the speaker’s bureau for the American Botanical Council. Ross is also the associate science editor for the prestigious peer-reviewed Holistic Nursing Practice Journal.

The ASIAT Certificate will be available this fall and is taught by internationally-recognized faculty from Drexel’s School of Nursing and Health Professions. Students with backgrounds in behavioral health counseling, couple and family therapy, nutrition sciences, psychology, rehabilitation sciences, nursing and the creative arts therapies are encouraged to apply. For more information on the ASIAT Certificate or to enroll, please visit www.drexel.com/addictiontherapy.