UMD-CEHHS Addiction Studies Certificate teaches students how to educate and heal

DEARBORN, MI - The UMD College of Education, Health, and Human Services (CEHHS) is pleased with the recently released Addiction Studies Certificate program in this academic year.

The 18-credit program prepares students for work in the field of substance abuse, like counselors, researchers, criminal justice professionals and clinical supervisors. And upon completion of the program, recovering students will be equipped to apply for certification as a peer mentor.

Julie Roddy, associate professor of the CEHHS department of Health and Human services, created the certificate. 

Julie Roddy, associate professor
department of Health and Human
Services in CEHHS

She said the program engages with the Detroit Metropolitan community by having students and community members learn from each other and giving educational tools for this issue.

“We experience all of the ailments associated with substance use in our region and most of our students stay local. They are going to be out in our neighborhoods. It’s important that we train our students on how to be compassionate and on how to help,” said Roddy, who mentioned that the class is at capacity.

Lecturer Ural Hill, a 1983 UM-Dearborn alumnus who is licensed professional counselor from the Detroit-based Self Help Abuse Rehabilitation (SHAR) organization and his own private practice, said he’s honored to teach the inaugural class for the certificate. He shared with his students how essential this work is.

“As Detroit experiences it’s rebirth we will need a mentally healthy, sober and high functioning populace. 

Lecturer Ural Hill talking to his students

We need a new generation of dedicated addiction professionals to prevent, treat and educate Detroiters about substance abuse to promote optimal health,” said Hill, who’s worked in academia for 25 years and has served a social worker in Detroit.

Joe Popa, a student of Hill's class, is a Marine veteran who has been in recovery for substance abuse. Popa said he’s doing well in his sobriety and wants to help, especially because the justice system is starting to move from incarceration to the rehabilitation process.

“People struggle because they can’t find the right kind of treatment or the right doctor. I’ve been there,” he said. “I want to help people get back on track. Getting connected to the right support gives you that chance for a new life.”

Information about this certificate can be found on the CEHHS Certificate Programs webpage.

Read full article in The Reporter.