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Brittany
Student
Wilmington, North Carolina
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What is the difference in a psychology degree focusing on addiction versus a degree in social science focusing on substance abuse I am an adult with a GED looking to go back to school online?
What is the difference in a psychology degree focusing on addiction versus a degree in social science focusing on substance abuse? I am an adult with a GED looking to go back to school online.
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2 answers
Brianna C., MS, SLP
Speech language pathology
148
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Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Brianna’s Answer
A psychology degree with focus on addiction would be preparing you for clinical psychology, which requires a Masters or PhD afterwards if you plan on being a practicing therapist or counselor. This is working one-on-one with patients, or in a group therapy setting in the mental health care field.
On the other hand, a social science degree focuses more on top-down analyses of addiction from a public policy standpoint. You can choose to go on and become a practicing clinician with a Master's or PhD with this foundational degree as well, but it is much more focused on things like substance abuse research, socio-economic research, community health policy, and public health policy.
On the other hand, a social science degree focuses more on top-down analyses of addiction from a public policy standpoint. You can choose to go on and become a practicing clinician with a Master's or PhD with this foundational degree as well, but it is much more focused on things like substance abuse research, socio-economic research, community health policy, and public health policy.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Brittany
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
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Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Britanny,
Both a psychology degree with a focus on addiction and a social science degree emphasizing substance abuse are interconnected fields. However, they differ in their scope, focus, and potential career trajectories.
A psychology degree in addiction, also known as "psychology of addiction" or "clinical psychology with a specialization in addiction," delves into the psychological, biological, and societal aspects of substance use disorders. It equips students with an understanding of addiction's causes, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatments. They acquire knowledge in neurobiology, behavioral theories, counseling techniques, and research methods. Graduates may offer therapy and counseling services in various settings like mental health clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or private practices, aiding individuals grappling with addiction.
On the other hand, a social science degree in substance abuse, often called a "substance abuse counseling" or "human services" degree, merges elements from sociology, psychology, anthropology, criminal justice, and public health. It aims to comprehend the social factors leading to substance use and abuse. Students learn about the repercussions of drugs on families, communities, and society, along with prevention strategies and intervention methods. Graduates can serve as substance abuse counselors in community-based organizations or treatment facilities, assisting individuals to overcome addiction via group therapy sessions or one-on-one counseling.
To summarize:
- A psychology degree in addiction underscores the psychological aspects of substance use disorders and readies students for careers as psychologists, offering therapy services to individuals battling addiction issues.
- A social science degree in substance abuse concentrates on the social factors leading to substance use and prepares students for careers as substance abuse counselors, working directly with individuals and communities affected by substance abuse problems.
Cited References:
American Psychological Association (APA). (n.d.). Addiction: What Is It? Retrieved May 30, 2023, from https://www.apa.org/topics/addictions/index.
National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA). (n.d.). Substance Abuse Counseling vs Psychology: Which Degree Is Right for You? Retrieved May 31, 2023, from https://www.casacolumbia.org/learn-about-the-issues/addictions/understanding-addiction/substance-abuse-counseling-vs.-psychology.
UCLA College of Letters & Science - Social Sciences Division - Department of Sociology & Social Welfare - Substance Abuse Programs & Research Centers (n.d.). Substance Abuse Research Centers & Programs at UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs - Department of Sociology & Social Welfare - UCLA College of Letters & Science - University of California Los Angeles. Retrieved May 31, 2023, from https://socwelfare.ucla.edu/research/centers/substance_abuse/.
Take care and God bless,
JC.
Both a psychology degree with a focus on addiction and a social science degree emphasizing substance abuse are interconnected fields. However, they differ in their scope, focus, and potential career trajectories.
A psychology degree in addiction, also known as "psychology of addiction" or "clinical psychology with a specialization in addiction," delves into the psychological, biological, and societal aspects of substance use disorders. It equips students with an understanding of addiction's causes, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatments. They acquire knowledge in neurobiology, behavioral theories, counseling techniques, and research methods. Graduates may offer therapy and counseling services in various settings like mental health clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or private practices, aiding individuals grappling with addiction.
On the other hand, a social science degree in substance abuse, often called a "substance abuse counseling" or "human services" degree, merges elements from sociology, psychology, anthropology, criminal justice, and public health. It aims to comprehend the social factors leading to substance use and abuse. Students learn about the repercussions of drugs on families, communities, and society, along with prevention strategies and intervention methods. Graduates can serve as substance abuse counselors in community-based organizations or treatment facilities, assisting individuals to overcome addiction via group therapy sessions or one-on-one counseling.
To summarize:
- A psychology degree in addiction underscores the psychological aspects of substance use disorders and readies students for careers as psychologists, offering therapy services to individuals battling addiction issues.
- A social science degree in substance abuse concentrates on the social factors leading to substance use and prepares students for careers as substance abuse counselors, working directly with individuals and communities affected by substance abuse problems.
Cited References:
American Psychological Association (APA). (n.d.). Addiction: What Is It? Retrieved May 30, 2023, from https://www.apa.org/topics/addictions/index.
National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA). (n.d.). Substance Abuse Counseling vs Psychology: Which Degree Is Right for You? Retrieved May 31, 2023, from https://www.casacolumbia.org/learn-about-the-issues/addictions/understanding-addiction/substance-abuse-counseling-vs.-psychology.
UCLA College of Letters & Science - Social Sciences Division - Department of Sociology & Social Welfare - Substance Abuse Programs & Research Centers (n.d.). Substance Abuse Research Centers & Programs at UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs - Department of Sociology & Social Welfare - UCLA College of Letters & Science - University of California Los Angeles. Retrieved May 31, 2023, from https://socwelfare.ucla.edu/research/centers/substance_abuse/.
Take care and God bless,
JC.