Shasta College Alcohol and Drug Studies Program
Earns All Three Top Statewide Accreditations
Shasta College is proud to announce that its Alcohol and Drug Studies (ADS) Program has received full accreditation from the California Association for Alcohol/Drug Educators (CAADE), completing a trio of prestigious accreditations that position the college as a statewide leader in addiction studies education.
The CAADE accreditation, officially granted through April 28, 2028, signifies that Shasta College’s program meets the highest standards in addiction counselor training, offering a curriculum grounded in evidence-based practices and aligned with the curriculum guide and C-ID descriptor recommendations. In their review, the CAADE Accreditation Committee commended Shasta College for its exceptional adherence to these rigorous academic and clinical benchmarks.
With this latest recognition, Shasta College now holds all three major addiction studies accreditations in California:
- California Association for Alcohol/Drug Educators (CAADE)
- California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) – accreditation renewed April 4, 2025, through April 30, 2028
- California Association of DUI Treatment Programs (CADTP) – accreditation renewed on March 28, 2025.
“This achievement strengthens Shasta College’s role in addressing California’s urgent need for well-trained, compassionate professionals in the substance use treatment field,” said Superintendent/President Dr. Frank Nigro. “By offering an accredited, accessible, and respected program, the college is supporting local communities while opening career pathways for students across Northern California and beyond.”
About the Shasta College ADS Program:
The Alcohol and Drug Studies Program at Shasta College is a comprehensive academic, vocational, and clinical program focused on the prevention, treatment, and recovery of individuals affected by addiction. Students benefit from a research-driven curriculum and hands-on experience. Graduates can earn either a Certificate or an Associate of Science degree, equipping them to enter the workforce, or continue their education. The program had over 200 enrollments in the fall and spring semesters and will see it’s first graduating class in fall 2025.
The program’s triple accreditation gives students the flexibility to pursue certification through CAADE, CCAPP, or CADTP—the three counselor-certifying bodies authorized by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). Upon completing the program and required internship hours, students are eligible to sit for state certification exams through the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) to become certified alcohol and drug counselors.
For more information about the Shasta College Alcohol and Drug Studies Program, call (530) 242-7724, or visit https://www.shastacollege.edu/academics/programs/alcohol-and-drug-studies/