University of Maryland Global Campus

CNSL 694: Internship 2: Substance Use and Addictions

A guide to UMGC's second addictions internship, which completes the field experience for students on the dual licensure route.

Updated October 2026 · 5 min read

CNSL 694 is the second 300-hour supervised experience in an addiction counseling setting for UMGC students pursuing dual licensure as professional and alcohol and drug counselors.

UMGC lists CNSL 693 as a prerequisite or corequisite, together with departmental approval and proof of individual professional counseling liability insurance. That means some students complete both addictions internships in the same period, while others take them one after the other.

Where CNSL 693 centers on entering the setting, assessment and engagement, the second internship is a chance to work through the rest of the treatment journey: relapse prevention, group work, co-occurring conditions, family involvement and discharge planning.

Course at a Glance

ItemDetails
UniversityUniversity of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)
Course codeCNSL 694
Credits3 (graduate)
Hours300 supervised hours in an addiction counseling setting
PrerequisitesCNSL 693 (before or alongside); departmental approval; liability insurance
PurposeSupports dual licensure (LCPC and LCADC)

Core Skills for the Second Addictions Internship

Relapse Prevention

Relapse prevention helps clients identify high-risk situations, early warning signs and coping responses, and treats a lapse as information rather than failure. A written plan usually lists triggers, coping strategies, supports and what to do if use occurs.

Example: A (fictional) client in early recovery identifies Friday paydays and contact with old friends as high-risk. The plan includes a set Friday routine with a sponsor meeting, a bank transfer of cash on payday, a list of three people to call, and an agreement to tell the counselor about any lapse at the next session.

Group Counseling

Groups are central in many addiction programs, from psychoeducation to process groups. Reflections are stronger when they discuss group stage, cohesion and how you handled challenges such as a member dominating or arriving intoxicated.

Co-Occurring Disorders

Many clients have a mental health condition alongside substance use. Integrated treatment, where both are addressed together, is generally preferred to treating one and waiting on the other. Papers should show how the two conditions interact for the client.

Discharge and Continuing Care

Planning for discharge starts early and covers step-down care, recovery supports, medication follow-up where relevant and housing or employment needs.

Documentation Habits

By the second addictions internship you will be writing many progress notes and treatment plan updates. Notes that describe what was done, how the client responded and the plan for next time, written promptly and objectively, protect clients and you.

Reflection papers sometimes ask how documentation supported continuity of care; answer with your practices, never with client details.

Typical Written Work and How to Approach It

Work typeWhat it testsHow to approach it
Relapse prevention plan exerciseApplied recovery planningUse a fictional client; link triggers to specific coping steps
Group process reflectionGroup leadershipDescribe the group stage, an event and your response
Co-occurring case paperIntegrated thinkingShow how each condition affects the other and the plan
Continuing care paperSystems knowledgeMap supports available after discharge and barriers to them

Families and Recovery Supports

Addiction affects families, and families can be a powerful support in recovery. Second-internship assignments often ask how you would involve them: psychoeducation about addiction and recovery, communication skills, boundaries, and referral to family support groups.

Consent rules apply, so any family contact must follow the client's wishes and the site's confidentiality procedures.

Mutual-help groups, peer recovery specialists, sober living options and employment support also form part of continuing care. A strong discharge or continuing care paper explains why each support suits the client and what barriers, such as transport or cost, might stand in the way.

Where Students Get Stuck

Tips for CNSL 694

How We Help with CNSL 694

We support the written assignments of the second addictions internship: relapse prevention plan exercises, group reflections, co-occurring case papers and research, always with fictional or fully de-identified material. Send the prompt, rubric and feedback.

We never complete hours, logs, notes or site forms, and never accept identifying client information. GradeEssays is independent of the University of Maryland Global Campus; your clinical work and reflections must be your own under UMGC's academic integrity policy.

Complete Your Addictions Writing with Confidence

Share the assignment, template and feedback. We help with de-identified treatment papers, group reflections and research.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours does CNSL 694 require?

UMGC describes an approved field-based supervised experience of 300 hours in an addiction counseling setting.

Can I take CNSL 694 at the same time as CNSL 693?

UMGC lists CNSL 693 as a prerequisite or corequisite, so it can be taken before or alongside, subject to approval.

Who is CNSL 694 for?

Students seeking dual licensure as a licensed clinical professional counselor and a licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor.

How is CNSL 694 different from CNSL 693?

The hours are the same. This guide suggests using the second internship to deepen recovery-phase skills such as relapse prevention, groups and discharge planning.

Do these hours count toward licensure?

That depends on your state board's rules. Check them early and keep signed records.

Can you help with a group process reflection?

Yes. We can help you structure and edit your own reflection, keeping all member details de-identified.