Substance Abuse and Addiction Counselor Certification Guide

CADC certification is typically overseen by state licensing boards or nationally recognized professional organizations. For instance, in the United States, each state has its own requirements and governing boards, such as the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) or the Board of Behavioral Sciences in California. Prospective counselors should check the specific requirements and processes applicable in their state or region. To become licensed or certified as an alcohol and drug counselor, you will likely need to pass an exam. Examples include the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium’s (IC&RC) Alcohol and Drug Counselor Examination and Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor Examination.

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If you’re passionate about helping individuals overcome addiction, a career as a substance abuse counselor can be incredibly rewarding. To become a substance abuse counselor, you’ll typically need a degree in substance abuse counseling, psychology, or a related field. Some states require certification or licensure, which may involve passing an exam and gaining supervised clinical experience.

How to Apply

Some states may require additional coursework or exams, while others might accept an out-of-state CADC certification outright. It’s advisable to contact the certifying body in the state to which you are moving for specific details. Our Online Program also offers flexibility and has benchmark goals to keep students on track.

Step 4: Learn About Substance Abuse/Addictions Counselor Salaries

• Prepare and create unique approaches for each client as you help them identify and modify problem behaviors.
• The demand for certified professionals in substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counseling is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, according to the U.S.
• CADC certification is typically overseen by state licensing boards or nationally recognized professional organizations.
• Other certifications, like Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) or Master Addiction Counselor (MAC), may require more education and experience, cover a broader scope of practice, or focus on more advanced treatment modalities.
• Since all coursework is submitted on Moodle, students can trust that all completed assignments are organized, secure and visible to their instructor in real time.

With hard work, you can become a successful counselor and make a positive impact on the lives of others. Addiction counselors are mental health professionals who help people manage drug addiction and substance abuse counseling co-occurring disorders. Research suggests that recreational drug intake is increasing, and the social and individual need for alcohol, drug, and addictions counselors is rising in step. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 18% growth in demand for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors over the next decade. Establish a grounded understanding of the social and psychological factors related to addiction and best practices for addiction treatment.

• Examples include the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium’s (IC&RC) Alcohol and Drug Counselor Examination and Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor Examination.
• A small group found a way to bridge the differences between states, then nations.
• CADC certification equips professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide effective therapy and support in various settings.
• The chronic use of a substance that alters the mind, such as alcohol or narcotics, is referred to as substance abuse.
• Since every state is unique, check your state regulatory board for how to apply.

Counselors who work with substance-abuse clients may also be able to tell something about them based on specific behavioral and physical characteristics. Before beginning any type of counseling or treatment, substance abuse and addictions counselors must be certain that their clients are sincere in their desire to break their patterns and discontinue recurrences of substance abuse. Without this desire, neither the addict nor the therapist will likely be able to accomplish much other than wasting a lot of time. For more information on relevant examinations, it’s advised that you contact your state government. Our certified substance abuse counselor training program offers students flexibility without compromising academic excellence through a variety of formats and features including self-paced online format, rolling admission, and more. Besides the doctors, nurses, and counselors, there are others who contribute to and provide care and treatment to those with substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions.

What is addiction?‎

You might also want to talk with a substance abuse counselor in your community. And as mental and behavioral health awareness continues to grow, along with access to treatment, so does the demand for qualified substance abuse counselors, also known as addiction counselors. In a majority of cases, addicts or affected people approach substance abuse and addictions counselors when they’re ready. However, in other cases, affected persons could be compelled to visit a counselor by family members or by police or government authorities. A family might contact a drug addiction counselor for assistance in behavioral intervention, such as when a person’s loved ones confront them about the consequences of their substance abuse. This kind of therapy could also be a requirement of someone’s jail sentence, probation, or parole.

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• Addiction occurs when someone has a compulsive desire to use a specific drug, such as alcohol, or perform a certain action, such as gamble.
• There are many different master’s degrees and counseling programs to fit your goals.
• As a substance abuse counselor, you become a member of a support system for individuals with drug and alcohol dependencies, behavior-related addictions, eating disorders, and other issues connected with addiction.
• To support mental healthcare by acting as a complete resource for students interested in entering or advancing their education in the counseling and psychology fields.
• Our certified substance abuse counselor training program offers students flexibility without compromising academic excellence through a variety of formats and features including self-paced online format, rolling admission, and more.

By taking our classes online, you can complete 315 educational hours (including practicum hours) in as fast as six months. …Read MoreSCSAS has a strong rooted belief that counseling and recovery can transform and save lives. This belief ensures that all graduates are fully prepared to enter the the field of substance use counseling as successful and competent counselors. If a refund is requested within 48 hours of making payment for coursework, a 90% refund will be provided. Explore what’s working in addiction prevention, deflection, treatment, and recovery.

We are not responsible for any information concerning NBCC or our programs, services, or activities that is published or displayed on any third-party website(s). These websites are maintained by third parties over which we exercise no control, and for which we have no responsibility. Individuals should verify any information obtained from third-party sources by referring to our official site or contacting our customer service team directly. Once you complete the application process, you will need to meet ongoing requirements in order to maintain and recertify your MAC.