Is becoming a drug and alcohol counselor right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do drug and alcohol counselors do?
Career Satisfaction
Are drug and alcohol counselors happy with their careers?
Personality
What are drug and alcohol counselors like?

Still unsure if becoming a drug and alcohol counselor is the right career path? to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become a drug and alcohol counselor or another similar career!

Described by our users as being “shockingly accurate”, you might discover careers you haven’t thought of before.

How to become a Drug and Alcohol Counselor

Becoming a drug and alcohol counselor requires specific education, training, and licensure. Here is a detailed description of the steps required to become a drug and alcohol counselor:

  • Earn a bachelor's degree: While some states may only require a high school diploma or equivalent, many states require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as social work or psychology. Some employers may require or prefer a master's degree.
  • Complete a substance abuse counselor training program: After earning a degree, aspiring drug and alcohol counselors must complete a substance abuse counselor training program. This program should be accredited by the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC) or the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
  • Complete supervised clinical experience: Most states require supervised clinical experience in substance abuse counseling before becoming licensed. This may involve working with clients under the supervision of a licensed counselor for a specified number of hours.
  • Pass a state-approved exam: Once the clinical experience requirement is met, aspiring drug and alcohol counselors must pass a state-approved exam. This exam may cover topics such as substance abuse counseling techniques, ethical and legal issues in counseling, and diagnostic criteria for substance abuse disorders.
  • Obtain state licensure: To become a licensed drug and alcohol counselor, candidates must obtain a state license. Licensure requirements vary by state, but typically involve completing the above steps and meeting specific educational and experiential requirements.
  • Pursue ongoing education and training: Once licensed, drug and alcohol counselors must complete ongoing education and training to maintain their licensure and stay up-to-date with advances in the field.

Certifications
In the United States, there are several certifications for drug and alcohol counselors, including:

  • Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC): Offered by the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC), the CADC is a widely recognized certification in the field of addiction counseling. Requirements for the CADC may vary by state, but typically include a certain number of education and experience hours, as well as passing an exam.
  • Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC): Offered by the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCC AP), the CAC is another widely recognized certification in the field of addiction counseling. Requirements for the CAC may vary by state, but typically include a certain number of education and experience hours, as well as passing an exam.
  • Certified Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CCADC): Offered by the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC), the CCADC is a higher-level certification that requires a master's degree in a related field and a certain number of supervised hours of clinical experience.
  • Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC): Offered by individual states, the LADC is a state-level license that allows individuals to practice as drug and alcohol counselors within that state. Requirements for the LADC may vary by state, but typically include a certain number of education and experience hours, as well as passing an exam.

Online Resources
There are many online resources available for drug and alcohol counselors, including:

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): SAMHSA is a government agency that provides information, resources, and guidance related to substance abuse and mental health. Their website offers a variety of resources, including publications, training materials, and treatment locator tools.
  • National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): NIDA is a government research institute that focuses on understanding the nature and causes of drug abuse and addiction. Their website offers a wealth of information on drug abuse and addiction, including statistics, research findings, and educational resources.
  • National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD): NCADD is a nonprofit organization that provides education, advocacy, and support for individuals and families affected by alcohol and drug addiction. Their website offers resources for counselors, including training materials and information on evidence-based practices.
  • The Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC): NAADAC is a professional organization for addiction counselors that offers a variety of resources and training opportunities for its members. Their website offers information on certification and licensure, as well as resources for continuing education and professional development.
  • Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network (ATTC): The ATTC Network is a nationwide network of centers that provides training and technical assistance to substance abuse treatment professionals. Their website offers resources for counselors, including webinars, online courses, and training materials.