Substance use disorders are an epidemic problem in the United States, and addiction specialists are in high demand. If you’ve ever considered becoming a certified addiction counselor, Sober College, we can help you get on the path toward this new career, but first, let’s explore this profession and what’s required for certification.
What Does An Addiction Counselor Do?
Counseling is actually just one component of this job, and a certified addiction counselor must handle a wide range of tasks. These are known as the 12 Core Functions of Addiction Counseling, and they include:
- Patient Screening
- Patient Intake
- Patient Orientation
- Assessment
- Treatment Planning
- Counseling
- Case Management
- Crisis Intervention
- Client Education
- Reporting & Record Keeping
- Consultation with Other Professionals
Many people are surprised by the amount of paperwork involved in substance abuse counselor jobs, but it is a huge part of the workload. Therefore, potential counselors don’t need to just possess empathy and good listening skills, but also good organizational skills.
How To Become A Substance Abuse Counselor
There are many types of addiction professionals, and one of the most common entry-level counseling options is a Certified Addiction Counselor, or CAC. The name for this job varies from state to state, but the responsibilities and much of the training tend to be identical.
For instance, in some states, you might be known as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC). Other terms include Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) or perhaps a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC). Again, while the names may vary, the actual work and requirements tend to be similar.
Educational Requirements
In most states, a CADC or CAC does not need a college degree to earn their initial certification. However, you will need to complete some addiction studies education. For instance, in Florida, you will need to complete 300 hours of training from an approved education provider, and at least six of these hours must include education regarding professional ethics and responsibilities.
At Sober College, our program includes 315 hours of training, and one class is devoted entirely to law and ethics. Our program, which is IC&RC-approved and NAADAC-approved, can be used to complete educational requirements in Florida as well as most other states. Alaska, Montana, and North Dakota are the only exceptions.
Practicum Requirements
A practicum is an internship where you work at an approved facility and, typically, spend at least 21 hours handling each of the 12 Core Functions of Addiction Counseling. At Sober College, your practicum experience is included in our program, so by the time you finish your educational requirements, you likely will have completed most of your practicum.
Testing Requirements
The International Certification Reciprocity Consortium, or IC&RC, is an international credentialing organization that provides standardized testing for addiction professionals. To earn your CAC or CADC certification or a similar certification, you must pass the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor exam.
Work Experience Requirements
Once you complete your education and testing requirements, you will be able to work at a treatment facility as a counselor, but you will be uncertified until you complete your work experience hours. The number of hours you need to complete varies from state to state, and sometimes by your level of education.
For instance, to earn CAC certification in Florida, the number of hours you must complete depends entirely on your education level. For instance, if you have a high school diploma and no college degree, you must complete 6,000 hours of supervised work experience.
If you have an associate’s degree, you will need to complete 5,000 hours. If you have a bachelor’s degree, you must complete 4,000 hours, and if you have earned a master’s degree, you only have to complete 2,000 work experience hours.
Keep in mind, these degrees must be focused on areas related to mental health care, addiction counseling, or a related field. For instance, if you have a nursing degree, this will qualify, as would a degree in pharmaceutical science, sociology, child development, and even divinity, as long as the concentration of your studies was in counseling.
Florida also is unique in that not all of your work experience hours are supervised. In some states, all of the work experience hours must be completed under supervision. However, in Florida, you only need between 100 and 300 hours, depending on your level of education.
Every state is unique, so be sure to go to your certification board’s website and research all of the certification requirements in your state carefully. For instance, in California, people without a college degree must complete only 3,000 hours for CADC I certification.
Additional Requirements
Once you earn your initial certification, you will need to renew your credential every two years. To renew, you will need to complete a specific number of continuing education hours. Again, this number varies by state, so be sure to research what your state requires for renewal.
Get Started At Sober College
If you are interested in becoming a certified substance abuse counselor, we can help. We offer a quality addiction studies program that can be completed in just six months, and we offer rolling admissions so that you can begin at any time. Our program is 100% online, as well, making it convenient for busy, working adults. To take the first step toward a new career as a certified addiction counselor, head to our homepage, click the Get Started tab, select Apply, and download our application.
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