The field of substance abuse counseling is growing quickly, and the demand for counselors is high. If you’ve been interested working as a certified substance use disorder (SUD) counselor, it’s smart to research the actual day-to-day tasks you will be expected to handle as a counselor. Here’s a quick look at what to expect.
In general, a SUD counselor will be expected to proficiently handle all of the 12 Core Functions of Addiction Counseling. The “functions” were developed as part of a broader effort to standardize and professionalize substance abuse counseling. Their origins trace back to the 1970s and 1980s, when the field of addiction treatment was evolving beyond its roots in peer support and moving toward a more structured, evidence-based approach.
Here’s a breakdown of each of the 12 Core Functions of Addiction Counseling, along with how they translate into the daily work of substance abuse counselors.
1. Patient Screening
This is the initial process of determining whether a potential client is appropriate for substance abuse treatment or your specific treatment facility. Counselors use standardized tools and criteria to assess substance use severity and other needs.
The Daily Work:
- Conduct brief interviews and questionnaires (e.g., ASAM criteria, DSM-5 substance use disorder criteria).
- Identify the presence of co-occurring mental health disorders.
- Determine if the client meets the facility’s admission criteria or needs a referral elsewhere.
2. Patient Intake
After determining that a potential patient is a good fit for your treatment facility, intake is the next step and is a more detailed process where personal and clinical information is gathered to begin treatment. This typically involves paperwork, informed consent, and confidentiality agreements.
The Daily Work:
- Explain confidentiality and HIPAA regulations.
- Collect background information (demographics, substance use history, medical history).
- Assign a client to an appropriate counselor or treatment group.
3. Client/Patient Orientation
Each facility is unique, and the orientation process provides a licensed addiction counselor with an opportunity to familiarize your new client/patient with the program’s rules, expectations, and services.
The Daily Work:
- Provide a tour of the facility and explain policies.
- Describe the types of counseling offered (individual, group, family therapy).
- Explain the client’s rights and responsibilities in treatment.
4. Patient Assessment
While a certified addiction counselor collects important information during screening and intake, this is a deeper evaluation to determine the extent of the client’s substance use disorder and related issues. This involves gathering psychosocial history, medical history, family history, and mental health conditions.
The Daily Work:
- Conduct in-depth interviews using structured assessments (e.g., Addiction Severity Index).
- Work with medical and psychiatric professionals to identify co-occurring disorders.
- Develop a clear picture of the client’s substance use patterns and related challenges.
5. Treatment Planning
Once you’ve spent time with a client and assessed all of their needs, this step involves developing an individualized plan for the client based on assessment results. This plan includes setting goals and objectives for recovery, as well as the plan for treatment at your facility.
The Daily Work:
- Establish short-term and long-term goals (e.g., reduce alcohol use, improve coping skills).
- Determine which treatment modalities will be used (CBT, 12-step facilitation, MAT).
- Regularly update the plan as the client progresses in treatment.
6. Substance Abuse Counseling
As you can see, it’s taken several steps to get to the point of actual counseling, but this is obviously a crucial part of the process. As a substance abuse counselor, you will provide individual, group, and family counseling to help clients manage substance use and related issues.
The Daily Work:
- Facilitate one-on-one therapy sessions to explore underlying triggers and coping mechanisms.
- Lead group therapy to encourage peer support and accountability.
- Use evidence-based practices such as motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and relapse prevention strategies.
7. Case Management
Case management can be quite complex, coordinating services and resources to ensure the client’s needs are met.
The Daily Work:
- Connect clients with housing, job training, mental health services, or legal assistance.
- Communicate with social workers, probation officers, and family members when necessary.
- Advocate for the client to receive additional services beyond the treatment program.
8. Crisis Intervention
A crisis event may not happen with every client, but it is quite common. A licensed addiction counselor must be able to provide immediate support and intervention during crises, such as relapse, suicidal ideation, or withdrawal complications.
The Daily Work:
- Conduct suicide risk assessments and create safety plans.
- Respond to emergency relapse situations by helping clients get back on track.
- Arrange medical detox services for clients experiencing dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
9. Client Education
Teaching clients about addiction, recovery, coping strategies, and relapse prevention is a crucial part of treatment.
The Daily Work:
- An addiction counselor will hold educational sessions on topics like the science of addiction, the impact of substances on the brain, and healthy coping skills.
- Provide printed materials, videos, or interactive activities to reinforce learning.
- Discuss triggers, stress management, and lifestyle changes that support long-term sobriety.
10. Referral
This process includes connecting clients with outside resources when their needs go beyond the counselor’s expertise or treatment program.
The Daily Work:
- Refer clients to psychiatrists for co-occurring mental health conditions.
- Help clients get into detox programs if withdrawal symptoms require medical supervision.
- Guide clients toward support groups (e.g., AA, NA, SMART Recovery) for continued support after treatment.
11. Reports & Record Keeping
Paperwork is a big part of substance abuse counselor jobs and includes maintaining accurate documentation of client progress, treatment plans, and legal requirements.
The Daily Work:
- Keep detailed session notes in compliance with HIPAA and facility policies.
- Complete required insurance documentation for billing and funding purposes.
- Provide progress reports for legal entities (courts, probation officers) when necessary.
12. Consultation With Other Professionals
This involves working with colleagues, supervisors, and other professionals to provide the best care for the client.
The Daily Work:
- Discuss client cases with supervisors or multidisciplinary teams to determine the best treatment approach and well as the best plan for long-term recovery.
- Collaborate with medical professionals on medication-assisted treatment (MAT) as well as any other medical-related treatment needs.
- Seek guidance from legal or ethical advisors when handling confidentiality issues.
How To Become A Substance Abuse Counselor
If the aforementioned tasks seem interesting, and you are ready to get started toward a career in substance abuse counseling, we can help. Here’s a look at what you will need to do to become a certified alcohol and drug counselor, or CADC.
1. Educational Requirements & Practicum
A CADC is a common type of addiction specialist, and at Sober College, we provide an addiction studies curriculum for anyone wishing to become a CADC. This type of counselor also might be known as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) or perhaps an Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) or another name, but the educational requirements tend to be the same.
Generally, you will need to complete 315 hours of approved curriculum, as well as 255 hours of practicum experience. During the practicum, you work at an approved facility and handle each of the 12 Core Functions. Students at Sober College can begin their practicum as soon as they have completed our first course.
2. The IC&RC Exam
IC&RC is an internationally recognized organization that provides standardized exams for various types of addiction professions. For CADCs, they must pass the Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) exam to become certified.
3. Supervised Work Experience
To become a CADC-I, you will need to complete 3,000 hours of supervised work. This will be paid work, of course, typically with benefits such as insurance coverage, paid time off and more.
Once you’ve earned your initial CADC certification, you can work toward becoming a CADC-II, which requires 6,000 hours of supervised work experience. There also is the option of working toward becoming a CADC-III, which requires only 4,000 hours, but you also must have completed a bachelor’s degree. College degrees are not required for CADC-I’s or CADC-II’s.
Why Sober College?
At Sober College, we help hundreds of students every year complete their educational and practicum requirements and prepare them for the IC&RC exam. Our curriculum is CCAPP-approved, NAADAC-approved and IC&RC-approved, which means it can be used to complete requirements in most states as well as internationally.
We offer rolling admissions, so you can get started at any time, and our program can be completed 100% online. Even better, it takes just six months to complete our program, and once you have finished, you will be well-prepared to begin working toward fulfilling your supervised work experience hours.
Additionally, our substance abuse counseling program costs just $4250 for the entire program (plus $300-$500 for books), which is far less expensive than traditional university programs. Sober College can help you jumpstart into a new and rewarding career quickly and without a huge financial investment. To download our application, head to the Get Started tab on our homepage.
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