With millions of Americans struggling with substance use disorders, it’s little wonder that the demand for addiction professionals is high. If you’ve been thinking about entering this field and becoming a certified drug and alcohol counselor, Sober College of Addiction Studies can help you take the first steps.
What Is A Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor?
These days, the preferred term is substance use disorder counselor, or SUD counselor. However, a certified drug and alcohol counselor may be known by many other names, depending on your state.
For instance, many states recognize a type of counselor known as a certified alcohol and drug counselor, or CADC. This counselor also might be known as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC), Alcohol and Other Drug counselor (AOC), or perhaps as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug counselor, or LADC.
While the names and requirements vary from state to state, SUD counselors help individuals struggling with substance use disorders by providing assessment, counseling, treatment planning, relapse prevention, and support services.
Where Do Counselors Work?
SUD Counselors work in a wide range of settings, helping individuals recover from addiction and rebuild their lives. Their roles may vary depending on the population served, the level of care provided, and the setting itself. Here’s a quick list of where you might work as a certified drug and alcohol counselor.
- Inpatient & Residential Treatment Centers
- Outpatient Treatment Programs
- Criminal Justice and Correctional Facilities
- Schools & Universities
- Private Practices
- Community Health & Mental Health Clinics
- Hospitals & Emergency Departments
- Employee Assistance Programs
- Recovery Centers & Sober Living Homes
- Education & Advocacy Organizations
SUD counselors are needed in nearly every sector of society, from healthcare and justice systems to education and the private sector. Their work is diverse, challenging, and deeply impactful.
What Job Tasks Do Counselors Handle?
CADCs and other types of SUD counselors perform a myriad of tasks that align with the 12 Core Functions of Addiction Counseling. This is a nationally recognized framework outlining the essential responsibilities of the role. These tasks support individuals in their recovery journey while ensuring ethical, client-centered care. Here’s a quick look at these functions.
1. Screening
- Determine whether a client meets the criteria for substance use treatment.
- Conduct preliminary assessments and gather intake information.
2. Intake
- Complete the required administrative forms.
- Secure consent for treatment and inform clients of their rights.
3. Assessment
- Perform a detailed evaluation of a client’s substance use history, mental health, and social factors.
- Identify strengths, needs, and appropriate levels of care.
4. Treatment Planning
- Collaborate with clients to set goals and create a personalized recovery plan.
- Outline services, timelines, and measurable objectives.
5. Counseling
- Conduct individual, group, and family therapy sessions.
- Teach coping skills, address underlying issues, and support behavior change.
6. Case Management
- Coordinate additional services such as housing, employment, or medical care.
- Serve as a liaison between the client and other professionals or agencies.
7. Crisis Intervention
- Respond to emergencies such as relapse, suicidal ideation, or severe withdrawal.
- Use de-escalation techniques and ensure client safety.
8. Client Education
- Provide information on substance use, addiction, relapse prevention, and recovery tools.
- Educate clients about co-occurring disorders and healthy lifestyle changes.
9. Referral
- Connect clients to services beyond the counselor’s scope, such as detox, mental health care, or legal aid.
- Ensure smooth transitions to higher or lower levels of care.
10. Reports & Record Keeping
- Document progress, services delivered, and treatment outcomes accurately.
- Maintain confidentiality and adhere to legal/ethical standards.
11. Consultation with Other Professionals
- Collaborate with treatment teams, supervisors, and outside agencies.
- Share insights and receive feedback to enhance client care.
12. Client Advocacy
- Support clients in navigating systems such as criminal justice, healthcare, or housing.
- Promote fair treatment and access to necessary resources.
To learn more, check out our previous blog about the 12 core functions here.
Do You Need a College Degree to Become a CADC?
In many cases, you can earn counseling certification without a degree. For instance, in California, a college degree is not required for CADC certification. You need only have earned a high school diploma or its equivalent. Many other states certify substance abuse counselors without a degree as well.
At Sober College, we find that many of our students begin by earning their CADC-I and CADC-II counselor certification and then slowly earn credits toward a bachelor’s degree. Earning a degree can provide you with more job opportunities and the ability to apply for higher levels of certification.
Can You Earn Substance Abuse Counselor Certification Online?
To become a certified drug and alcohol counselor, you will need to complete educational hours, practicum hours, supervised work experience hours and pass a written exam. The number of educational units or hours, typically 270 to 315 hours, can be completed online at Sober College.
Practicum hours (an internship) and supervised work experience hours will, of course, need to be completed in person at a facility approved by your state’s credentialing or licensing board. The number of practicum hours and supervised work experience hours required varies by state and the level of counselor certification.
For instance, in California, 255 practicum hours are required for CADC certification. To become a CADC-I, you need 3,000 hours of work experience. A CADC-II will need 6,000 hours of work experience. Most CADC-I’s will work toward CADC-II certification.
Sober College: A Look At Our Addiction Studies Program
At Sober College, our program is 100% online, and all coursework can be completed in just six months. Our program is approved by many state boards and has IC&RC reciprocity. IC&RC is an international organization that provides testing for addiction specialists. Counselors will need to pass IC&RC’s Alcohol and Drug Counselor exam to earn certification or licensure.
Our program can be used in any state or country with IC&RC reciprocity. This includes 47 states, except Alaska, North Dakota and Montana. We also are NAADAC-approved, so if you are working toward earning national certification, our program can be a good fit.
Unlike traditional colleges, we offer rolling admissions, and our program tuition is just $4,250, which includes all class materials and coursework. Books will run an additional $300 to $500 in total.
If you are ready to take your first steps toward becoming a certified drug and alcohol counselor, we encourage you to browse through our website and learn more about what makes Sober College an exceptional option. If you are ready to apply, simply head to the Get Started tab and download our application.
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