Becoming a certified alcohol and drug counselor involves meeting minimum standards set by the International Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee, obtaining work experience or education, passing a certification test, and earning continuing education credits. Specializations and certifications vary by state and internationally. Addiction counseling requires compassion and dedication, but can be rewarding. Prospective students can gain exposure to the field through work or volunteer opportunities.
Becoming a certified alcohol and drug counselor can be a rewarding career for the helping professional. The International Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ICD) Committee sets minimum standards for alcohol and drug counselor certification in 49 states across the United States and in several countries. In the US, state boards are charged with adhering to these standards, and certification titles vary regionally. The most sought-after certifications for alcohol and drug counselors are chemical dependency professional, certified substance abuse counselor, and alcohol and drug counselor.
In addition to state certifications, the ICD committee issues certification of alcohol and drug counselors in rank order, from beginning alcohol and drug counselors to clinical supervisor, to counselors who wish to advance their credentials. Specializations offered internationally and at the state level include a drug and alcohol prevention specialist and a certified law enforcement professional. Substance abuse professionals with the US Department of Transportation (DOT) must be internationally certified.
Most states follow the general outline of the requirements set forth by the CID for obtaining an alcohol and drug counselor certification. A minimum of 4,000 hours of professional or work experience in the field of substance abuse is required. Education can replace work experience at the associate, bachelor’s and master’s levels. In addition, 315 hours of education or six courses in career counseling modalities are required.
After an application is approved and all requirements are met, a national or state certification test must be taken. For example, the California Association of Counselors on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (CAADAC) administers the test in that state. There is also a National Association of Drug Abuse Counselors test for those seeking national certification in the US. Both boards offer online manuals. Maintaining an alcohol and drug counselor certification entails earning 40 hours of continuing education credit every two years.
For education requirements, junior or two-year colleges often offer programs with courses that can be applied toward certification as alcohol and drug counselors. Programs last approximately one to two years, although some can be completed in six months. Generally, six courses are required, including an internship course that can be combined as part of the work experience. Some colleges require applicants to have six months to a year of human services experience prior to admission to a counseling program. Better schools provide job placement services that will help students match their interests and needs with an employer.
Addiction counseling is known to be a particularly stressful occupation. Clients of a drug and alcohol addicted counselor often have co-occurring disorders, such as mental illness or homelessness, that compound their situation. Counseling in this specialization requires a high degree of compassion and dedication. On the other hand, alcohol and drug counseling can give the personal satisfaction of making a direct impact on people’s daily lives.
Exposure to the substance abuse field will allow prospective students to make an informed choice about which certification to pursue. Drug and alcohol counselors work in many settings, including hospitals, correctional facilities, youth organizations and treatment centers. These organizations regularly offer work and volunteer opportunities for those who are not yet certified.
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