What is a Certified Addiction Counselor?
Well, generally-speaking, a certified addiction counselor is a mental health professional that provides counseling services, and support to recovering alcoholics and addicts (i.e. eating, gambling, substance abuse, lying, relationship, etc.).
The primary goals of a certified addiction counselor is to help addicts work through their issues so they can attain and maintain a drug-free existence.
Certified addiction counselors work in a: group home, hospital, treatment facility, clinic, private doctor’s office, prison, and half-way house. They may work with clients individually, and in group settings.
It is important to note that some substance abuse and addiction treatment facilities hire former addicts, who have maintained sobriety for a certain amount of time, to counsel active addicts through the withdrawal and treatment process. These addiction counselors are not really “counselors” because they have not received formal training or experience in the counseling field.
Both certified addiction counselors and “addiction coaches/mentors” can make a tremendous difference in the life of someone, who is suffering from an addiction.
To become a certified addiction counselor, you will need to earn a bachelor’ degree and a master’s degree in addiction/substance abuse counseling or psychology or a related field, and obtain a license and a certification in the field.
What are the Requirements for Addiction Counselor Certification?
To become a certified addiction counselor, you will first need to earn a high school diploma/GED. Once you have graduated from high school, you will be able to enroll in a bachelor’s degree program, in a field of your choice.
Bachelor’s degree in addiction psychology, addiction counseling or a related field is highly recommended. You will also be required to earn a master’s degree in addiction/substance abuse counseling or psychology or a related field, if you want to seek licensure in the field.
Most states require a master’s degree, supervised clinical experience and successfully passing of the licensure exams (i.e. state and national) to practice as an addiction counselor.
Once you graduate with a bachelor’s degree, and enter a graduate program, you will complete a combination of coursework and clinical rotations (supervised internship).
Typical Master-Level Courses
- Survey of Research in Human Development for Professional Counselors
- Survey of Research Methodology
- Assessment, Tests, and Measures
- Principles of Psychopathology: Diagnosis and Treatment
- Theories of Personality
- Ethical and Legal Issues in Professional Counseling
- Introduction to Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Theories of Psychotherapy
- Group Counseling and Psychotherapy
- Life Planning and Career Development
- Counseling and Advocacy with Diverse Populations
Depending on your state and the type/level of certification, you will not be eligible for addiction counselor certification until you have completed between 4,000 and 6,000 hours of addiction counseling services at an approved facility.
It is important to note that it will probably take 2 to 3 years of full-time addiction counseling experience to become eligible for certification. Apart from general education and experience requirements, most states also candidates to meet additional requirements.
The National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC)
NAADAC offers three credentials for addiction counselors:
- National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (NCAC I)
- National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level II (NCAC II)
- Master Addiction Counselor (MAC)
How Long Does It Take to Become a Certified Addiction Counselor?
It can take 7-9 years to become a certified addiction counselor, including the time spent completing your bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, supervised experience, and obtaining licensure and certification. However, the exact time frame can vary depending on individual circumstances or any specific requirements in your state.
What are the Responsibilities of a Certified Addiction Counselor?
- Identifying clients’ addictive behaviors
- Developing strategies that overcome destructive, maladaptive, negative, and unhealthy behaviors
- Working with and providing support to family members and loved ones, who are affected by the client’s addiction
- Educating the public on the dangers of substance abuse and addictions
- Helping clients maintain their sobriety
- Providing counseling services and support to addicts
- Develop treatment plans/recovery programs for addicts
How Much Does a Certified Addiction Counselor Earn?
According to ZipRecruiter, licensed substance abuse counselors on average earn $62,075 per year, as of January 2024. Top licensed substance abuse counselors on average earn $112,000 annually across the United States. Certified counselor may earn more than addiction counselors without this credential.
What are the Opportunities for Advancement for an Addiction Counselor?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the career outlook for certified addiction counselors is favorable. In fact, the Bureau reports that there should be 22% growth in job opportunities in this field by the year 2031. This growth may stem from an increased need for addiction/substance abuse/alcoholism treatment programs.
In addition, more and more people are seeking treatment for their addiction problems because they are tired of living an “unclean life,” and they are “sick” of torturing their friends and loved ones with the addiction. Moreover, more and more drug offenders are being sent to addiction treatment centers instead of jail or prison.
Related Reading
- Substance Abuse Counselor Career Information
- How to Become an Addiction Therapist
- Addiction Social Worker Careers
- What Can You Do With a Counseling Psychology Degree?
- How to Become a Substance Abuse Social Worker
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