How to Become a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Counselor
Substance abuse refers to the excessive, indiscriminate use and dependence upon chemical substances such as drugs or alcohol. According to the World Health Organization, there are over 76 million people abusing alcohol globally, and 15 million are abusing drugs. Drug and alcohol treatment counselors are employed by outpatient and residential treatment facilities working to help those struggling with chemical dependency. Substance abuse counselors also provide individual, group and family counseling, and are involved in prevention.
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Instructions
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How to Become a Drug and Alcohol Counselor
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Graduate from high school. All drug and alcohol counseling programs are offered by colleges, universities or trade schools; a high school diploma is required for admission. High school students aspiring to be drug and alcohol treatment counselors should take courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, psychology, sociology and health.
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Enroll in a drug and alcohol counseling program. Once enrolled, students must register with the state association of drug and alcohol counseling. In order to obtain certification, the program attended must be approved by the state drug and alcohol treatment association. A typical course of study should include pharmacology, physiology and case management; group, individual and family counseling; and law and ethics. In addition to classroom coursework, supervised practical training is required.
The Distance Learning Center for Addiction Studies has partnered with some state associations to provide online training to those working towards their first credential as well as those earning continuing education hours.
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Sit for the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) examination to become certified as an Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (AODA). It is important to contact the local member board for specific testing information. Each IC&RC member board decides whether to give written or computer-based tests. Students should contact the IC&RC for help in locating a local member board.
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Obtain national certification as an addiction counselor. The Association of Addiction Professionals is responsible for setting the standards and requirements for national credentialing. The organization is formally known as the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC). The Association of Addiction Professionals offers four certification credentials for drug and alcohol counselors: National Addiction Certified Counselor Level 1 (NCACI), National Addiction Certified Counselor Level 2 (NCACII), Master Addiction Counselor (MAC), and Tobacco Addiction Specialist (TAS). To qualify to sit for an examination, you need additional training and education, such as a Bachelor's or Master's Degree in psychology and several years' work experience. However, all national certifications require HIV/AIDS training within five years of application. Certifications must be renewed every two years.
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Tips & Warnings
After passing the IC&RC examination, in order to progress and remain in good standing, you must prepare for the next step: passing the oral review examination. The first credential is good for two years and can be renewed for two additional years.
Drug and alcohol treatment counselors are expected to commit and dedicate themselves to years of constant training and education. This is necessary to keep certificates current as well as to progress in the field.
