Alcohol & Drug Counselor Certification

With an estimated 20.1 million illicit drug users in the United States (according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health) there has never been a greater need for certified drug and alcohol counselors. Getting started in this field can occur in two years or less.

Education

• Becoming a drug and alcohol counselor starts with education. Each potential counselor must complete a specific amount of training hours, which vary from state to state. Education can be done in a traditional classroom setting, or in some states can even be completed online.

Sobriety

• Many past drug users make some of the best treatment counselors after achieving sobriety. Most drug and alcohol education programs require one or two years of active sobriety before qualifying to pursue certification.

Supervised Hours

• Before you can become a certified counselor, you must first finish a specified amount of on-the-job training supervised by a licensed drug and alcohol counselor. The required amount of hours vary by state. To find your state's specific requirements, call or email your state's counselor certification board, or licensing office.

Testing

• Before you can be certified, most states require that you pass a national certification exam, such as the NCAC I or NAADAC exam.

Continued Education

• After certification, you will most likely be required to complete a specified amount of continuing education hours each year to keep or renew your license. These classes are used to keep you on the forefront of addiction treatment options. Requirements for hours vary from state to state.