How to Find Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselors

Licensed alcohol and drug counselors work with patients who are struggling with addictions to identify patterns of behavior and problems associated with their addiction to drugs or alcohol, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Government statistics note that there were approximately 90,000 licensed substance abuse counselors in the U.S. in 2008, with that number expected to grow. Finding a licensed drug and alcohol counselor is a simple process, thanks to resources developed by professional groups, certifying bodies and licensing boards.

Instructions

• 1

  Search using tools developed by professional groups. Associations or organizations that represent licensed alcohol and drug counselors, such as NAADC, The Association for Addiction Professionals, have built online tools to help you find a professional easily. Most sort licensed counselors by city, state, or zip code; NAADC's tool allows you to search within a given radius of your zip code. Professional organizations usually share contact information, such as telephone number or email address, as well as links to websites that the licensed counselor hosts.

• 2

  Check with your state's licensing board. Because licensed alcohol and drug counselors must meet specific state requirements to receive and maintain a license, searching through a state licensing board is a straightforward way to find a counselor. Almost all state licensing boards offer searchable directories to find licensed counselors in your community. For example, the Maine Office of Licensing and Registration website features a link to find a licensed counselor or search through a list of licensees within the state.

• 3

  Rely on certifying organizations. The National Addiction Technology Transfer Center, a nonprofit network of addiction recovery services, maintains a searchable database of certifying bodies in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. You can select your state or territory from an interactive map and find links to your state's certifying bodies for alcohol and drug counselors, all of which feature directories or search tools to find licensed professionals.