Author: Gary Jackson

Addiction Specialist Degrees, Certifications, and Qualifications

The program is 13 quarter units and anticipated to be completed in one year with full-time enrollment. The 100% online program consists of both synchronous and asynchronous content. Each practicum course is synchronous—students and the professor meet via Zoom for two consecutive hours every other week during the quarter (5 meetings each quarter). All other courses are asynchronous—students and the professor remain in consistent contact but there are no required meeting times.

drug and alcohol counselor

The consent forms are a legal step that protects the confidentiality of the patient. It is critical for the counselor to understand the process and guidelines fully for admittance. Depending on the severity of the crisis, it could be potentially harmful to the patient and recovery efforts. Effective counselors need to take fast action to prevent the situation from worsening. Continuing Evaluation – Assessments must be done regularly during the duration of the patient’s stay.

Examination information:

Depending on the state you live in and the type of licensure you plan to pursue, you might also need to complete supervised professional practice. This may be the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium’s (IC&RC) Alcohol and Drug Counselor Examination or Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor Examination. Or it could be an exam through the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCCAP). Addiction counselors may also work with specific populations, like teenagers, veterans or people with disabilities.

If you have health insurance, you are encouraged to contact your insurer for a list of participating health care providers and facilities. The counselor must identify which services the facility cannot meet and determine if supplemental assistance can be offered without leaving or un-enrolling from the facility. The counselor can also take advantage of community resources and support systems. If you’re experiencing challenges related to substance use, an addiction counselor can help you. While it can be overwhelming to acknowledge and seek help, it’s important that you do — and know that you’re not alone. It’s Not Your Fault (NACoA) (PDF | 12 KB)
Assures teens with parents who abuse alcohol or drugs that, “It’s not your fault!” and that they are not alone.

Addiction Nurses and Nurse Practitioners

Encourages teens to seek emotional support from other adults, school counselors, and youth support groups such as Alateen, and provides a resource list. Trained information specialists answer calls, transfer callers to state services or other appropriate intake centers in their states, and connect them with local assistance and support. These 12 core functions are difficult to master, but they must be considered for every patient. When all of the goals are met, patients are able to recover properly and regain their lives. The final function of a counselor is to communicate with other professionals.

You can find contact information for each IC&RC board, along with the IC&RC credentials offered, in our Member Board Directory. Specific questions about pursuing an ADC credential should be directed to your local board. The ADC is not available in all jurisdictions and requirements, application processes, and fees will vary. In some cases, the needs cannot be met by the counselor or agency. When such a situation arises, the counselor must provide relevant information and advice for the patient.

Addiction Specialist Degrees, Certifications, and Qualifications

An addiction counselor (substance abuse counselor) helps people who have substance use disorders get treatment. They’re experts on the ins and outs of addiction and develop tailored treatment plans based on your specific addiction, needs and goals. The Drug and Alcohol Counseling certificate program at Loma Linda University has graduated substance use treatment professionals for twenty years. This 100% online program has continually been refined to stay current with advancements in the field. An addiction counselor (substance abuse counselor) provides expert care and support to people who have substance use disorder (SUD), like alcohol use disorder or opioid use disorder.

  • These 12 core functions are difficult to master, but they must be considered for every patient.
  • Assessment is one of the most vital parts of treatment because it determines the path each patient will take.
  • Residential options will include rules about leaving the campus and family visiting hours.
  • It’s Not Your Fault (NACoA) (PDF