In Kentucky, the Board of Certification of Alcohol and Drug Counselors oversees the licensing of chemical dependency and addiction treatment counselors. Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) Certification in Kentucky is regulated for the protection of public health. Addiction treatment is a sensitive issue and the professional management of every case is taken seriously. Patients seeking relief from any addiction deserve to be treated with dignity and respect conducive to healing and recovery in an environment that utilizes the latest in psychological research and addiction treatment therapies that are based on medically sound principles. Likewise, addiction treatment professionals deserve the support of a government agency that strives for healthy communities, advocates for legislation that improves its outcomes and responds to changes in the addiction culture by sharing information and resources to help more patients succeed.
Careers in alcohol and drug counseling aren’t for the faint of heart; addiction can be an ugly business. Many candidates for CADC certification have personal experiences with dependency. Some have been inspired by their own recovery and wish to share their experiences and strength. Others have a close friend or family member whose life has been touched by addiction and are inspired by witnessing their recovery. Still others seek to prevent the tragedies that are all too often preventable, like deaths and permanent damage due to the effects of drug or alcohol addiction.
It’s encouraged that individuals wishing to pursue a chemical dependency certification complete a chemical dependency certification education program. In addition, each applicant must have 6,000 hours of documented, board-approved experience working with substance abuse patients. Some applicants may replace a percentage of those hours with professional education. For example, an applicant with a Master’s Degree in chemical dependency can substitute that training for 3,000 hours of work experience.