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.
Additionally, applicants must have a minimum of 300 hours of direct supervision from a CADC certified counselor with at least two years of experience, broken down into specific tasks relating to different aspects of dependency treatment. Each supervisor is required to evaluate the applicant’s professional and ethical conduct, personal attributes and areas of competency. The applicant’s educational background must consist of specific training areas and each applicant must complete a sample case presentation. Finally, each applicant must pay the application fee, submit two letters of recommendation from certified drug and alcohol counselors and pass a written examination.
The requirements may seem overwhelming, but they’re designed to meet the guidelines of the International Certification Reciprocity Consortium on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, which ensures that chemical dependency counselors are held to the highest standards. The best way to meet the requirements is to enroll in a reputable CADC certification program.