Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and addiction are significant public health issues in the United States. SUD is defined as a neuropsychiatric disorder that is characterized by a habitual desire to take illicit substances (drugs) despite their harmful consequences. The habitual desire to take drugs is excessive and may include any of the following: alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, heroin, and various narcotics to name a few.

SUD can lead to occupational, academic or social impairment. While SUD focuses on the neuropsychiatric disorder itself, addiction is characterized by the chronic, relapsing nature of compulsive drug seeking. These two health issues go hand in hand.

Substance Use Disorder Professional’s (SUDP) is a career for those who want to work in drug and alcohol rehabilitation. This is a highly specialized, in-demand field that allows individuals with an associates degree to diagnose and treat patients. Careers in SUDP are focused on evidence-based treatment interventions for those experiencing substance use disorders.

While we mention the title of SUDP in this textbook, it is important to know that addiction counseling training programs may go by different names such as chemical dependency, behavioral health or human services amongst others. As long as they offer the components necessary for their particular state to work in addiction counseling, they are acceptable educational programs.

SUDP is very client-centered focusing on the needs of the individual patient. An SUDP may conduct initial screening and evaluation to determine a patient’s needs, develop and personalize the type of therapy and counseling needed or develop a comprehensive plan and schedule to detail measurable goals for the patient.

SUDP’s work in a variety of settings. The facility must be licensed by the state to perform SUD counseling. Examples include drug and rehabilitation facilities, withdrawal management facility, opioid treatment centers, specialty hospitals treating SUD, and partial hospitalization centers (patients are in treatment during the day but sleep at home at night).

Substance Abuse Disorder Professional Requirements and Qualifications

In order to be certified in Washington state, an SUPD must have an associates degree in human services or a related field. If the professional does not have a degree, he or she must successfully complete 90 quarter or 60 semester college credits in courses from an approved school (WAC 246-811-010(9)). In addition, at least 45 quarter or 30 semester credits must be in courses relating to the substance use disorder profession. The state does require an official transcript from an approved college or school.

SUDP’s must also complete an approved examination based on SUD counseling. There are three approved exams in Washington state. The National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) level one or higher. The International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (ICRC), provides two exams: Alcohol Drug Counselor (ADC), or the Advanced Alcohol Drug Counselor (AADC) exam. The ICRC exam is not available in Washington State but is available in other states.

Every six years, substance use disorder professionals must complete at least three hours of training in suicide assessment, including screening and referral. WA state requires 40 hours of continuing education every 2 years.

Substance Abuse Disorder Professional Pathway

Prior to becoming a SUDP, one can apply to the Washington State Department of Health to become an SUDP trainee. These applicants must declare that they are 1) enrolled in an approved school and 2) are gaining the experience required to earn a SUDP certification. An application must be submitted along with a signed declaration to become an SUDP trainee.

An SUDP trainee must renew their certification in Washington state yearly from the date it was issued. The trainee may only review their certification with the state four times. There are benefits to becoming a SUDP trainee prior to becoming a full SUDP. One benefit is the experience gained as a trainee. The experience of becoming an SUDP trainee is valuable and sometimes required by academic programs prior to graduation.

There are several different degrees and certificates candidates can earn to become an SUDP. Certificates in SUDP prepare students to counsel as a SUDP in WA state. However, some colleges may require students to have a prior degree (associate, bachelor or master) prior to entering the program.

Associates degrees in SUDP are offered at community colleges throughout the country. Associates degrees consist of 90 credits in coursework such as pharmacology, counseling techniques, treatment theory, Law and ethics, lifespan psychology and general psychology. Some programs require a practicum or externship experience within their coursework, however, this may not be required for state licensure.

In addition, the state of Washington requires practice hours prior to becoming a full SUDP. The amount of practice hours depends on the level of education the candidate has. For example, an associates degree holder is required to have 2,500 practice hours while a bachelor’s degree holder is required to have 2,000 hours. However, the bachelor’s and master’s level individuals must have their degree in a human service profession or they will require more practice hours in Washington.