10.3 Substance Use Disorder Professional
Karen Piette, MHS, CMA
Substance use disorder (SUD) and addiction are significant public health issues in the United States. SUD is defined as a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by an excessive and habitual desire to use substances such as alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, and heroin, despite the harmful consequences.
SUD can lead to occupational, academic, or social impairment. While SUD refers specifically to the neuropsychiatric disorder, addiction is defined by the chronic, relapsing nature of compulsive drug-seeking behavior. These two conditions are closely related and often co-occur.
The career of a substance use disorder professional (SUDP) is ideal for those who wish to work in drug and alcohol rehabilitation. This highly specialized and in-demand field enables individuals with an associate degree to diagnose and treat patients. SUDP professionals focus on evidence-based treatment interventions for those experiencing substance use disorders.
It is important to note that addiction counseling training programs may be referred to by different names, such as chemical dependency, behavioral health, or human services. As long as these programs meet the specific requirements for certification in the state in which the professional plans to work, they are considered acceptable educational pathways for addiction counseling.
The SUDP profession is client-centered, focusing on meeting the unique needs of each patient. An SUDP may conduct initial screenings and evaluations to assess a patient’s needs, develop personalized therapy and counseling plans, and create comprehensive treatment schedules with measurable goals for the patient’s recovery.
SUDPs work in a variety of settings, all of which must be licensed by the state to perform SUD counseling. Examples include drug and rehabilitation facilities, withdrawal management facilities, opioid treatment centers, specialty hospitals specializing in SUD treatment, and partial hospitalization centers (where patients receive treatment during the day but return home at night).
A Day in the Life of a Substance Use Disorder Professional
A substance use disorder professional (SUDP) engages in a wide range of activities throughout the day, working in various settings such as patient homes, homeless shelters, medication-assisted treatment clinics, behavioral health clinics, and community medical centers. SUDPs can be employed in both inpatient and outpatient clinical environments.
Throughout the day, SUDPs assess and diagnose substance use disorders, conduct individual and group counseling, and attend court-ordered hearings. They also participate in community advocacy efforts. Documentation is a crucial part of an SUDP’s daily responsibilities, as it is in all allied health professions. Accurate and thorough documentation is essential for patient care and legal compliance.
Most SUDPs begin their careers in clinical settings. After gaining sufficient experience, they may expand their roles to include emergency department work or become part of behavioral health teams addressing mental health and substance use disorders in the field. Once fully licensed, SUDPs are authorized to practice independently and can bill insurance companies for their services, as they are qualified to assess and diagnose substance use disorders. However, it is important to note that their scope of practice is limited to substance use disorders, meaning they are not licensed to diagnose other conditions, such as depression.
SUDPs often work with people struggling with substance use disorders. They play a vital role in the community, assessing and treating both individuals and their families to help them manage and overcome these challenges.
Substance Abuse Disorder Professional Requirements and Qualifications
In Washington State, an SUPD must have an associate degree in human services or a related field. If the professional does not have a degree, they must complete 90 quarter credits or 60 semester credits from an approved institution. Of these credits, at least 45 quarter credits or 30 semester credits must be specifically related to the substance use disorder profession. An official transcript from an accredited college or school is required as part of the certification process.
SUDPs must also pass an approved examination in substance use disorder counseling. In Washington State, there are three approved exams:
- The National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) Level 1 or higher exam
- The Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) exam, which is provided by the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (ICRC)
- The Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC), which is also provided by the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (ICRC)
Note that while the ICRC exams are accepted in other states, they are not available in Washington State.
Every 6 years, SUDPs are required to complete at least 3 hours of training in suicide assessment, including screening and referral. In addition, Washington State mandates 40 hours of continuing education every 2 years to maintain certification.
Substance Abuse Disorder Professional Pathway
Before becoming a SUDP in Washington State, individuals can apply to the Washington State Department of Health to become an SUDP trainee. To qualify for this designation, applicants must be enrolled in an approved educational program and be gaining the necessary experience for SUDP certification. An application, along with a signed declaration, must be submitted to become an official SUDP trainee.
An SUDP trainee in Washington State must renew their certification annually, beginning from the date it was issued. Trainees can only renew their certification four times. Becoming an SUDP Trainee offers several benefits, including valuable hands-on experience that is often required by academic programs before graduation.
Educational Pathways to Becoming an SUDP
There are various degrees and certificates that individuals can pursue to become an SUDP. Certificates in SUDP prepare students to work as counselors in Washington State, though some colleges may require applicants to have a prior degree (associate, bachelor’s, or master’s) before entering the program.
Associate degrees in SUDP are offered at community colleges across the country. These programs typically consist of 90 credits, covering subjects such as pharmacology, counseling techniques, treatment theory, law and ethics, lifespan psychology, and general psychology. Some programs require a practicum or externship experience, though this may not be required for state licensure.
Practice Hours and Experience Requirements
In addition to educational requirements, Washington State mandates that candidates complete a certain number of practice hours before they can become a fully licensed SUDP. The required practice hours vary depending on the candidate’s level of education. For example, individuals with an associate degree are required to complete 2,500 hours of supervised practice, while those with a bachelor’s degree must complete 2,000 hours. However, if a bachelor’s or master’s degree holder does not have a degree in a human services field, they may need to complete additional practice hours in Washington State.
A chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use.
Treatment backed by scientific evidence.
Refers to mental health and substance use disorders, life stressors and crises, and stress-related physical symptoms.