Career Pathways

Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)

Description of a CADC

A Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor provides individual or group alcohol and drug counseling services within an agency setting. A CADC will lead/ perform individual and direct group counseling under the supervision of a certified clinical supervisor. Note: An alcohol and drug counseling aide may not engage in independent or private practice.

CADC Work Settings and Populations Served

• A CADC works directly with people of all ages in recovery from alcohol and/or drug use disorders
• Work in a variety of settings

Hiring Requirements

A person applying as a CADC must pass a criminal background check given by the employing agency.

Be at least 18 years old

Have a high school diploma or GED and minimum of 4,000 hours of supervised work experience as Alcohol and Drug Counseling Aide (ADCA)

OR

Associate’s level degree from accredited institution in a related field, or 30 hours of approved related coursework

CAREER

A person who is working as a CADC can move into the following positions with additional education:

Health Services:

• LADC
• CNA
• CNA-M
• LPN
• Medical Assistant
• Nursing Degree

Human Services:

• MHRT-I
• DSP
• CIPSS
• MHRT-C