To become a Chemical Dependency Counselor (CDC I) in Alaska, complete 148 hours of training through RADACT or earn a relevant degree, fulfill 2,000-4,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, and apply through the Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification. The degree path cuts training time in half.
Table of Contents
- Alaska’s Substance Abuse Crisis
- Steps to Becoming Certified as a Substance Abuse Counselor in Alaska
- Complete Training Program or Meet Education Requirements
- Satisfy Clinical Work Experience Requirements
- Apply for CDC I Certification
- Advanced Certification Options
- Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Alaska
- Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Alaska
- Substance Abuse Counselor Degree Options in Alaska
- Continuing Education Requirements
- Frequently Asked Questions
Alaska faces one of the nation’s most severe substance abuse crises. The state’s unique challenges include limited law enforcement resources, gaps in healthcare infrastructure, and a vast geography that complicates both treatment access and efforts to stem narcotics trafficking.
The numbers tell a devastating story. In 2023, Alaska recorded 357 drug overdose deaths, a staggering 44.5% increase from the previous year. This made Alaska the state with the highest increase in overdose deaths nationwide, bucking the national trend of declining fatalities.
Fentanyl drives this crisis. The synthetic opioid was involved in 265 of the 357 deaths, about 74% of the total. That’s a dramatic shift from just a few years ago, when heroin was the primary opioid causing fatal overdoses. Many deaths also involved methamphetamine, which was present in 193 cases, often combined with opioids.
Alaska Native and American Indian populations bear a disproportionate burden, accounting for 33% of overdose deaths despite comprising less than 20% of the state’s population. The 35-44 age group experienced the highest death toll at 115 fatalities.
But there’s hope in the dedicated professionals who are fighting back. Alaska’s Chemical Dependency Counselors (CDCs) are on the front lines of this battle, equipped with the training and credentials to make a real difference. They work in treatment centers from Anchorage to rural communities, helping Alaskans find their way to recovery.
You could be one of them. Here’s your complete guide to becoming a certified substance abuse counselor in Alaska.
Steps to Becoming Certified as a Substance Abuse Counselor in Alaska
The Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification (ACBHC) is the state agency that certifies substance abuse counselors. The commission grants five certification levels based on experience and education:
- Chemical Dependency Counselor Technician (entry-level)
- Chemical Dependency Counselor I (professional level)
- Chemical Dependency Counselor II (advanced)
- Chemical Dependency Clinical Supervisor (supervisory)
- Program Administrator (leadership)
If you’re career-focused and getting started in the field, the Chemical Dependency Counselor I (CDC I) certification is your target. This guide focuses on achieving that credential, which opens doors to professional substance abuse counseling positions throughout Alaska.
You’ll take significant steps to become a CDC I:
- Complete a required training program or meet the education requirements with a degree
- Satisfy clinical work experience requirements
- Apply for CDC I certification
The certification process takes dedication, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We’re here to provide clear guidance and simplify each step.
1. Complete Training Program or Meet Education Requirements with a Degree
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The Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification offers both a degree track and a non-degree track to CDC I certification. Your choice depends on your current education level, career timeline, and professional goals.
There are clear benefits to earning or already holding a relevant degree. An understanding of addiction psychology, the social contexts in which addictions arise, and the social services available to patients will serve you daily as a CDC. A degree also streamlines your path, significantly reducing the required training and experience hours.
Non-Degree Route to CDC Certification
If you choose the non-degree route, you’ll work with the Regional Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor Training Program (RADACT) to complete 148 clock hours of training. RADACT offers programs both remotely via Zoom and on-site in Anchorage, Barrow, Bethel, Fairbanks, Juneau, Kenai, Kodiak, Kotzebue, Nome, and Sitka.
The 148 training hours break down into three categories:
Core Counseling Concepts (42 hours):
- Ethics within the last two years (3 hours)
- Confidentiality within the previous two years (3 hours)
- Intro to Addictive Behaviors (8 hours)
- Crisis Intervention (8 hours)
- Intro to Client-Centered Counseling (12 hours)
- Intro to Group Counseling (8 hours)
Specialized Topics (42 hours):
- Infectious Diseases and HIV/AIDS (6 hours)
- Documentation (8 hours)
- Working with Diverse Populations (12 hours)
- Community Resources Use & Case Management (8 hours)
- Recovery, Health, Wellness, & Balance (8 hours)
Technical Skills and Evidence-Based Practices (64 hours):
- Psycho-physiology (12 hours)
- Motivational Interviewing (16 hours)
- DSM Practice (12 hours)
- ASAM Practice (12 hours)
- Co-Occurring Disorders (12 hours)
Degree Route to CDC Certification
If you already hold, or choose to earn, an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s Degree in a relevant field, much of the required coursework will already be covered. Qualifying degree fields include:
- Social Work
- Addiction Studies or Substance Abuse Counseling
- Human Services or Social Services
- Psychology
- Psychiatric Nursing
If your degree program doesn’t include certain courses, you’ll need to complete the following: Ethics (3 hours), Confidentiality (3 hours), Infectious Diseases and HIV/AIDS (6 hours), and Intro to Addictive Behavior (8 hours).
Earning a degree cuts your required clinical experience hours in half and positions you for advanced certifications down the road. All degree-holding applicants are reviewed case-by-case to verify their program meets certification requirements.
For guidance on selecting the right degree program, visit our comprehensive guide to substance abuse counselor degrees.
2. Satisfy Clinical Work Experience Requirements
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After completing your education requirements, you’ll enter a supervised training period that includes both a formal practicum and direct patient care. During this time, you’ll work under a qualified supervisor who will document and attest to your hours.
Your duties must include direct client interaction, individual and group counseling, treatment planning, and related tasks. This is where you’ll apply what you learned in training to real-world situations.
The clinical experience requirements differ based on whether you completed a degree program:
- Non-degree applicants: 100 hours of supervised practicum plus 4,000 hours (approximately two years) of on-the-job training as a chemical dependency counselor
- Degree-holding applicants: 100 hours of supervised practicum plus 2,000 hours (approximately one year) of on-the-job training as a chemical dependency counselor
Graduating from a degree program provides additional advantages beyond reduced hours:
- Most programs include a practicum or internship that satisfies the 100-hour supervised practicum requirement
- College career services help you secure positions in approved settings that specialize in substance abuse counseling and addiction treatment.
- Your educational credentials make you a more competitive candidate for a quality training position.s
For more information about the types of positions available during your training period, check out our substance abuse counselor careers guide.
3. Apply for CDC I Certification
Once you’ve completed all education and experience requirements, it’s time to apply for your CDC I certification. You can download the application and code of ethics agreement from the ACBHC website or request a paper copy from the commission.
Your application packet must include:
- Completed application form
- Code of ethics agreement (signed)
- Professional affiliate recommendations
- Supervisor recommendation
- Counselor competency practicum form
- Employer verification
- $195 application fee
Mail the original application packet, all supporting documents, and the fee to the ACBHC. Incomplete applications won’t be processed, so double-check that you’ve included everything before mailing.
After submission, the ACBHC reviews your application. If everything is approved, you’ll receive your CDC I certification. If additional information is needed, the commission will contact you directly.
Your CDC I certification remains valid for two years. During each renewal period, you must complete at least 40 hours of continuing education in the behavioral health field, including three hours specifically in ethics and confidentiality. Learn more about maintaining your credentials in our state and national certification guide.
Advanced Certification Options with More Experience
As you gain experience in substance abuse counseling, you’ll have opportunities to advance through three additional certification levels. Each level brings better job opportunities, supervisory and administrative roles, higher pay, and greater impact in your profession.
Chemical Dependency Counselor II (CDC II)
Requirements:
- 3 years (6,000 hours) of experience as a CDC
- All practicum requirements for CDC I level, plus 100 hours of supervised practicum based on Alaska core competencies
- 48 contact hours of training in: Ethics (3), Confidentiality (3), Infectious Diseases and HIV/AIDS (6), Intro to Addictive Behavior (8), Special Issues in Behavioral Health Services (16), and Documentation Quality Assurance (12)
Chemical Dependency Clinical Supervisor (CDS)
Requirements:
- 5 years (10,000 hours) of experience as a CDC
- All practicum requirements for CDC II level, plus 100 hours of supervised practicum based on Alaska core competencies
- 78 contact hours of training in: Ethics (3), Confidentiality (3), Infectious Diseases and HIV/AIDS (6), Intro to Addictive Behavior (8), Special Issues Behavioral Health Services (16), Documentation Quality Assurance (12), and Principles & Practices of Supervision (30)
Program Administrator
Requirements:
- 3 years (6,000 hours) of experience as an administrator or manager, with 2 years in a licensed program
- 300 hours of supervised practicum meeting administrator content requirements
- 73 contact hours of training in: Ethics for Supervisors (3), Ethics for Business/Health Care (3), Confidentiality within last two years (3), Infectious Diseases and HIV/AIDS (6), Leadership in Community Development (12), Principles and Practices in Supervision (30), Cross-Cultural Diversity (8), and Crisis Intervention (8)
Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Throughout Alaska
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The demand for qualified substance abuse counselors in Alaska remains strong and growing. With 357 Alaskans dying from drug overdoses in 2023 alone, and the crisis showing no signs of abating, the state desperately needs trained professionals to help combat this epidemic.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment in substance abuse counseling is expected to grow 11% in Alaska through 2030. This growth rate exceeds many other healthcare occupations and reflects the urgent need for qualified professionals.
Alaska offers opportunities for substance abuse counselors throughout the state, from urban centers to remote communities. Major employment hubs include:
- Anchorage: The state’s largest city saw overdose deaths increase over 300% in four years, creating urgent demand for counselors
- Fairbanks: Interior Alaska’s hub serves a large geographic area with limited treatment resources
- Juneau: The state capital and Southeast Alaska’s largest city
- Mat-Su Borough: One of the highest rates of overdose emergency department visits statewide
Recognized treatment facilities hiring CDCs include:
- Akeela House, Anchorage (residential and outpatient programs)
- Ralph Perdue Center, Fairbanks (residential care)
- Arctic Recovery, Anchorage
- Chris Kyle Patriots Hospital, Anchorage
- Rainforest Recovery Center, Juneau
- Stepping Stones, Fairbanks
- Restore Incorporated, Fairbanks
As a substance abuse counselor in Alaska, you’ll make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families devastated by addiction. The work is challenging but deeply rewarding. Alaska Native communities, which are disproportionately affected by the crisis, particularly need culturally competent counselors who understand their unique challenges and strengths.
“Every day on the job as a substance abuse counselor is a chance to save a life. In Alaska, where the crisis hits so hard, that opportunity matters more than ever.” – Alaska CDC with 8 years experience
Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Throughout Alaska
Substance abuse counselors in Alaska earn competitive salaries that reflect both the demanding nature of the work and the state’s higher cost of living. Alaska’s remote location and challenging environment contribute to compensation that exceeds the national average.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, substance abuse counselors in Alaska earned a median salary of $70,866 as of May 2023. This compares favorably to the national median and reflects Alaska’s commitment to attracting qualified professionals to address the crisis.
Alaska Salary Ranges by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $46,430 | New CDCs with minimal experience |
| Mid-Career (50th percentile) | $70,866 | Experienced counselors with CDC I or CDC II |
| Senior-Level (90th percentile) | $103,590+ | Advanced certifications, supervisors, administrators |
Salary by Major Cities
Anchorage: As of May 2023, the BLS reported a median salary of $69,742 for substance abuse counselors in Alaska’s largest city. Less experienced counselors earned about $43,410, while top counselors with advanced certifications and supervisory roles earned $100,350 or more.
Fairbanks: Substance abuse counselors in Interior Alaska earned a median salary of $62,797 as of May 2023. Entry-level counselors earned around $44,820, while experienced counselors with advanced credentials earned at least $98,150.
Factors Affecting Your Salary
Several factors influence earning potential for substance abuse counselors in Alaska:
- Certification level: CDC II and Clinical Supervisor credentials command higher salaries than CDC I
- Education: Master’s degree holders typically earn more than those with bachelor’s or associate degrees
- Work setting: Private treatment centers, hospitals, and government agencies offer different pay scales
- Location: Urban areas like Anchorage generally pay more, but rural positions may provide housing allowances and bonuses
- Specialization: Counselors with expertise in treating specific populations (adolescents, Alaska Natives, co-occurring disorders) may command premium pay
- Experience: Each year of experience and additional certification increases earning potential
For comprehensive salary information across all experience levels and locations, visit our substance abuse counselor salary guide.
Substance Abuse Counselor Degree Options in Alaska
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For many aspiring substance abuse counselors, earning a degree in the behavioral health field provides the strongest foundation for a successful career. Alaska offers some in-state options, but many students take advantage of online programs from accredited institutions across the country.
In-State Options
The University of Alaska Anchorage offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in Social Work:
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW): Prepares students for entry-level counseling positions and meets education requirements for CDC certification
- Master of Social WorkDegree: An Advanced degree that qualifies graduates for clinical social work licensure in addition to CDC certification
Online Degree Options
Many colleges and universities outside Alaska offer programs that fulfill the requirements for CDC I certification. Online delivery lets you earn your Degree from eDegree regardless of where you live in the state, whether you’re in Anchorage or a remote village.
When selecting an online program, verify that it:
- Includes coursework in addiction studies, counseling techniques, and behavioral health
- Offers a practicum or internship component (can often be completed in Alaska)
- Covers ethics, confidentiality, infectious diseases, and other required topics
- Comes from a regionally accredited institution
- Fits your budget and timeline
Degree Levels and Career Pathways
Different degree levels align with different career goals:
- Associate Degree (2 years): Quickest path to CDC I eligibility, reduces required training degrees
- Bachelor’s Degree (4 years): Strongest foundation for long-term career growth, best preparation for advanced certification
- Master’s Degree (2-3 years post-bachelor’s): Required for clinical supervisor roles and independent practice, with the highest earning potential
For detailed information about degree programs, specializations, and choosing the right path, visit our comprehensive degree guide. You can also explore minimum degree requirements by state to understand Alaska’s specific standards.
Continuing Education Requirements
Maintaining your CDC certification in Alaska requires ongoing professional development. This ensures counselors stay current with evolving treatment methods, ethical standards, and best practices in addiction medicine.
During each two-year renewal period, CDC I counselors must complete:
- 40 hours total of continuing education in the behavioral health field
- 3 hours specifically in ethics and confidentiality (these count toward your 40-hour total)
Finding Quality Continuing Education
The Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification maintains a list of approved continuing education providers. You can also earn credits through:
- NAADAC (National Association for Addiction Professionals) webinars and conferences
- IC&RC-approved courses
- Alaska-specific workshops and training sessions
- University courses in related fields
- National conferences on addiction treatment and behavioral health
Keep detailed records of all continuing education activities, including certificates of completion, dates, hours, and course descriptions. You’ll need these for your renewal application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a substance abuse counselor in Alaska?
The timeline depends on your educational path. If you already have a relevant degree, you can complete the 100-hour practicum and 2,000 hours of clinical experience in about 12-18 months. Without a degree, you’ll need to complete 148 hours of RADACT training plus 4,000 hours of clinical experience, which typically takes 2-3 years total.
Do I need a degree to become a substance abuse counselor in Alaska?
No, AlDegree offers both Degree and non-degree paths to CDC I certification. The non-degree route requires 148 hours of RADACT training and 4,000 hours of supervised clinical experience. However, earning a degree cuts your required experience hours in half and provides better long-term career opportunities.
What’s the salary for substance abuse counselors in Alaska?
The median salary for substance abuse counselors in Alaska is $70,866 as of May 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Entry-level counselors earn around $46,430, while experienced counselors with advanced certifications can earn $103,590 or more.
Can I complete my substance abuse counselor training online?
Yes, RADACT offers remote training via Zoom for the required 148 clock hours. Many degree programs are also available online, though you’ll need to complete your practicum and supervised clinical experience hours in person at an approved Alaska facility.
What’s the job outlook for substance abuse counselors in Alaska?
The U.S. Department of Labor projects 11% employment growth for substance abuse counselors in Alaska through 2030. With 357 drug overdose deaths in 2023 alone and the crisis continuing, demand for qualified counselors remains strong across the state.
Is there reciprocity for substance abuse counselor licenses from other states?
Alaska participates in the IC&RC (International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium), which can facilitate credential transfer from other member states. However, you may still need to meet Alaska-specific requirements. Contact the Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification directly to discuss your specific situation.
What populations do substance abuse counselors work with in Alaska?
Alaska counselors work with diverse populations, including Alaska Natives and American Indians (who are disproportionately affected by the crisis), veterans, adolescents and young adults, individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders, rural residents with limited treatment access, and people experiencing homelessness.
Are there scholarships available for students pursuing substance abuse counseling in Alaska?
Yes, various scholarships and financial aid options are available to students pursuing degrees in substance abuse counseling. Check with individual universities, the Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification, and national organizations like NAADAC. Some employers also offer tuition assistance for employees pursuing relevant credentials. Visit our scholarships and grants guide for more information.
Key Takeaways
- Alaska faces a severe substance abuse crisis with 357 overdose deaths in 2023, the highest increase in the nation, creating urgent demand for qualified Chemical Dependency Counselors.
- Two paths to CDC I certification exist: complete 148 hours of RADACT training plus 4,000 experience hours (non-degree), or earn a relevant degree plus 2,000 experience hours (degree path)
- The degree route cuts required clinical experience in half and positions you for better long-term career advancement through CDC II, Clinical Supervisor, and Administrator levels.s
- Alaska substance abuse counselors earn a median salary of $70,866, with entry-level counselors earning $46,430 and experienced counselors earning $103,590 or more. re
- Job growth is projected at 11% through 2030, with opportunities throughout the state from Anchorage to rural communities. ies
- CDC I certification requires renewal every two years with 40 hours of continuing education, including 3 hours in ethics and confidentiality
Ready to Start Your Journey as an Alaska Substance Abuse Counselor?
Explore degree programs that meet Alaska’s CDC certification requirements and position you for a rewarding career helping Alaskans overcome addiction.
Find Your Degree Program2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors reflect national and state data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2025.
