How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Connecticut

The battle against substance abuse in Connecticut is urgent and relentless. With the state grappling with a significant rise in drug overdose deaths, the need for dedicated substance abuse counselors has never been more critical. In 2023 alone, Connecticut recorded a staggering 1,378 drug overdose deaths, marking a dramatic increase from previous years. This epidemic is fueled by opioids, including fentanyl, which are implicated in over 85% of these fatalities.

But in the midst of this crisis, there is hope. Initiatives across the state are making strides in prevention, treatment, and recovery support. Programs like the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) provide vital resources and training for future counselors. These professionals are crucial in turning the tide, offering compassionate care and expertise to those struggling with addiction.

If you’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals battling substance abuse, Connecticut offers numerous pathways to becoming a certified substance abuse counselor. From urban centers like Hartford and New Haven to the rural areas of Litchfield County, your role as a counselor will be instrumental in guiding individuals towards recovery and a healthier future.

Steps to Becoming Certified as a Substance Abuse Counselor in Connecticut

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is the main state agency responsible for certifying substance abuse counselors in Connecticut. They offer the following certification levels for counselors based on experience and education:

There is another option for aspiring substance abuse in Connecticut to get certified. The Connecticut Certification Board is a non-profit professional organization that certifies counselors in the state, offering the following certification levels:

What’s the difference between certification and licensure? And which credential should I pursue?

In Connecticut, the CADC and LADC through the Department of Health (DPH) remain the primary credentials for substance abuse counselors, as they signify your permission to practice substance use disorder counseling in Connecticut as granted by a state government agency.

Certification, however, is not considered a practice credential in Connecticut and does not grant social workers permission to practice independently. The Connecticut Certification Board (CCB) recommends that licensed substance abuse counselors in Connecticut also earn certification, as it verifies one’s competency based on national and international standards as determined by experts in the field.

Connecticut is among a number of states that utilize both licensing and certification and see these credentials as complementary. In fact, the CCB is the designated exam provider for DPH. It’s commonplace for DPH-credentialed substance abuse counselors in Connecticut to also earn certification.

With this in mind, the CADC credential through the DPH serves as the primary point of entry into the field. That’s what we’ll be covering here in this guide.

1. Complete a Required Course of Education and Consider the Benefits of a Degree

2. Complete a Supervised Training Program

3. Complete a Period of Supervised Experience

4. Apply to Become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)

5. Take and Pass the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) Exam

We’ve mapped out the journey to becoming a substance abuse counselor in Connecticut. Our guide simplifies the process into five easy-to-manage steps, ensuring you have a clear path to success.

1. Complete a Required Course of Education and Consider the Benefits of a Degree

To start, you’ll need to complete 360 hours of relevant education, with at least 240 hours specifically in alcohol and drug counseling. The remaining hours should be in the field of human behavior. Your coursework must cover the following areas:

Pharmacology (18 hours)
Assessment and Treatment Planning (30 hours)
Counseling Theories and Techniques (90 hours)
Cross-Cultural, Special Population and Ethnically Diverse Groups (12 hours)
Ethics (12 hours)
HIV/AIDS (6 hours)

Although a college degree is not required to become a substance abuse counselor in Connecticut, a degree program can be incredibly beneficial. Not only will it ensure you meet all the educational requirements, but many programs also offer internships and practical experience opportunities. This can make it easier to gain the necessary supervised training and work experience, setting you up for success in your new career.

2. Complete a Supervised Training Program

After finishing your coursework, you need to complete at least 300 hours of supervised practical training in alcohol and drug counseling. This training must be under the supervision of a qualified professional and should include at least 10 hours in each of the following core counseling functions:

Screening
Intake
Orientation
Assessment
Treatment Planning
Counseling
Case Management
Crisis Education
Client Education
Referral
Report and Record Keeping
Consultation

The practical training must be overseen by a senior staff member of a treatment facility who has experience and training in substance abuse counseling and whose duties include overseeing client care. This ensures that you gain hands-on experience in a real-world setting, preparing you for the responsibilities of a substance abuse counselor.

3. Complete a Period of Supervised Experience

In addition to practical training, you need to complete a minimum of 6,000 hours of work experience in the field of alcohol and drug counseling. This experience should be spread over at least three years and involve direct work with clients who have substance use disorders.

During your practical training, you’ll dive into several essential areas. This includes getting hands-on experience in screening, intake, orientation, assessment, and treatment planning. You’ll also work on counseling, case management, and crisis intervention. Plus, you’ll engage in client education, make referrals, and handle report and record-keeping tasks. Consultation is another key area you’ll explore.

Note: Earning a master’s degree in a relevant field allows you to substitute out 2,000 hours of work experience, bringing your total required hours to 4,000 (about 2 years)

4. Apply to Become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)

Congratulations! You’ve completed your education, practical training, and work experience. Now it’s time to apply for your certification and take the final steps towards becoming a CADC in Connecticut. Here’s what you need to do:

Create an account on the eLicense website.
Complete the online application form for the CADC certification.
Submit the necessary documentation, including verification of education, practical training, and work experience. These forms must be completed by the verifying authorities and sent directly to the Connecticut Department of Public Health. You’ll also need to include a photograph of yourself.
Pay the application fee of $190

You’re almost there! Just one last step to becoming a substance abuse counselor in Connecticut.

5. Take and Pass the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) Exam

After your application is approved, you will need to take and pass the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) exam. This exam is administered by the Connecticut Certification Board (CCB). To register for the exam, follow the instructions emailed to you by the CCB once your application is accepted.

To prepare for the exam, review all the material covered during your education and practical training. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and covers various aspects of alcohol and drug counseling. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the format and content areas specified by the IC&RC. Once you feel prepared, schedule your exam date through the CCB. After passing the exam, you will be officially certified as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor in Connecticut!

With a Master’s Degree and More Experience Comes Advanced Certification in Connecticut

A higher degree and more experience in the substance abuse counseling field opens doors to advanced certifications, leading to better job opportunities, higher pay, and the ability to make a greater impact in your profession. In Connecticut, you have the option of advancing your CADC certification to the Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) and further to the Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) certification.

Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC)

Education: A master’s degree in a behavioral health field from an accredited college or university.
Experience: 6,000 hours of supervised paid work experience in alcohol and drug counseling. This must include:
- 300 hours of direct supervision with a minimum of 10 hours in each of the 12 core functions (see step 2)
Training: 360 hours of education, including 240 hours of substance abuse specific education and 120 hours of related education.
Exam: Pass the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) exam.
License Renewal: Complete 20 hours of continuing education each year, including 2 hours in ethics.

Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC)

Education: A master’s degree in a behavioral health field from an accredited college or university.
Experience: 4,000 hours of supervised work experience specific to the AADC Job Analysis, including 300 hours of supervised practicum. Supervision must cover all the performance domains with a minimum of 10 hours in each:
- Screening, Assessment, and Engagement
- Treatment Planning, Collaboration, and Referral
- Counseling and Education
- Professional and Ethical Responsibilities
Training: 360 hours of education specific to the AADC Job Analysis, including 240 hours of substance abuse/co-occurring training and 108 hours of behavioral health electives. Additionally, 12 hours must be in CCB-approved ethics.
Exam: Pass the IC&RC Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) exam.
License Renewal: Complete 20 hours of addiction-specific training and 2 hours of ethics each year.

Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Bridgeport, New Haven, and Throughout Connecticut

Connecticut offers a variety of settings where substance abuse counselors can make a meaningful impact. In Bridgeport, facilities like the Greater Bridgeport Mental Health Center provide comprehensive treatment programs, while in New Haven, the APT Foundation offers both inpatient and outpatient care. Other notable facilities include:

As a substance abuse counselor in Connecticut, you’ll be at the forefront of helping individuals and families overcome addiction, contributing to healthier communities throughout the state.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Bridgeport, New Haven, and Throughout Connecticut

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), substance abuse counselors in Connecticut earned a median salary of $58,710 as of May 2023. Entry-level professionals in this field earned approximately $36,850 annually, while highly experienced substance abuse counselors earned closer to $91,390.

Bridgeport: As of May 2023, the BLS reported a median salary of $60,880 for substance abuse counselors in Bridgeport. Less experienced counselors earned about $41,190 during this time, while the top counselors earned about $93,550.
New Haven: According to the BLS, substance abuse counselors in New Haven earned a median salary of $60,530 as of May 2023. Those with less experience earned around $34,390, while more experienced counselors earned about $86,330.

Substance Abuse Counselor Degree Options in Connecticut

Connecticut has a variety of programs for aspiring substance abuse counselors. For instance, Fairfield University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, which includes relevant coursework for substance abuse counseling. Over at Southern Connecticut State University, you can find both undergraduate and graduate programs in Addiction Counseling, providing a comprehensive education in this field.

If you prefer the flexibility of online learning, Post University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a focus on Substance Abuse Counseling. This program is perfect if you want to earn your degree from the comfort of your home.

These programs are designed to equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to become a certified substance abuse counselor in Connecticut. Whether you choose a traditional on-campus program or an online option, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to start your career in this vital and rewarding field.

Albertus Magnus College

Department of Psychology
Accreditation: NECHE
Campus, Online

Master's Degrees

Graduate Certificates

Connecticut State Community College

School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Accreditation: NECHE
Campus, Hybrid

Undergraduate Certificates

Associate Degrees

Fairfield University

School of Education and Human Development
Accreditation: NECHE
Campus

Graduate Certificates

Post University

John P. Burke School of Public Service and Education
Accreditation: NECHE
Online

Master's Degrees

Graduate Certificates

Southern Connecticut State University

Department of Counseling and School Psychology
Accreditation: NECHE
Online

Graduate Certificates

2023 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures shown here for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors. Job growth projections are from the US Department of Labor-sponsored resource, CareerOneStop. Figures are based on state data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed August 2024.