To become a substance abuse counselor in Arkansas, earn a bachelor’s degree in a behavioral health field, complete 300 clock hours of approved training, gain three years (6,000 hours) of supervised clinical experience, pass the IC&RC exam, and apply for your Licensed Associate Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor (LAADAC) license through the Arkansas State Board of Examiners.
Table of Contents
- Why Arkansas Needs Substance Abuse Counselors
- Understanding Arkansas Credentials: SBEADAC vs. ASACB
- Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Substance Abuse Counselor in Arkansas
- Advanced Certification and Licensure Options
- Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Arkansas
- Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Arkansas
- Degree Programs in Arkansas
- Frequently Asked Questions
Arkansas continues to face significant substance use challenges. The state maintains the second-highest opioid prescription rate in the nation at 72.2 prescriptions per 100 people, and overdose deaths reached 21.7 per 100,000 residents in recent years. Rural counties like Calhoun and Poinsett show overdose mortality rates exceeding 35 per 100,000, nearly double the state average.
There’s hope on the horizon. Arkansas saw a 13.4% decline in overdose deaths between 2022 and 2023, outpacing the national reduction of 3%. This progress reflects the expanding network of treatment services and the dedicated work of Licensed Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (LADAC), Licensed Associate Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (LAADAC), and other treatment professionals across the state.
You can be part of the solution. Every day on the job as a substance abuse counselor is a chance to save a life and help individuals break the cycle of addiction. This guide outlines the complete pathway to becoming a licensed substance abuse counselor in Arkansas.
Why Arkansas Needs Substance Abuse Counselors
The demand for qualified substance abuse counselors in Arkansas has never been greater. Only 5.9% of Arkansans with substance use disorders received specialty treatment in 2022, well below the 7.2% national figure. Among young adults in need of treatment, 12.63% lack access entirely. With 348 active Peer Recovery Specialists and a growing treatment infrastructure, Arkansas is building a comprehensive recovery network that needs skilled professionals like you.
The profession offers stability and growth. Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counseling positions are projected to grow 26.9% through 2030 in Arkansas, adding 500 new jobs. That’s significantly higher than the 22.9% national growth rate. Whether you’re drawn to community mental health centers, residential treatment facilities, correctional settings, or private practice, Arkansas offers a diverse range of career paths in addiction counseling.
Understanding Arkansas Credentials: SBEADAC vs. ASACB
One of the more complicated concepts you’ll confront when becoming a substance abuse counselor in Arkansas is navigating the dual credentialing system. Two organizations govern professional recognition in this field, and understanding how they work together is crucial to planning your career path.
The Arkansas State Board of Examiners of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (SBEADAC) is the government agency responsible for licensing substance abuse counselors in Arkansas, using a two-tier credentialing system based on education and experience:
- Licensed Associate Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor (LAADAC)
- Licensed Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC)
Additionally, the Arkansas Substance Abuse Certification Board (ASACB) is a state-level, nonprofit professional association that certifies substance abuse counselors in line with common IC&RC standards:
- Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC)
- Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC)
- Clinical Supervisor (CS)
So Which Credentialing Body Should You Choose?
Credentials through both organizations serve a purpose. You’ll need a state license issued through the SBEADAC to legally practice as a full authority substance abuse counselor in Arkansas, but earning ADC certification through the ASACB will help you get there.
Think of certification as your path to becoming licensed:
- The SBEADAC is a state government body that offers licenses in alcoholism and drug abuse counseling, regulating the profession similarly to other Arkansas professional boards like nursing, social work, marriage and family therapy, and mental health counseling. Licensing grants the legal authority to practice in the state. It ensures public safety by establishing high standards for professional practice while offering protections to license holders and allowing their services to be reimbursed by healthcare insurance providers.
- The ASACB is a non-governmental professional organization offering voluntary certification in alignment with the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC), which administers the exam most states use when certifying substance abuse counselors. By itself, ADC certification doesn’t grant legal authority for clinical practice in Arkansas. Only licensure can do that. However, it satisfies many requirements for state licensure, creating a streamlined path to licensure. It also serves as an additional layer of professional recognition widely acknowledged among the professional community, both in Arkansas and in other states that adhere to IC&RC standards.
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Substance Abuse Counselor in Arkansas
The Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) credential serves as an entry point to earning the Licensed Associate Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor (LAADAC) license in Arkansas. This guide outlines the steps to earn both your ADC certification and your LAADAC license.
Here are the steps you’ll take to become a substance abuse counselor in Arkansas:
1. Complete Required Training and Earn a Bachelor’s or Higher Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling or a Similar Major
2. Complete Three Years of Supervised Work Experience
3. Take and Pass a National Qualifying Exam and Apply for ADC Certification
4. Apply for the LAADAC Credential
This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of becoming a Licensed Associate Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor (LAADAC) in Arkansas through ADC certification.
1. Complete Required Training and Earn a Bachelor’s or Higher Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling or a Similar Major
The first step to becoming an Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) involves completing a course of formal training and education that is equivalent to 300 clock hours. You can earn the required hours through a certificate program or through the Center for Addiction Studies and Research, an ASACB-approved distance-learning provider of education for substance abuse certification.
You can also meet this requirement by completing a combination of college coursework, workshops, seminars, and live internet training. College coursework credits are converted into clock hours. Each three-credit course equals 42 hours, so you’ll only need to complete seven college courses to meet this requirement.
Becoming a Licensed Associate Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LAADAC) in Arkansas requires you to hold a bachelor’s or higher degree in substance abuse counseling, addictions studies, or a related major in behavioral health. Since you’re aiming to meet licensure requirements, it’s wise to consider going all-in on education at this point by enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program.
A bachelor’s program will include a clinical practicum, allowing you to begin gaining valuable experience applicable toward certification and licensure even before you graduate—more on that in Step 2.
The Arkansas State Board of Examiners of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (SBEADAC) doesn’t name specific degree majors but states that approved education must cover 270 clock hours of mental health and alcohol/substance use disorder counseling topics, theory, practice, and research. Completing the requirements for ADC certification will exceed this requirement.
All course content will be reviewed for approval by the SBEADAC Credentialing Committee.
Additionally, you’ll need to complete at least six hours of ethics training within the two years before submitting your application for LAADAC licensure. Since your required period of supervised experience (discussed in the next step) lasts three years, you’ll need to get that training outside of your bachelor’s program. You can find qualifying short-course training programs in ethics offered through online providers, local community colleges, and webinars that are announced periodically throughout the year on the SBEADAC website.
2. Complete Three Years of Supervised Work Experience
After earning your bachelor’s degree, it’s time to complete three years of supervised work experience under the guidance of an Arkansas Licensed Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC) in a real-world clinical setting. This is a requirement for both ADC certification and LAADAC licensure.
This period of field experience builds on the principles and practices learned in the classroom. It’s your opportunity to apply that knowledge in your work with actual clients recovering from substance use disorders. This makes it the most critical piece of your career preparation. Your experience will involve performing tasks that cover the 12 core functions of substance use disorder counseling:
- Screening
- Intake
- Orientation
- Assessment
- Treatment Planning
- Counseling
- Case Management
- Crisis Intervention
- Client Education
- Referral
- Report and Recordkeeping
- Consultation with Other Professionals
A Bachelor’s Degree Reduces the Experience Requirements for ADC Certification
The supervised experience required for ADC certification without a degree is approximately 6,000 hours (equivalent to about three years) of clinical work experience. But good news! If you earned a bachelor’s degree, you won’t need nearly as many hours to be eligible for certification.
- Associate’s degree: 5,000 hours of work experience
- Bachelor’s degree: 4,000 hours of work experience
- Master’s degree: 2,000 hours of work experience
This means you’ll be eligible for ADC certification after only two years of supervised experience. Still, you would need to continue for one more year to meet the requirements for LAADAC licensure.
A supervised practicum of at least 300 hours must be part of your documented work experience. Your practicum must be completed in an Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) facility under the supervision of a Clinical Supervisor (CS) or someone with a master’s degree who is licensed as a behavioral healthcare provider in Arkansas. By completing a bachelor’s degree, you’ve more than likely already satisfied the 300-hour practicum requirement as part of your program.
After you’ve earned the required education but before you begin your period of training, you’ll need to register as a Counselor in Training (CIT). This process includes creating an account with Certemy, the ASACB’s online portal, and passing a background check. The CIT is valid for a period of five years. If you haven’t earned the required clinical experience hours for ADC certification during this time, you’ll need to re-register for the CIT.
Documenting Your Experience for LAADAC Licensure
Before you can register as a CIT, you must secure a Certified Clinical Supervisor who is willing to take you on. You can ensure that arrangement through local employers throughout Arkansas. Many employers are eager to hire LAADAC candidates to provide clinical training and documented supervised experience, either for a limited duration or with the idea that you’ll be hired long term. This is an excellent arrangement for employers who have the opportunity to familiarize candidates with their specific client types, culture, and specialties. In contrast, candidates gain invaluable real-world exposure and accumulate the hours required for ADC certification and LAADAC licensure.
There’s no guarantee this will result in long-term employment once you’ve earned your LAADAC license, but it’s a very real possibility.
Your supervisor will document your supervised work experience, which will be attested to by you and your supervisor on the Verification of Supervision form, along with details on the job duties you performed.
3. Take and Pass a National Qualifying Exam and Apply for ADC Certification
As the last step before applying for ADC certification through the Arkansas Substance Abuse Certification Board (ASACB), you’ll need to pass the IC&RC Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) written exam. This exam tests your knowledge and competency in various critical areas of substance abuse counseling, including:
- Clinical Evaluation
- Treatment Planning
- Referral
- Service Coordination
- Counseling
- Client, Family, and Community Education
- Documentation
- Professional and Ethical Responsibility
SBEADAC’s only statement on the final exam for vetting LAADAC and LADAC candidates is that it must be a national qualifying written exam as prescribed by SBEADAC. Of course, SBEADAC would accept the IC&RC Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) exam you take as part of the certification process for the purpose of qualifying for LAADAC licensure.
You’ll apply to take the written exam through Certemy.
After passing the exam, you can submit your application to the ASACB for ADC certification. First, complete the official application form through Certemy (linked above), including detailed information about your education, work experience, and supervision.
Along with your application, submit the non-refundable application fee of $250. You’ll also need to sign the ASACB code of ethics, agreeing to adhere to the professional standards expected of certified counselors, and provide three personal references who can attest to your character and suitability for the role.
You’ll also need to write a personal philosophy statement outlining your beliefs, values, and approach to substance abuse counseling.
Once your application is reviewed and approved, you’ll be granted ADC certification and be on your way to making a significant difference in the lives of people struggling with addiction in Arkansas.
4. Complete One More Year of Supervised Experience and Apply for the LAADAC Credential
Even after earning ADC certification through the ASACB based on your bachelor’s degree and two years of supervised experience, you’ll still need to complete one more year of supervised experience before applying for LAADAC licensure through the Arkansas State Board of Examiners of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (SBEADAC).
After completing that final year, you’ll be able to submit your license application and supporting documents for LAADAC licensure to SBEADAC.
The Board provides a Licensure Submission Checklist to help you in this process.
The application process includes furnishing the same documents and information you already collected for your ADC certification application — proof of your completed bachelor’s degree in the behavioral health field, verification of your supervised work experience, and evidence of at least six hours of ethics training within the last two years.
Additionally, you’ll also need to sign an agreement to abide by the code of ethics, provide three letters of reference, and pay a license fee of $265.
The SBEADAC will review your application. Once it has been approved, you will be officially granted LAADAC licensure in Arkansas.
Advanced Certification and Licensure Options
Advancing your education and experience can lead to higher certification levels through the ASACB. These include the Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) and Clinical Supervisor (CS) designations. These same qualifications will make you eligible for the higher-level license through SBEADAC, specifically the Licensed Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC) license.
Requirements for Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) Certification Through ASACB:
- Education: Obtain a master’s degree in a Behavioral Health or Human Services field.
- Practicum: Complete a 300-hour supervised practicum covering the 12 core functions of addiction counseling.
- Experience: Gain 2,000 hours (or 1 year) of work experience in the addictions field under a qualified supervisor.
- Exam: Pass the IC&RC AADC Exam
There is no need to repeat any of the requirements you may have already met in the course of earning ADC certification and LAADAC licensure. In fact, with ADC certification and LAADAC licensure under your belt, the only remaining requirement for AADC certification and LADAC licensure is to earn a master’s degree.
Requirements for Clinical Supervisor (CS) Certification Through ASACB:
- Prerequisites: Hold a current ADC or AADC certification.
- Education: Complete 30 hours of pre-approved clinical supervision training, including six hours in clinical supervision skills. Training must cover five dimensions: Counselor Development, Professional/Ethical Standards, Program Development, Performance Evaluation, and Treatment Knowledge.
- Experience: Accumulate five years (10,000 hours) of counseling experience, including 4,000 hours of clinical supervision experience.
- Practicum: Complete a supervised practicum with 200 hours of face-to-face supervision.
- Exam: Pass the IC&RC computer-based exam.
Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Throughout Arkansas
Substance abuse counselors can make a meaningful impact all across Arkansas. In Little Rock, facilities like Recovery Centers of Arkansas offer comprehensive treatment programs, while in Fayetteville, you can find opportunities at locations such as Northwest Arkansas Psychological Group.
Other organizations in Arkansas where you may be able to find substance abuse counselor jobs include:
- The BridgeWay, North Little Rock
- Ozark Guidance, Springdale
- Crowley’s Ridge Development Council, Jonesboro
- Quapaw House, Hot Springs
Embarking on a career as a substance abuse counselor in Arkansas allows you to help others while pursuing a fulfilling and rewarding professional path. With the ongoing need for these services, your role will be essential in supporting recovery and promoting healthier communities throughout the state.
Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Throughout Arkansas
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for substance abuse counselors in Arkansas was $49,990 as of May 2024. Entry-level professionals in this field earned around $31,600, while highly experienced counselors earned $102,400 or more.
The mean annual salary was $58,960, reflecting the earning potential that comes with gaining experience and advancing your credentials from LAADAC to LADAC status. Your specific salary will depend on factors including your credential level, years of experience, employment setting, and geographic location within Arkansas.
Salary varies by region across the state. Urban areas like Little Rock and Fayetteville tend to offer higher compensation, though the cost of living should be considered. Rural areas may offer lower salaries but provide unique opportunities to serve underserved populations with critical needs.
Substance Abuse Counselor Degree Options in Arkansas
Arkansas colleges and universities offer various programs that meet the requirements for certification as a substance abuse counselor. For example, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock offers a BS in Social Work, which includes relevant coursework for substance abuse counseling. In contrast, the University of Arkansas Grantham offers an online BS in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Addiction Studies.
Many colleges and universities outside of Arkansas also offer online degree programs that meet the requirements to become a substance abuse counselor in Arkansas. Coursework may be provided in a fully online format, but in-person clinical placements would still be arranged at locations close to where you live.
Arkansas State University
College of Nursing and Health Professions, Social Work Department
Accreditation: HLC
Campus
Graduate Certificates
- Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies
Option to complete with an MSW, but this graduate certificate is not specifically a concentration within the MS.W
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
School of Arts and Sciences
Accreditation: HLC
Online
Master’s Degrees
- MS in Addiction Studies (Graduate Addiction Studies Program-GASP)
University of Central Arkansas
College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Health Sciences
Accreditation: HLC
Online
Bachelor’s Degrees
- BS in Addiction Studies (Prevention concentration, Treatment concentration)
- Minor in Addiction Studies
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I become licensed with only ADC certification?
No, ADC certification through ASACB alone doesn’t grant legal authority to practice as a substance abuse counselor in Arkansas. You need to earn LAADAC licensure through SBEADAC to practice legally. However, ADC certification streamlines the path to licensure by satisfying many of the exact requirements.
How long does it take to become fully licensed?
The complete timeline depends on your starting point. With a bachelor’s degree, you can earn ADC certification after about 2 years of supervised experience (4,000 hours). You’ll need to continue for one additional year (total of 3 years, 6,000 hours) to qualify for LAADAC licensure. Add in time for your bachelor’s degree (typically 4 years), and the full path takes about 7 years from high school graduation.
Can I work while completing my supervised hours?
Yes! Most candidates complete their supervised hours while working in paid positions at treatment facilities, community mental health centers, or other approved settings. Many employers specifically hire candidates working toward licensure, providing both employment and the required supervision. You’ll need to register as a Counselor in Training (CIT) before beginning this supervised work.
Does my degree primarily matter?
SBEADAC doesn’t specify exact degree majors but requires your degree to be in health, behavioral sciences, or a related field. Common qualifying majors include addiction studies, psychology, social work, counseling, human services, and similar behavioral health disciplines. Your coursework must cover 270 clock hours of mental health and substance use disorder counseling topics. The SBEADAC Credentialing Committee reviews all education for approval.
Can I transfer my license from another state?
Arkansas offers reciprocity through IC&RC for counselors certified in other IC&RC member states. If your state doesn’t offer reciprocity to Arkansas, you’ll need to meet Arkansas’s specific education requirements, including holding a bachelor’s degree for LAADAC or a master’s degree for LADAC. Contact SBEADAC directly to discuss your particular situation and requirements for practicing in Arkansas with out-of-state credentials.
What’s the difference between LAADAC and LADAC?
The primary difference is education level. LAADAC (Licensed Associate Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor) requires a bachelor’s degree, while LADAC (Licensed Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor) requires a master’s degree. Both require three years (6,000 hours) of supervised experience, passing the IC&RC exam, and meeting other SBEADAC requirements. LADAC represents the higher credential level and may offer increased job opportunities and earning potential.
Do I need continuing education to maintain my license?
Yes, Arkansas licenses are renewed every two years and require continuing education. Continuing education must be obtained from one of the nine approved sponsors or received prior approval from SBEADAC. No more than half of your required hours may be completed through online learning. Contact SBEADAC at (501) 295-1100 or [email protected] for specific continuing education requirements and approved providers.
Key Takeaways
- Arkansas utilizes a dual credentialing system: ADC certification through ASACB helps you qualify for LAADAC licensure through SBEADAC, which grants you the legal authority to practice.
- The complete path requires a bachelor’s degree, 300 clock hours of training, three years (6,000 hours) of supervised experience, passing the IC&RC exam, and approval from SBEADAC.
- A bachelor’s degree reduces experience requirements for ADC certification to 4,000 hours (2 years), but you’ll still need the full 6,000 hours (3 years) for LAADAC licensure.
- Arkansas substance abuse counselors earned a median annual salary of $49,990 in 2024, with experienced counselors earning over $102,400 per year.
- The field is growing rapidly in Arkansas, with 26.9% projected job growth through 2030, resulting in the addition of 500 new positions statewide.
- Advanced credentials (AADC certification and LADAC licensure) require a master’s degree but build on your existing ADC/LAADAC credentials without repeating requirements.
Ready to Start Your Path to Becoming a Licensed Counselor in Arkansas?
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2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2025.
