In the heart of Georgia, the struggle with substance abuse is a harsh reality that has touched countless lives. The state’s opioid crisis has intensified, with fentanyl being a significant driver. Recent statistics paint a grim picture: in 2022, Georgia experienced over 1,900 drug overdose deaths, a significant increase from previous years. Fentanyl alone accounted for nearly 70% of these fatalities, highlighting the urgent need for effective intervention and support.
The impact of substance abuse extends from Georgia’s bustling urban centers to its quieter rural communities. Atlanta, often seen as a hub of cultural and economic activity, has also become a focal point for drug trafficking and abuse. The city’s neighborhoods, from Buckhead to Bankhead, reveal the pervasive nature of the crisis. However, smaller cities like Macon and Augusta are not spared, facing their own surges in overdoses and drug-related issues.
In response to this growing crisis, Georgia has ramped up its efforts to combat substance abuse. The Georgia Overdose Prevention Project, for example, works tirelessly to provide life-saving resources and support to those affected by addiction. Meanwhile, the Georgia Council on Substance Abuse promotes recovery and strives to reduce the stigma surrounding substance use disorders. These organizations, alongside many others, are on the front lines, offering hope and tangible assistance to those in need.
Steps to Becoming Certified as a Substance Abuse Counselor in Georgia
The Georgia Addiction Counselors Association (GACA) and the Alcohol & Drug Abuse Certification Board of Georgia (ADACBGA) are responsible for certifying substance abuse counselors in Georgia. They offer the following certification levels for front-line counselors based on experience and education:
Georgia Addiction Counselors Association (GACA):
- Counselor-In-Training Certification (CCIT)
- Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (CACI)
- Certified Addiction Counselor, Level II (CACII)
- Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS)
- Certified Master Addiction Counselor (CMAC)
Alcohol & Drug Abuse Certification Board of Georgia (ADACBGA):
- Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor, Level I (CADC-I)
- Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor, Level II (CADC-II)
- Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CAADC)
Both GACA and ADACBGA certifications are widely accepted by employers in Georgia. However, there are some differences between the two agencies. GACA focuses on state-specific credentials that align closely with Georgia’s standards for addiction counseling. ADACBGA, on the other hand, offers credentials that are recognized internationally and provide reciprocity in more than 40 U.S. states and several countries. This international recognition can be beneficial for counselors seeking broader career mobility.
For most aspiring substance abuse counselors in Georgia, the Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (CADC-I) certification serves as the point of entry into the field. That’s what we’ll be covering here in this guide.
1. Complete 300 Contact Hours of Substance Abuse Education
2. Complete a 300-Hour Supervised Practical Training Program
3. Document 6,000 Hours of Supervised Experience in Addiction Counseling
4. Apply to Become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC-I)
5. Take and Pass the IC&RC ADC Exam
Ready to become a substance abuse counselor in Georgia? We’ve outlined the process in a simple, step-by-step guide to help you achieve your certification with ease and confidence.
1. Complete 300 Contact Hours of Substance Abuse Education
To start working towards earning your CADC-I credential in Georgia, you’ll need at least a high school diploma or GED. Next, you need to complete a total of 300 contact hours of education related to the 12 Core Functions of alcohol and drug counseling. These core functions encompass essential knowledge and skills required for effective substance abuse counseling, including:
- Screening
- Intake
- Orientation
- Assessment
- Treatment Planning
- Counseling (individual, group, and family)
- Case Management
- Crisis Management
- Client Education
- Referral
- Reports and Record Keeping
- Consultation with other professionals regarding client treatment and services
Within these 300 hours, you must also complete specific coursework in key areas:
- 6 hours of professional ethics
- 6 hours of trauma-informed care
- 6 hours of telehealth/e-counseling
- 6 hours of HIV/AIDS and/or Hepatitis C education
While a high school diploma or GED is the minimum requirement, pursuing a degree in a related field such as psychology, social work, or human services can be highly beneficial. A degree program often covers many of the required contact hours and core functions, providing a more comprehensive educational foundation. This can make it easier to meet the educational requirements and better prepare you for the challenges of a career in substance abuse counseling.
2. Complete a 300-Hour Supervised Practical Training Program
Once you have completed the required education, you must complete a supervised training program that ensures you gain the necessary practical experience and knowledge. The program requires 300 hours of clinical supervision, with at least 25% (75 hours) being one-on-one supervision. This supervision must be provided by an ADACBGA Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS) or a professional with the ADACBGA’s Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) endorsement.
Your supervision must cover the 12 Core Functions of an Alcohol and Drug Counselor, ensuring a minimum of 15 hours in each function. (see list above) During your training, regular evaluations and feedback sessions with your clinical supervisor are crucial for your development. Reviewing and discussing clinical notes and cases during supervision will help enhance your practical skills and knowledge.
3. Document 6,000 Hours of Supervised Experience in Addiction Counseling
Next, you’ll need to dive into gaining hands-on experience to become a CADC-I in Georgia. You must complete at least 6,000 hours of direct work experience. This should be done in a licensed or state-sponsored agency, where you’ll work under the guidance of a qualified job supervisor. During this time, you’ll get to do all sorts of important work, such as:
- Screening and assessing clients
- Developing and implementing treatment plans
- Providing individual and group counseling
- Educating clients and their families about substance use disorders
- Managing cases and coordinating care with other professionals
Additionally, you’ll need to complete at least 20 hours of one-on-one administrative supervision with your job supervisor. This is an excellent opportunity to get personalized guidance and feedback, ensuring you’re on the right track and meeting professional standards.
This blend of direct work experience and supervision will help you develop the skills and confidence needed to excel as a substance abuse counselor. Remember to keep detailed records of your hours and the tasks you perform, as this documentation is essential for your certification process.
4. Apply to Become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC-I)
After completing the necessary education and experience requirements, the next step is to apply for your Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC-I) credential in Georgia. Start by obtaining the official application form from the Alcohol & Drug Abuse Certification Board of Georgia (ADACBGA) by emailing [email protected] with “[Credential Level + Application Request]” in the subject line.
You will need to submit several key documents with your application, including proof of your 6,000 hours of direct work experience, documentation of 300 hours of clinical supervision, and verification of your 300 contact hours of education covering the 12 Core Functions. You will also need to pay the $150 application fee. Once your application is approved, you’re ready to move on to the final step!
5. Take and Pass the IC&RC ADC Exam
The last step in your journey to become a substance abuse counselor in Georgia is to take and pass the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) exam. First, pay the exam fee of $180, which can be done online or by mailing a check or money order as directed by the ADACBGA. Once your application is approved, you will receive instructions on how to schedule your exam at an approved testing center.
The ADC exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering various topics, including treatment admission, clinical assessment, ongoing treatment planning, counseling services (individual, group, family, crisis intervention, and client education), documentation, case management, discharge and continuing care, legal, ethical, and professional growth issues, and physiology and psychopharmacology. Make sure to prepare thoroughly for the exam using recommended study materials.
On the day of the exam, arrive at the testing center with the required identification. You will have three hours to complete the exam. After completing the exam, your results will be processed, and you will be notified of your score. If you received a passing grade, you’re officially a CADC-I in Georgia!
With a Higher Degree and More Experience Comes Advanced Certification in Georgia
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 Georgia, you have the option of advancing your CADC certification to the Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor, Level II (CADC-II) and further to the Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CAADC) certification.
Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor, Level II (CADC-II)
- Bachelor's degree in a Human Service field or a graduate degree in any field.
- 300 hours in Alcohol and Drug Knowledge and Skill Competencies, including:
- Professional Ethics: 6 hours
- Trauma-Informed Care: 6 hours
- Telehealth/E-Counseling: 6 hours
- HIV/AIDS and/or Hepatitis C: 6 hours
- 4,000 hours of direct work experience (roughly 2 years full-time).
- 200 hours of clinical supervision (25% must be one-on-one).
Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CAADC)
- Master’s degree in addiction counseling or a licensure-eligible master’s or doctoral degree in a behavioral health field with a clinical component.
- 180 hours in Alcohol and Drug Knowledge and Skill Competencies, including:
- Professional Ethics: 6 hours
- Trauma-Informed Care: 6 hours
- Telehealth/E-Counseling: 6 hours
- HIV/AIDS and/or Hepatitis C: 6 hours
- 4,000 hours of direct work experience.
- 200 hours of clinical supervision (25% must be one-on-one).
Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Atlanta, Augusta, and Throughout Georgia
Georgia offers numerous opportunities for substance abuse counselors to make a significant impact in various settings. In Atlanta, facilities such as the MARR Addiction Treatment Center provide comprehensive treatment programs, while in Augusta, the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) offers specialized services. Other notable facilities include:
- CHRIS 180, Atlanta: Specializing in community-based treatment and support.
- New Beginnings Today, Atlanta: Providing crisis intervention and recovery services.
- Still Waters Professional Counseling, Augusta: Offering a range of mental health and addiction treatment services.
Embarking on a career as a substance abuse counselor in Georgia means being at the forefront of helping individuals and families overcome addiction. With a variety of job settings and strong demand for services, this is a rewarding career path for those committed to making a difference​
Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Atlanta, Augusta, and Throughout Georgia
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), substance abuse counselors in Georgia earned a median salary of $48,290 as of May 2023. Entry-level professionals in this field earned approximately $31,990 annually, while highly experienced substance abuse counselors earned closer to $80,020.
- Atlanta: As of May 2023, the BLS reported a median salary of $49,510 for substance abuse counselors in Atlanta. Less experienced counselors earned about $28,620 during this time, while the top counselors earned about $80,210.
- Augusta: According to the BLS, substance abuse counselors in Augusta earned a median salary of $47,960 as of May 2023. Those with less experience earned around $35,750, while more experienced counselors earned about $73,900.
Substance Abuse Counselor Degree Options in Georgia
Georgia offers various programs for aspiring substance abuse counselors. The University of Georgia provides a Graduate Certificate in Substance Use Counseling through its School of Social Work, offering intensive training in evidence-based treatment and interdisciplinary practices. Mercer University’s College of Professional Advancement offers a Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a specialization in substance abuse counseling, covering addiction treatment and crisis intervention.
Online programs are widely available and offer flexible options for those balancing studies with other commitments. These programs ensure that students in Georgia have access to the education needed for certification, with both in-person and online options available.
University of Georgia
School of Social Work
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Campus
Graduate Certificates
- Graduate Certificate in Substance Use Counseling
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.