More than a generation ago, the National Center for Health Statistics reported that New Mexico had the highest rate of overdose deaths in the country at 15 out of every 100,000 people. By comparison, Kentucky’s rate was only 4.9 out of every 100,000. Overdose deaths across the country were relatively low. Kentucky’s rates were among the lowest in the country.
A decade and a half later, that all changed.
By 2014, Kentucky’s overdose death rate was 24.7, the fourth highest in the nation. In the 2010s, the state’s rate climbed into the 30s and 40s until it peaked in 2021 at 55.6. Poverty, Kentucky’s location on the once bustling Oxy Express, and the introduction of fentanyl into heroin and counterfeit pain pills all contribute to this epidemic.
But synthetic opioids are only one drug, and death from overdose is only one outcome. Alcohol, methamphetamine, and other substances continue to ravage the lives of individuals and entire communities. Kentuckians from all walks of life find themselves lost in this uphill battle.
If you’re passionate about helping people find hope and recovery, becoming a substance use disorder counselor in Kentucky may be your calling. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to become one, where to look for jobs, salary expectations, and a few colleges and universities that can help you on your journey.
Steps to Becoming Certified as a Substance Abuse Counselor in Kentucky
To become a substance abuse counselor in Kentucky, you’ll need to be certified through the Kentucky Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors (ADC). Headquartered in Frankfort, this government-run agency oversees all substance use disorder counselors in the state.
The ADC offers six levels of licensing and certification:
- Registered Alcohol and Drug Peer Support Specialist (RADPSS)
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Associate I (CADCA1)
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Associate II (CADC2)
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)
- Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC)
- Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC)
This guide focuses on the steps to become option four—a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Whether you want to become an administrator later in your career or stay in a client-facing role, becoming a CADC can be a great way to enter this life-saving field.
According to ADC statutes and laws, to become a CADC in Kentucky, you have to:
1. Earn a bachelor’s degree or become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Associate
2. Register as a Temporary CADC (if needed) and complete work experience requirements
3. Complete required training on specific subjects
4. Submit a CADC application to the ADC
5. Pass the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium’s (IC&RC) Alcohol and Drug Counselor Exam
Substance abuse certification in Kentucky is relatively straightforward, but there are important details to consider at each step. In this section, we’ll cover each one. When it comes time to get started, you can find all applications referenced in this guide in the ADC’s forms and documents database.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree OR Become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Associate First
Option 1 – Earn a Bachelor’s Degree and Go Straight to Becoming a CADC
To become a CADC in Kentucky, you must be at least 18 years old and live in the state most of the time. But when it comes to education and training, there are two paths you can take.
The first path is earning a bachelor’s degree. It can be a degree in any field.
However, to build a foundation of fundamental counseling skills, you may want to consider a degree in substance abuse counseling. A degree in a related field such as psychology, social work, or human services might also prove helpful. If you take that route, some of your classes will likely cover substance use disorders.
Option 2 – Become a CADC Associate First
Instead of earning a bachelor’s degree, you can become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Associate or CADCA. These entry-level professionals can help with the counseling process, but typically work under the direct supervision of a fully credentialed counselor. CADCAs only need a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Depending on your circumstances and needs, this may be a more accessible path.
There are two levels of CADCA certification: CADCA1 and CADCA2. You’ll need to become a CADCA1 first.
CADCA1
You can become a CADCA1 by:
- Being at least 18 years old.
- Completing 40 hours of classes (20 hours within the last year) on the four domains of substance abuse counseling:
- Assessment, screening, and engagement.
- Treatment planning, referral, and collaboration.
- Counseling.
- Ethics and professional responsibilities.
- Submitting the CADCA1 application with supporting documents and a $50 fee to the ADC.
You’ll also need to find a board-approved supervisor. Fortunately, the ADC maintains a list of approved supervisors. After your application is approved, you’ll work directly with your supervisor for two hours twice a month to develop your counseling skill set.
As a CADCA1, you’ll also need to complete 30 hours of continuing education classes related to substance use disorders each year. Six hours must be in ethics. However, all classes must be approved by the ADC. The ADC doesn’t maintain a full list of approved class providers, but some pre-approved providers include the:
- Addiction Technology Transfer Centers.
- Clinical Applications of the Principles on Treatment of Addictions and Substance Abuse.
- International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium.
- Kentucky Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse.
- Kentucky School of Alcohol and Drug Studies.
- National Association of Addiction Professionals and organizations that are members of it.
- National Conference on Addiction Disorders.
The ADC typically accepts classes from accredited colleges and universities without needing extra approval. Many CADCAs pursue associate degrees in counseling and related fields to meet these requirements.
CADCA2
You can become a CADCA2 after being a CADCA1 for at least 8 months. In that time, you’ll also need to complete:
- 400 hours of work related to substance abuse disorder counseling. Internships also count. 80 hours must be dedicated solely to counseling and must be completed under the direct supervision of your supervisor.
- 70 hours of classroom learning from approved providers. 20 hours must have been earned in the last two years. This is in addition to hours earned to become a CADCA1.
After meeting those requirements, you can submit your CADCA2 application, all supporting documents, and a $50 application fee to the ADC.
Step 2: Register as a Temporary CADC (as needed) and Complete Work Experience Requirements
Whether you take the bachelor’s degree or CADC Associate path to becoming a CADC, the next step is accruing experience hours. There are two types of work experience hours: relevant work hours and supervised clinical hours.
If you’re already a CADCA2, you can earn experience hours as a CADCA2. But if you take the bachelor’s degree pathway, you’ll need to register as a Temporary CADC (TCADC) and find an approved supervisor before accruing experience hours.
To become a TCADC, you can submit the TCADC application with official college transcripts and a $50 fee to the ADC. Talking to college instructors can be a great way to find a supervisor. However, you can also use the ADC’s database of approved supervisors to find one in your area.
Relevant Work Experience Requirements
The ADC requires CADC applicants to have 6,000 hours working with people battling substance use disorders and their loved ones. This can include providing counseling and performing administrative tasks related to recovery services.
However, if you have a degree in a field related to substance use disorders or counseling, you might qualify with a reduced experience-hour requirement. If you have an associate degree, you need 5,000 hours. With a bachelor’s degree, you need 4,000. With a master’s degree, you only need 2,000.
Supervised Clinical Hours Requirements
Over the course of 300 supervised clinical hours, your supervisor can help you learn more advanced intervention and counseling skills. Feedback sessions, tutorials, and working directly with your supervisor all count towards this requirement. You must also spend at least 10 supervised hours working on each of the four domains of substance abuse counseling.
You can meet with your supervisor in-person or over video conference as long as you meet with them for two hours twice a month. But once again, having a degree in a relevant field can reduce hour requirements. If you have an associate degree, you’ll need 250 hours. With a bachelor’s, you’ll need 200. With a master’s, you’ll only need 100.
Step 3: Complete Required Training on Specific Subjects
The last step before submitting your CADC application is completing 300 hours of classes on the four domains of substance abuse counseling. If you took classes as a CADCA2 or earned a bachelor’s or associate degree, those classes may count for this step if they weren’t already used to fulfill other requirements.
To learn about some of the most pressing challenges counselors face today, you’ll also need to take classes on a few specific subjects:
- Two hours on HIV and sexually transmitted infections.
- Three hours on domestic violence.
- Six hours on counseling ethics (must be face-to-face).
You can earn hours by attending workshops, seminars, and other training events from approved providers. Each hour attending those types of classes typically only counts as one hour towards the 300-hour total. However, each semester hour of class taken through an accredited college or university counts as 15 hours.
Step 4: Submit a CADC Application to the Kentucky Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors
Once you’ve completed all requirements, you can submit a CADC application to the ADC with a $50 application fee, $200 exam fee, and two recommendations from licensed or certified counselors. There’s also a $200 fee for initial certification but that’s not due until after you’ve passed the final exam in the next step.
On the CADC application, you’ll be asked to provide proof of education (such as official college transcripts), work experience hours, and clinical supervision hours. Your supervisor must also attach an evaluation.
Decisions are typically made within two weeks following the ADC’s next monthly board meeting. If your application is approved, the Board will pre-register you for the final exam and send you test scheduling information.
Step 5: Pass the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor Exam
The final step to becoming a substance abuse counselor in Kentucky is passing the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium’s Alcohol and Drug Counselor Exam.
According to the IC&RC’s 2022 candidate guide, the exam consists of 125 scored multiple choice questions and 25 unscored questions. The questions are divided into four sections:
- Scientific Principles of Substance Use and Co-Occurring Disorders.
- Evidence-Based Screening and Assessment.
- Evidence-Based Treatment, Counseling, and Referral.
- Professional, Ethical and Legal Responsibilities.
You’ll have three hours to complete the exam. There are no set test dates so you can schedule the exam for whenever works best. Keep in mind, though, that the test must be taken within one year of getting your CADC application approved.
There are multiple test-taking locations across the state. However, you may be able to take it at home with an online proctor.
Scores are determined using an 800-point scale. 500 is considered a passing score. To prepare, you can use the guides, practice exams, and other materials found on the IC&RC’s test preparation web page. If you pass, the ADC will send you information regarding your new certification. If not, you can re-take the test after 90 days.
With a Higher Degree and More Experience Come Advanced Certification Options
As a CADC, you’ll help people through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. But if you’d like to take on more advanced roles in Kentucky’s recovery support network, there are two levels above CADC you may want to consider later in your career:
- Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC). LADCs have many of the same duties as CADCs. However, this license requires a master’s degree so LADCs often handle more complex cases and become supervisors or administrators.
- Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCDAC). The LCDAC is Kentucky’s highest substance use disorder counseling license. It requires a master’s and some additional training. LCDACs often run their own practices or become the directors of recovery programs at large service providers.
Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Throughout Kentucky
The first natural place to look for substance abuse counselor jobs in Kentucky is in its urban areas:
- Louisville. You can find substance abuse counselor jobs in Louisville through healthcare networks like Baptist Health and Norton Healthcare. The city is also home to many independent recovery centers and multi-location mental health providers like the Brook and Seven Counties.
- Lexington. While the city has dozens of small clinics, you can also find substance abuse counselor jobs in Lexington through Baptist Health Hospital and UK Healthcare. Both networks operate Bridge Clinics that serve people who have recently suffered overdoses.
- Bowling Green. In 2024, Bowling Green received $20 million to fund the Anchor Project, a mental health and addiction crisis resource initiative. In the coming years, Bowling Green may very well become a statewide recovery hub.
To find substance abuse counselor jobs in more rural parts of Kentucky, you may want to investigate careers with the Cabinet for Health and Human Services. This government agency runs multiple statewide recovery initiatives and operates 14 Regional Prevention Centers. You may also want to explore roles with local organizations that partner with the Cabinet.
Substance Abuse Counselor Salaries in Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Throughout Kentucky
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for substance abuse counselors in Kentucky is $47,060 as of May 2023. Entry-level salaries are around $30,910. The top-earning counselors in the state make about $84,630 and up.
- Louisville. As of May 2023, the median substance abuse counselor salary in Louisville is $49,070. Entry-level professionals typically make around $34,040 while their more experienced colleagues make more than $94,480.
- Lexington. The median salary for substance abuse counselors in Lexington is $48,640 as of May 2023. New professionals often make close to $34,210. The most highly-paid counselors make $80,930 or more.
- Bowling Green. Substance abuse counselors in Bowling Green earn a median salary of $47,270 as of May 2023. Entry-level counselors often make about $29,260 while the highest-paid make $95,120 or more.
Substance Abuse Counselor Degree Options in Kentucky
If earning a degree is part of your plan, colleges and universities across Kentucky offer degrees at multiple levels. For example, Brescia University in Owensboro offers a bachelor’s degree in substance use disorder counseling. You can take classes online and on-campus. Brescia also has an associate addictions counseling program.
Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights offers a BS in human services and addiction. Through the program’s 360-hour practicum, you can gain valuable hands-on experience before graduation.
Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green has an addictions education certificate program open to students with bachelor’s degrees. This program is specifically designed to help students become Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselors in Kentucky. Morehead State University offers a minor in substance use disorders that also prepares students for certification.
Lindsey Wilson College
School of Professional Counseling
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Campus, Online
Graduate Certificates
- Graduate Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling
Union College
Department of Psychology
School of Professional Studies
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Online
Bachelor's Degrees
- BS in Substance Abuse Counseling
Master's Degrees
- Master of Substance Abuse Counseling
Graduate Certificates
- Chemical Dependency Counselor Graduate Certificate
University of Kentucky
College of Social Work
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Campus, Online, Hybrid
Master's Degrees
- MSW with a Substance Use Disorder Graduate Certificate
Western Kentucky University
College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Campus, Online
Graduate Certificates
- Graduate Certificate in Addictions Education
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.