Alcohol and Drug Counselor Specialization (ADCS)

...preparing MSSW students for careers and certification in chemical dependency counseling

 Introduction: Substance abuse is widely recognized as one of the top health and economic problems in the USA—attracting widespread attention. While there are many specialized treatment methods that are known to reduce or eliminate substance abuse, there is an identified shortage of qualified addiction counselors to skillfully implement these treatments. 

Students should be aware of a professional credential, the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) certification, that is valued by third party reimbursement agencies and addiction treatment employers with comparable respect and compensation as the Licensed Clinical Social Work (LCSW) holds within the broader field of mental health. 
The Kent School created a specialized course of study known as the Alcohol and Drug Counseling Specialization (ADCS) to

  1) create recognition of a student’s commitment and expertise in substance abuse treatment, 
  2) launch careers in substance abuse counseling, and
  3) satisfy some of the requirements for obtaining the CADC credential after graduation.

Substance abuse as a problem: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) substance use disorders are highly prevalent in the USA with severe consequences to the individual, their family, and society.  These disorders have been widely recognized as at or near the top of the nation’s most costly and severe health care problems. Studies have suggested that the substance use disorders (1) are among the most common of all disorders; (2) are the most prevalent of all disorders among males; (3) affect over half of adult mental health, child welfare, and criminal justice populations; (4) are a primary factor contributing to the spread of violence, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, sexually transmitted diseases, and incarceration; (5) cost familes of the addict (over 20% of all American families) over $6,000 per year; (6) account for over 50% of all felonies and prison sentences; and (7) cost the USA over $248 billion per year.

Need for Specialized Knowledge and Skills:  It is widely recognized that effective treatment of substance abuse requires specialized clinical and case management knowledge and skills.  Kentucky House Bill 843 recently established committees that investigated problems associated with substance abuse and concluded that there is a need for expanded substance abuse training among all human services vocations (e.g. health, education, corrections, mental health, child welfare, etc.).  More specifically, these committees and others have described the need for specialized education to prepare counseling and case management professionals to appropriately screen, diagnosis, assess, and treat these disorders.

ADCS student benefits: Students who prepare themselves for a career in addiction counseling have a better chance of employment in the field and satisfy some requirements of the CADC.  Past students have reported that the ADCS provides a competitive advantage when applying for substance abuse jobs, and that it is viewed as a plus among other types of counseling interviews, given that substance abuse is a major factor adversely affecting most social work populations. 
Some CADC requirements are satisfied while completing requirements of the ADCS and MSSW program. As of 5-15-2009 (see disclaimer), obtaining the MSSW degree with the ADCS:

• Satisfies 100% of the 270 hours of ADCS classroom hour requirements. 
• Satisfies some of the 300 hours of the CADC supervision requirement when practicum placements are supervised by a qualified CADC.
• Satisfies 4,000 of 6,000 hours of board approved work experience with alcohol or drug dependent persons, leaving 2,000 hours to be completed following graduation.

Note that it is the MSSW, not the ADCS that satisfies the work hour requirement.  Similarly, a bachelors degree in social work or a related counseling field satisfies 2,000 hours of this 6,000 hour work requirement, leaving 4,000 to complete following graduation.

Requirements of the KY CADC certification: Students interested in the CADC certification program are responsible for understanding all requirements of the CADC program in your state (see disclaimer).  The ADCS program was designed to fit with KY CADC requirements published on the Alcohol and Drug Counselors web site on 4/15/2009 at http://adc.ky.gov/ For a summary of current KY state CADC requirements locate and review the current applications and then click on the link to the information and application.  Note: The ADCS does not satisfy all requirements of the CADC.  Students are responsible for verifying the current requirements and remaining current on changes in the CADC requirements (see disclaimer).

ADCS Requirements:
1. Enrollment:  At this time, the ADCS is only awarded to Kent School students in good standing, concurrent with the award of their MSSW.  Kent graduates or other post bachelor students who wish to take ADCS courses, should contact the Director about enrollment in classes. 
2. There are two requirements for completing the ADCS program:  1) complete three ADCS core elective classes (listed below) and 2) at least one practicum in a substance abuse treatment setting.  Coordination of practicum is the responsibility of the Kent School Director of Field Placement (see contact information below).

Required classes and availability:   In addition to the normal requirements of the MSSW program, students must receive a grade of a “B” or better on the three ADCS core classes taken in any order (no prerequisites).
1) SW660 Motivation and change (offered in Fall and Spring semesters)
2) SW661 Advanced issues in drug and alcohol counseling
(offered in Fall and Spring semesters)
3) SW662 Substance abuse (to be offered in Spring as a normal class, and in the Summer as a distance learning class ONLY)

These three classes count 45 hours each (135 hours total) towards completion of the CADC substance abuse specific classes.  Note:  SW661 includes CADC training requirements for Ethics (6 hours) and HIV (2 hours) as well as KY licensing requirements for 12 hours of case manage training. 

Enrollment to the ADCS:
Who is eligible?  Enrollment is open to all students who are in good standing in the Kent School MSSW program. 

Are classes available on weekends?  At this time only SW662 (substance abuse) is offered on Saturday and SW660 (motivation and change)  is offered on Friday morning. 

How do I enroll?  At this time there is no formal application process.  Simply send an email expressing your interest in joining the ADCS program to the ADCS director rick.cloud@louisville.edu.  The email must include your University email account address. Dr. Cloud will confirm your enrollment by email.
Transcripts of completion:  The University requires that the ADCS be completed concurrently with the MSSW degree to receive the certificate and the entry on your transcript; however, all individual courses are reflected on your transcript. Completed course can be used towards the requirements of the CADC, whether the MSSW or the ADCS are completed.

• ADCS Specialization Application:http://php.louisville.edu/kent/survey/index.php?sid=81

Notification of anticipated completion and graduation:  Students who are completing the requirements of the ADCS are required to notify the ADCS Director at least 120 days prior to completion of the program in order for Kent School personnel to complete a verification process, as well as to prepare certificates and entries to transcripts.

Contact Information & Links: 

1. Direct questions to Rick Cloud, Ph.D., Director, (502-299-1385 or email rick.cloud@louisville.edu), or Patrick McKiernan, CADC, PhD, Co-Director (Patrick.McKiernan@ky.gov).
2. KY CADC requirements:  Visit http://adc.ky.gov/ for up to date information related to requirements and application for  the KY CADC.
3. Substance Abuse Practicum:  Martha Fuller, Director of Field Placements, martha.a.fuller@louisville.edu.

Disclaimer:  The University is not affiliated with the KY CADC board, and cannot be held responsible for errors or inaccuracies that may exist in this document.  The student is responsible for working with their respective CADC state board in completing requirements and applying for the CADC.  The student must verify any information related to the process of obtaining a CADC at http://adc.ky.gov/ Approval for hours of supervision, and classroom hours are based upon prior board member statements and approvals. However, the CADC laws and regulations are subject to both interpretation and board change without notice.  For these reasons, the Kent School of Social Work nor the University of Louisville can warrant or guarantee accuracy of this CADC information or approval of their requirements.