Worldwide, substance abuse is gaining attention for the damage it does to families and communities, and the need for trained, ethical addiction and prevention professionals is growing apace. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, substance abuse counseling is one of the fastest growing professions, projected to grow 20 percent by 2016.
Recent political developments in the U.S. also mean that it is a critical time for the field. Both the Affordable Health Care for America Act of 2010 and President Obama’s National Drug Control Strategy have the potential to transform how the profession is practiced in North America.
Setting the international standards for competency-based certification programs through testing and credentialing of addiction professionals since 1981, IC&RC is the largest credentialing organization in the field:
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In 2011, the number of professionals who hold IC&RC credentials crossed the 45,000 mark. Up to half of all substance abuse professionals in the U.S. hold IC&RC certificates. IC&RC offers services for addiction and prevention professionals.
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Incorporated in 1981, IC&RC represents 78 Member Boards, including 25 countries, 47 U.S. states and territories, six Native American territories, and three branches of the U.S. military.
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IC&RC’s credentials include Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC), Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC), Clinical Supervisor (CS), Prevention Specialist (PS), Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional (CCJP), Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Professional (CCDP), and Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Professional Diplomate (CCDPD). The organization is developing two levels of Peer Recovery Support credential.
In this era of rapid change, we will continue to be the global resource for the highest standards in addiction-related health care credentialing.
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