THE BUILDER
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor
"Build Lives, Build Futures"
The CADC credential is the gold standard for professionals dedicated to clinical excellence in addiction treatment. Builders construct pathways to recovery with evidence-based practices and compassionate care.
Certification as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) is based on experience and competencies set by the Living Vines Certification Board in affiliation with IC&RC. Founded in 1981, IC&RC currently certifies over 50,000 professionals worldwide. The Alcohol and Drug Counselor credential is IC&RC’s most widely recognized certification, opening doors to reciprocity in other U.S. states, all branches of the U.S. military, and several international countries.
The Four Pillars of
CADC Certification
Pillar 1: Education and Training (Building Your Knowledge Foundation)
Requirement: 300 hours of Specialized Training
Including 6 hours in professional counselor ethics and responsibilities.
The CADC pathway combines competency and knowledge in alcohol and drug counseling, supported by relevant academic achievement and guided by IC&RC standards.
Effective addiction counseling requires specialized knowledge. This comprehensive training covers the Core Alcohol and Drug Counselor domains which can be found on IC&RC’s ADC Minimum Standards Page.
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Domain 1: Scientific Principles of Substance Use and Co-Occurring Disorders
Domain 2: Evidence-Based Screening and Assessment
Domain 3: Evidence-Based Treatment, Counseling, and Referral
Domain 4 Professional, Ethical, and Legal Responsibilities
Pillar 2: Experience (Applying Skills in Real Settings)
Requirement: 2,000-6,000 hours of supervised work experience
Approximately 1-3 years full-time • Paid or volunteer
Theory must be put into practice. You need to demonstrate that you can apply your knowledge in real-world addiction treatment settings. This hands-on experience is where you truly become a builder of recovery.
Flexible Pathways: Experience can be gained in various settings including residential treatment centers, outpatient clinics, community health centers, or private practice. The key is providing primary, direct, clinical substance use disorder or co-occurring counseling to individuals whose primary diagnosis is substance use disorder, or providing supervision of such counseling.
Pillar 3: Supervision (Guidance from Experienced Professionals)
Requirement: 100-300 hours of clinical supervision
Regular oversight from a qualified Clinical Supervisor
As you gain experience, you need guidance from seasoned professionals who can help you develop your clinical skills. Clinical supervision ensures you’re providing safe, effective, and ethical care.
Your supervisor will:
Review your clinical work and provide feedback
Help you navigate complex cases and ethical dilemmas
Support your professional development and growth
Ensure you're meeting professional standards
Pillar 4: Examination (Demonstrating Your Competence)
Requirement: Pass the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor Examination
The final step is to demonstrate your mastery of addiction counseling through the IC&RC examination. This internationally recognized exam tests your knowledge across all performance domains, ensuring you meet the highest professional standards.
Passing this examination confirms that you have the knowledge, skills, and competencies to provide safe, effective, and ethical addiction counseling services. It’s your professional stamp of excellence.
Residency RequirementÂ
Applicants must live or work at least 51% of the time within Nigeria at the time of application and examination.
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Ethics Requirement
Applicants must sign a credential-specific Code of Ethics statement or an affirmation confirming that they have read, understand, and agree to abide by the Living Vines Certification Board (LVCB) Code of Ethics.
The CADC Pathway at a Glance
1
Complete Your Education​
Finish 300 hours of alcohol and drug counseling domain-specific training​
2
Gain Clinical Experience​
Accumulate 2,000-6,000 hours of supervised work in addiction treatment​
3
Receive Supervision​
Work under the guidance of a qualified Clinical Supervisor​
4
Pass the Examination​
Successfully complete the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor Exam
Why Pursue CADC Certification?
Global Recognition
IC&RC reciprocity opens doors across U.S. states, military branches, and international countries
Professional Credibility
Demonstrate your competence and commitment to the highest standards of addiction treatment
Career Advancement
Access new roles, higher positions, and increased earning potential in the addiction field.
Ready to Build Your Future?
The CADC credential represents your commitment to professional excellence in addiction treatment. It’s a recognition that you have the knowledge, skills, and dedication to build pathways to recovery and transform lives. Join the ranks of over 50,000 certified professionals worldwide.