Addiction Counseling Professional Organizations
The major professional organizations for addiction counselors include NAADAC (membership, certification, continuing education), CACREP and NASAC (program accreditation), IC&RC (national certification exams), ACA (broader counseling community), and NAATP (treatment providers). Most counselors join NAADAC for career-long support and networking.
There’s a good chance you’re here because you know the alphabet soup of professional organizations—NAADAC, IC&RC, CACREP, ACA, NAATP—and you’re trying to figure out which ones matter for your career. Maybe you’re a student wondering which to join first. Or you’re already practicing and trying to sort out where to get your continuing education credits. The confusion is real, and you’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed by it all.
Here’s what you need to know: these organizations play different but complementary roles in the addiction counseling field. Some accredit the programs that train you. Some provide the exams that certify you, while others focus on continuing education. Some offer advocacy and policy work. And some connect you with other professionals fighting the same fight you’re fighting every day.
This guide breaks down what each organization actually does, who they serve, and how they fit into your career journey—whether you’re just starting your education or you’ve been in practice for years. If you’re beginning to explore this career path, learn more about how to become a certified or licensed addiction counselor.
Which Organizations Accredit Addiction Counseling Programs?
Program accreditation isn’t required for you to get certified or licensed, but it matters. Accredited programs have met rigorous academic and professional standards, giving employers confidence in your training and assurance that you’re learning what you need to know.
Two organizations handle accreditation for addiction counseling programs:
National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC)
The National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC) provides a single standard for higher education in addiction studies. NASAC operates as an independent accrediting body, though it was established with support from the International Coalition for Addiction Studies Education (INCASE) and NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals.
NASAC accredits programs at every level—from certificate programs you can complete in less than a year to doctoral degrees. Their standards are based on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Scopes of Practice and TAP 21 guidelines, which outline the competencies addiction counselors need in the real world.
These competencies cover assessment, treatment planning, pharmacology, ethical practices, and more. When colleges and universities design their addiction studies programs, they often use NASAC curriculum standards as their guide.
Programs earn NASAC accreditation by meeting standards in these areas:
- Mission, goals, and objectives
- Curriculum design and content
- Instructional methods and resources
- Faculty qualifications and experience
- Community partnerships
- Student progress and outcomes
- Graduate support and guidance
You can view NASAC-accredited programs on their website.
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has been accrediting graduate counseling programs since 1981. Today, they accredit more than 900 master’s and doctoral programs across 400+ colleges and universities throughout the United States.
CACREP accredits master’s degrees in addiction counseling and in clinical mental health counseling, rehabilitation counseling, and clinical rehabilitation counseling with an addictions specialization.
To earn CACREP accreditation, graduate programs must meet specific standards covering curriculum, faculty qualifications, clinical training, internship experiences, and institutional support.
CACREP maintains a searchable directory on its website that lists accredited programs by state and specialty.
Where Addiction Counselors Get Continuing Education Credits
Continuing education is part of the job. It’s required to maintain your certification or licensure, but it’s also how you stay current with new treatment approaches, research findings, and best practices in a field that’s constantly evolving.
Professional organizations focused on addiction counseling are some of your best sources for CE opportunities. Here’s where to look:
NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals
NAADAC offers classes, workshops, conferences, and webinars—both online and in-person. They have an Approved Education Providers Directory where you can search for upcoming CE opportunities near you.
NAADAC also hosts conferences and summits throughout the year. These events let you earn CEs while networking with other professionals who understand precisely what you’re dealing with every day.
American Counseling Association (ACA)
The American Counseling Association (ACA) provides online courses, most of which are free for members. They also host a major annual conference that draws more than 3,000 counselors.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
SAMHSA offers free training through its Prevention Training Now! library. All modules are available on demand, at no cost, covering addiction and mental health topics relevant to your practice.
International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC)
IC&RC doesn’t provide continuing education directly, but they work with member boards and organizations to connect substance abuse counselors with CE opportunities that meet their credentialing requirements.
National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP)
NAATP offers a webinar series featuring experts in addiction counseling. They also host an annual Addiction Treatment Leadership Conference.
Organizations Fighting for Addiction Counselor Interests
Advocacy work in substance abuse counseling covers everything from insurance parity to harm reduction initiatives to better workforce support. Whatever matters to you, organizations are working to address challenges, raise awareness, educate the public, and influence policy:
NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals
NAADAC maintains a comprehensive advocacy resource center where you can learn about current public policy issues, become an advocate, locate your senators and representatives, and discover how to take action. They also host an annual advocacy conference.
National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP)
NAATP focuses on creating a unified voice in addiction treatment care. Their Public Policy Statement outlines the organization’s position on law, policy, funding, and regulation. You can access their State Advocacy Toolkit to learn about issues specific to your state.
Which Organizations Provide Certification and Licensure Exams?
When it’s time to get certified or licensed, you’ll encounter exams from one of two organizations: NAADAC’s National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCCAP) or the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC).
Both organizations provide standardized exams that state credentialing agencies trust to measure your competency. Both also support reciprocity, which makes it easier to transfer your credentials if you move to another state or even another country. Check your state’s specific requirements to see which exam you’ll need.
NAADAC’s National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCC AP)
NCC AP offers these examinations:
- National Certified Addiction Counselor Level I (NCAC I)
- National Certified Addiction Counselor Level II (NCAC II)
- Master Addiction Counselor (MAC)
- National Certification in Nicotine and Tobacco Treatment (NCNTT)
- National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS)
- National Clinical Supervision Endorsement (NCSE)
You can check which state boards use NCC AP certification examinations on NAADAC’s website.
International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC)
IC&RC offers these examinations:
- Alcohol & Drug Counselor (ADC)
- Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (AADC)
- Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional (CCJP)
- Clinical Supervisor (CS)
- Peer Recovery-Associate (PR-A)
- Peer Recovery (PR)
- Prevention Specialist (PS)
You can find out which state boards use IC&RC examinations and credentials on their website.
Membership Opportunities for Addiction Counselors
One of the best ways to connect with the substance abuse counseling community, access continuing education, and have your voice heard on issues that matter is to join one or more national organizations.
NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals
NAADAC has more than 13,000 members worldwide and offers memberships in five categories: professional, associate, peer recovery support specialist, student, and retired.
Members get free CE courses and webinars, reduced rates for events, access to publications, and other discounts. Membership fees vary by state. Students pay about $37 annually. Professionals pay between $100 and $140 annually, depending on location.
National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP)
NAATP membership is designed for providers of substance abuse counseling services—licensed and accredited treatment providers, recovery support services, and affiliate organizations.
Benefits include free education and training, access to the national annual conference, opportunities to meet with industry leaders, job posting services, and access to resources and data. NAATP offers three membership levels—Supporter, Provider, and Affiliate—based on your organization’s annual revenue.
American Counseling Association (ACA)
ACA membership includes access to leadership development programs, admission to conferences, free CE opportunities, digital and print resources, discounted liability insurance, career services, and member savings.
Members also get access to ACA Connect, a private platform where you can discuss counseling topics and ask for advice from other professionals. Membership fees start at $105 annually for students and new professionals.
Additional Organizations for Master’s and Doctoral Level Practitioners
Several professional organizations exist specifically for master’s and doctoral-level substance abuse professionals:
The International Association of Addictions and Offender Counselors (IAAOC), a member of the ACA, serves substance abuse counselors, correctional counselors, students, and counselor educators dedicated to improving the lives of those with addictive and criminal behaviors.
The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) is a medical society with more than 8,000 physicians, clinicians, and related professionals specializing in addiction medicine. ASAM is primarily for physicians but allows associate members in other addiction-related fields at the master’s level, provided they’re sponsored.
The Society of Addiction Psychology, Division 50 of the American Psychological Association, focuses on research, professional training, and clinical practice within addiction. They cover addictive behaviors, including substance use, gambling, eating disorders, and other behavioral addictions.
The American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry welcomes all health professionals, including general psychiatrists, primary care providers, researchers, medical students, and other healthcare professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to join a professional organization to become an addiction counselor?
Which organization should I join first?
What’s the difference between NAADAC and IC&RC?
Are professional organization memberships tax-deductible?
Can I join professional organizations if I’m still in school?
Do these organizations help with job placement?
How do I know if my state accepts IC&RC or NAADAC certification exams?
What if I move to another state after getting certified?
Key Takeaways
- NAADAC is the primary membership organization for addiction counselors at all career levels, offering continuing education, networking, advocacy, and certification exams through its National Certification Commission.
- NASAC and CACREP accredit addiction counseling degree programs, with NASAC covering all degree levels and CACREP focusing on master’s and doctoral programs.
- IC&RC and NAADAC’s NCC AP provide standardized certification exams that state licensing boards use to evaluate your competency and support credential reciprocity between states.
- Student memberships are available at discounted rates (around $37-$105 annually), making it affordable to join professional organizations while you’re still in school.
- Continuing education credits required for license renewal are available through multiple organizations, including NAADAC, ACA, SAMHSA, and NAATP.
- Professional memberships are generally tax-deductible as business expenses related to your career.
- Starting with one organization (typically NAADAC for most addiction counselors) and adding others as your career progresses is a practical approach that prevents membership overwhelm.
Ready to Start Your Addiction Counseling Career?
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Find accredited programs and connect with the professional organizations that will support your journey from education through certification and beyond.