Global Regulatory Guide for Addiction Counselling and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Professions

1. Professional certification bodies (voluntary) – Organisations like IC&RC and NAADAC provide internationally recognised credentials but have no statutory authority
2. State/provincial regulation (federal systems) – Countries like the USA, Canada, and Australia regulate at sub-national levels, with significant variation
3. Integration under broader frameworks – Some countries include addiction work under social work, psychology, or mental health practitioner regulation
4. No specific regulation – Many countries have no statutory regulation of addiction counselling professionals

Key Statistics:

• Tier A Countries (USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia): ZERO have national-level statutory regulation of addiction counselling as a distinct profession
• Professional Certification Dominance: IC&RC represents 50,000+ professionals across 50+ jurisdictions through voluntary certification
• US State Variation: Approximately 40+ US states have some form of addiction counsellor licensing or certification; 10+ states have minimal or no regulation
• European Union: No EU member state identified with specific national statutory regulation of addiction counselling as a distinct profession

Table of Contents

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Tier A Countries: Comprehensive Analysis
• 3. Tier B Countries: High Coverage
• 4. Tier C Countries: Framework Overview
• 5. Peer Support Specialist Credentials
• 6. Regulatory Models Summary
• 7. Key Findings and Analysis
• 8. Limitations and Gaps
• 9. Conclusion
• 10. Sources

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1. Introduction

1.1 Nature of Addiction Counselling Regulation

Addiction counselling regulation differs fundamentally from other mental health professions in several ways:

1. Historical Development: The field emerged from grassroots recovery movements (e.g., AA, peer support) rather than academic medical/psychological traditions
2. Lower Barriers to Entry: Many jurisdictions recognise the value of "lived experience" in addiction recovery, leading to lower educational requirements than psychology or social work
3. Practice Settings: Much addiction counselling occurs in non-medical community settings, making statutory regulation less common
4. Role Overlap: Addiction counselling overlaps with social work, psychology, and peer support, creating regulatory ambiguity

1.2 Regulatory Models Identified

Through this research, four distinct regulatory models were identified globally:

Model 1: State/Provincial Licensing (Statutory)

• Examples: Texas (LCDC), New York (CASAC), Massachusetts (LADC)
• Government agency grants licenses with legal authority to practice
• Protected titles and scope of practice are defined by statute
• Disciplinary authority over practitioners

Model 2: State/Provincial Certification (Quasi-Statutory)

• Examples: California (DHCS certification), Florida (FCB certification recognised by statute)
• Non-government organisation administers certification
• State statute requires certification for certain employment/billing
• Hybrid regulatory model

Model 3: Professional Certification (Voluntary)

• Examples: IC&RC, NAADAC/NCC AP, CACCF (Canada)
• No statutory authority
• Voluntary credentialing based on competency standards
• Often used by employers as hiring criteria
• May offer reciprocity between jurisdictions

Model 4: No Specific Regulation

• Examples: Most European countries, many Asian/African countries
• Addiction counselling may fall under broader professions or be unregulated
• Anyone can use the title "addiction counselor" in some jurisdictions

1.3 Certification vs. Licensing Distinctions

Critical Terminology:

• Licensing (Statutory): Legal authorisation granted by the government to practice a profession. Unauthorised practice is illegal. Protected titles cannot be used without a license. Examples: LCDC (Texas), CASAC (New York).

• Certification (Professional): Voluntary credential issued by non-governmental organisation demonstrating competency. Not legally required to practice, but may be employer-required or needed for insurance billing. Examples: IC&RC ADC, NAADAC NCAC.

• Registration: Practitioner name listed on official register. May or may not have practice restrictions. Examples: DAPAANZ (New Zealand) - voluntary registration.

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2. Tier A Countries: Comprehensive Analysis

2.1 UNITED STATES 🇺🇸

Official Name: No national regulatory body Scope: State-level regulation (50 states + territories) Confidence: ⭐⭐⭐

Overview

The United States has NO federal statutory regulation of addiction counsellors. Regulation occurs entirely at the state level, resulting in significant variation:

• 40+ states have licensing or certification requirements
• 10+ states have minimal or no specific regulation
• Protected titles vary by state: LCDC, LADC, LAADC, CASAC, CAC, CAP, CADC, LCADC, LADAC, and dozens more

State-Level Regulatory Framework

Licensing States (Statutory Regulation):

• Texas: Licensed Chemical Dependency Counsellor (LCDC) – Texas Health and Human Services Commission
• Statutory licensing under Texas Administrative Code Title 26
• Must register as an intern first, complete 4,000 hours supervised experience
• Education requirements: 270 hours addiction-specific training
• Examination through Texas Certification Board (IC&RC ADC exam)

• New York: Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counsellor (CASAC) – Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS)
• Statutory credentialing under 14 NYCRR Part 853
• Multiple levels: CASAC-T (trainee), CASAC, CASAC-Advanced
• Requirements: 6,000 hours experience, 350 hours training, examination
• State-specific exam (not IC&RC)

• Massachusetts: Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counsellor (LADC) – Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS)
• Statutory licensing
• Levels: LADC I, LADC II
• IC&RC ADC or AADC examination

Certification States (Quasi-Statutory):

• California: Certification through approved organisations (CCAPP, CAADAC, etc.)
• Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) oversees
• Required for employment in DHCS-licensed programs
• Multiple titles: CATC, CADC, RADT
• Not technically "licenses" but functionally required

• Florida: Certification through Florida Certification Board (FCB)
• Chapter 397, Florida Statutes recognises CAP as "qualified professional"
• Required for Medicaid billing
• Titles: MCAP, CAP, CAC
• FCB is IC&RC member board

Minimal/No Regulation States:

• Some states have no specific addiction counsellor credential
• Practice may fall under broader mental health counsellor or social work licenses
• Or maybe unregulated entirely

Professional Certification Bodies (National/International)

IC&RC (International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium)

• Type: ⭐⭐ Professional Certification Organisation (NOT government regulatory body)
• Website: https://internationalcredentialing.org/
• Scope: 50 U.S. states/territories, 3 Native American regions, U.S. military branches, 11 international regions
• Professionals Represented: 50,000+
• Confidence: ⭐⭐⭐

Credentials Offered:

• Alcohol and Drug Counsellor (ADC) – Entry level
• Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counsellor (AADC) – Advanced practice
• Clinical Supervisor (CS)
• Criminal Justice Addictions Professional (CCJP)
• Peer Recovery – Associate (PR-A)
• Peer Recovery (PR)
• Prevention Specialist (PS)
• Harm Reduction Specialist (HRS)

Role: IC&RC develops examinations and sets minimum standards. Individual member boards (often state licensing/certification boards) adopt these standards and grant credentials. IC&RC itself does NOT license or regulate; it provides the examination and reciprocity framework.

Reciprocity: International Certificates allow credential transfer between jurisdictions with IC&RC member boards.

NAADAC / NCC AP (National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals)

• Type: ⭐⭐ Professional Association & Certification Body (NOT government regulatory)
• Website: https://www.naadac.org/
• Confidence: ⭐⭐⭐

Credentials Offered:

• National Certified Addiction Counsellor, Level I (NCAC I)
• National Certified Addiction Counsellor, Level II (NCAC II)
• Master Addiction Counsellor (MAC)
• National Certification in Nicotine and Tobacco Treatment (NCNTT)
• National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS)
• National Clinical Supervision Endorsement (NCSE)

Role: NAADAC is a professional membership association. NCC AP is its credentialing arm. These are voluntary national/international certifications, often exceeding state requirements. NOT statutory regulation.

Peer Support Specialist Credentials

Peer support specialists (individuals with lived experience in recovery) are often credentialed separately from addiction counsellors:

• State-specific programs: 40+ states have peer specialist certification
• IC&RC Peer Recovery credentials: PR-A, PR
• NAADAC NCPRSS: National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist
• Requirements typically: 46-78 hours training, lived experience in recovery, supervision
• Role: Provide peer-to-peer support, not clinical counselling

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Providers

MAT providers (prescribers of buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone) require medical licenses:

• Physicians (MD, DO)
• Nurse Practitioners (NP)
• Physician Assistants (PA)

Separate from addiction counsellor credentials. Addiction counsellors do NOT prescribe MAT.

Summary: United States

• ❌ NO national statutory regulation
• ✅ State-level licensing/certification in 40+ states
• 🔄 Significant state-to-state variation
• ⭐⭐ IC&RC and NAADAC provide professional certification framework
• ✅ Peer support specialists regulated separately

Sources:

• [1] IC&RC Official Website
• ² NAADAC Certification Overview
• ⁶ California DHCS Counsellor Certification
• ⁷ Florida Certification Board CAP Overview
• ⁸ State-by-State Licensing Requirements

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2.2 CANADA 🇨🇦

Official Name: No national regulatory body Confidence: ⭐⭐⭐

Overview

Canada has NO federal statutory regulation of addiction counsellors. Health regulation is a provincial responsibility, but no Canadian province currently has statutory regulation specifically for addiction counsellors.

Provincial Framework

Ontario:

• ❌ NO statutory regulation of addiction counsellors
• Social workers regulated by College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
• Some addiction counsellors may be registered social workers, but addiction counselling itself is not regulated
• Official program standards note: "Currently, there is no standard regulation in the field"

British Columbia:

• Moving toward regulation of psychotherapy under Health Professions and Occupations Act
• College of Health and Care Professionals of BC will regulate psychotherapists (implementation 2026-2027)
• Unclear if addiction counselling will be included as distinct profession

Alberta:

• NO current statutory regulation of addiction counsellors
• Alberta Counselling and Therapy Association (ACTA) paused accepting addiction counsellor applications due to lack of regulatory pathway
• Mental Health Services Protection Act intended to regulate counselling therapists, but work stalled

Quebec, Nova Scotia, Other Provinces:

• No specific statutory regulation identified
• Addiction counselling may fall under social work or psychology in some contexts

Professional Certification Body

CACCF (Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation)

• Type: ⭐⭐ Professional Certification Organisation (NOT government regulatory body)
• Website: https://caccf.ca/
• Scope: Canada and International
• Confidence: ⭐⭐⭐

Credentials Offered:

• Certified Canadian Addiction Counsellor (CCAC)
• Associate Addiction Counsellor (AAC)
• Certified International Addiction Counsellor (CIAC)
• Certified Co-Occurring Recovery Counsellor (CCRC)
• Certified Concurrent Peer Support Specialist (CCPSS)
• Certified Clinical Supervisor - Addiction Counselling (CCS-AC)
• And others

Requirements (CCAC):

• 2 years (4,000 hours) full-time work experience in last 5 years
• Education in addiction counselling or related field
• Continuing education: 20 hours annually
• Re-certification annually

Role: CACCF is described as "gold standard certification" but is voluntary professional certification, not statutory regulation. Employers may require CACCF certification, but it is not legally mandated

Recognition: While CACCF "regulates all addiction counselling providers" according to some sources, this is professional self-regulation, not statutory government regulation.

Summary: Canada

• ❌ NO federal statutory regulation
• ❌ NO provincial statutory regulation (in any province surveyed)
• ⭐⭐ CACCF provides voluntary professional certification
• 📋 Official government documents acknowledge lack of statutory regulation
• 🔄 Some provinces considering broader counselling/psychotherapy regulation

Sources:

• CACCF Official Website
• Ontario Mental Health and Addictions Worker Program Standard
• Alberta ACTA Professional Standards
• BC Health Professions and Occupations Act

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2.3 UNITED KINGDOM 🇬🇧

Official Name: No national regulatory body for addiction counselling Confidence: ⭐⭐⭐

Overview

The United Kingdom has NO statutory regulation of addiction counsellors. Addiction counselling falls under the broader category of counselling and psychotherapy, which are voluntarily regulated through accredited registers.

Regulatory Framework

Professional Standards Authority (PSA)

• Type: ⭐⭐⭐ Government Oversight Body (NOT direct regulator)
• Website: https://www.professionalstandards.org.uk/
• Role: Oversees 10 statutory health professional regulators (e.g., General Medical Council, Nursing & Midwifery Council)
• Addiction Counselling Status: NOT statutorily regulated
• Confidence: ⭐⭐⭐

Accredited Registers (Voluntary): PSA accredits organisations that maintain voluntary registers of health and care practitioners not regulated by law:

• British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) – Covers counsellors, psychotherapists, talking therapists (may include addiction specialists)
• Association of Child Psychotherapists (ACP) – Child and young person's therapists
• Association of Christians in Counselling and Linked Professions (ACC) – Counsellors, psychotherapists

Addiction-Specific Organisations:

• FDAP (Federation of Drug and Alcohol Professionals) – Professional body for addiction workers
• NOT a statutory regulator
• Provides professional standards and ethics
• Voluntary membership

Summary: Addiction counselling in the UK operates through voluntary professional regulation. There are no legally protected titles for "addiction counsellor" or statutory registration requirements.

Summary: United Kingdom

• ❌ NO statutory regulation of addiction counselling
• ⭐⭐ PSA accredits voluntary registers (BACP, etc.)
• ⭐ FDAP provides professional standards (voluntary)
• 📋 No protected titles for addiction counsellors
• 🔄 Calls for statutory regulation of psychotherapy (ongoing debate)

Sources:

• CORU Regulated Professions (Ireland comparison)
• PSA Healthcare Regulation Overview

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2.4 IRELAND 🇮🇪

Official Name: CORU (Health and Social Care Professionals Council) Confidence: ⭐⭐⭐

Overview

Ireland has a statutory health professions regulator (CORU), but addiction counselling is NOT currently a regulated profession.

CORU Regulated Professions (13 currently)

CORU regulates:

• Dietitians
• Medical Scientists
• Occupational Therapists
• Dispensing Opticians & Optometrists
• Physiotherapists
• Podiatrists
• Radiographers & Radiation Therapists
• Social Care Workers
• Social Workers
• Speech and Language Therapists
• Psychologists

Addiction Counselling: ❌ NOT on this list

Counselling and Psychotherapy Regulation (Pending)

• CORU is preparing to regulate counselling and psychotherapy as separate disciplines under a single registration board
• Standards of Proficiency published: July 11, 2025
• Status: Pending/In Progress
• Unclear if addiction counselling will be specifically designated or fall under general counselling/psychotherapy

Professional Association

Addiction Counsellors of Ireland (ACI)

• Professional association for addiction counsellors
• NOT a statutory regulator
• Provides accreditation criteria in preparation for CORU regulation

Irish Association of Alcohol and Addiction Counsellors (IAAAC)

• Professional body
• Voluntary membership

Summary: Ireland

• ✅ CORU is statutory regulator for 13 health professions
• ❌ Addiction counselling NOT currently regulated by CORU
• 🔄 Counselling/psychotherapy regulation pending (may include addiction specialists)
• ⭐⭐ Professional associations exist (ACI, IAAAC) but are voluntary

Sources:

• CORU Health and Social Care Professionals

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2.5 AUSTRALIA 🇦🇺

Official Name: AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) Confidence: ⭐⭐⭐

Overview

Australia has a national health practitioner regulation scheme under AHPRA, but addiction counselling is NOT a regulated profession.

AHPRA Regulated Professions (16 currently)

AHPRA regulates:

• Medical Practitioners
• Nurses and Midwives
• Pharmacists
• Dentists
• Physiotherapists
• Psychologists
• Occupational Therapists
• Optometrists
• Osteopaths
• Chiropractors
• Podiatrists
• Paramedicine
• Chinese Medicine Practitioners
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners
• Medical Radiation Practitioners

Drug and Alcohol Counselling: ❌ NOT on this list

Counselling and Psychotherapy: Also NOT regulated by AHPRA. Government reports note "The professions of counselling and psychotherapy are self-regulated in Australia. There are no nationally established laws, regulations..." (2025 report)

Professional Associations

AADAC (Australian Association of Drug & Alcohol Counsellors)

• Professional association
• NOT a regulatory body
• Provides professional standards and networking

AADC (Australian Alcohol and Other Drugs Council)

• Peak body representing 550+ AOD specialist health services
• NOT a regulatory body for individual practitioners

State/Territory Level

No state or territory-level statutory regulation of addiction counsellors was identified.

Summary: Australia

• ✅ AHPRA regulates 16 health professions
• ❌ Addiction counseling NOT regulated by AHPRA
• ❌ Counselling and psychotherapy self-regulated (not statutory)
• ⭐ Professional associations exist (AADAC, AADC) but are voluntary

Sources:

• AHPRA Registration Standards

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2.6 NEW ZEALAND 🇳🇿

Official Name: No statutory regulatory body Confidence: ⭐⭐⭐

Overview

New Zealand has NO statutory regulation of addiction counsellors. Professional registration is voluntary.

Professional Association

DAPAANZ (Drug and Alcohol Practitioners Association Aotearoa New Zealand)

• Type: ⭐⭐ Professional Association (NOT statutory regulator)
• Website: https://dapaanz.org.nz/
• Confidence: ⭐⭐⭐

Explicit Statement: DAPAANZ membership and practitioner registration policy states: "All dapaanz affiliations are voluntary, that is, they are not mandatory for work in addiction treatment under current legislation in Aotearoa New Zealand"

Registration Levels:

• Registered Practitioner
• Provisional Practitioner
• Student Member
• Affiliate Member

Legal Recognition (Limited):

• Registered Practitioners are designated as "health professionals" under the Substance Addiction (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 2017
• This designation is for the purpose of this Act only (compulsory treatment assessments)
• Does NOT constitute general statutory regulation of the profession

Summary: New Zealand

• ❌ NO statutory regulation of addiction practitioners
• ⭐⭐ DAPAANZ provides voluntary professional registration
• ⚖️ Limited legal recognition under Substance Addiction Act 2017 (for specific purposes only)
• 📋 Anyone can work in addiction treatment without registration

Sources:

• DAPAANZ Membership and Practitioner Registration Policy

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3. Tier B Countries: High Coverage

3.1 EUROPEAN UNION COUNTRIES

Overview

General Finding: No EU member state identified with specific national statutory regulation of addiction counselling as a distinct profession. Addiction work typically falls under:

1. Psychology or psychotherapy regulation
2. Social work regulation
3. Medical profession (addiction medicine physicians)
4. No specific regulation

Germany 🇩🇪

Type: ❌ NO Specific Statutory Regulation of Addiction Counsellors Confidence: ⭐⭐

Mental Health Regulation:

• Psychotherapists require state licensing (Approbation)
• Strict regulation through federal and state (Länder) laws
• Psychologists must be licensed to practice psychotherapy

Addiction Counsellors (Suchtberater):

• NO specific statutory regulation identified
• May work under broader social work or therapeutic frameworks
• Addiction medicine practised by licensed physicians

France 🇫🇷

Type: ❌ NO Specific Statutory Regulation of Addiction Counsellors Confidence: ⭐⭐

Mental Health Regulation:

• Psychiatrists are medically licensed
• Psychologists have protected title
• Psychotherapists have title protection (since 2010)

Addiction Specialists (Addictologue):

• Typically physicians with addiction medicine specialisation
• NO separate statutory regulation of non-medical addiction counsellors identified

Netherlands 🇳🇱

Type: ❌ NO Statutory Regulation of Addiction Counsellors Confidence: ⭐⭐

Mental Health System:

• "GGZ" (Geestelijke Gezondheidszorg) = Mental Health Care
• Addiction care providers affiliated with Dutch Association of Mental Health and Addiction Care
• This is a service provider association, not practitioner regulation

Addiction Counsellors:

• NO specific statutory regulation identified
• May fall under broader mental health or social work frameworks

Sweden 🇸🇪

Type: ❌ NO Specific Statutory Regulation of Addiction Counsellors Confidence: ⭐⭐

Substance Abuse Care:

• Focus on treatment services rather than practitioner regulation
• Compulsory care laws exist (institutional authority)
• NO statutory regulation of addiction counsellor profession identified

Spain 🇪🇸

Type: ❌ NO Specific Statutory Regulation of Addiction Counsellors Confidence: ⭐⭐

National Strategy on Addictions:

• Government has national addiction policy (2017-2024)
• Focus on treatment services and prevention
• NO statutory regulation of addiction counsellor profession identified

Italy 🇮🇹

Type: ❌ NO Statutory Regulation of Addiction Counsellors Confidence: ⭐⭐⭐

Psychologist Regulation:

• Psychologists regulated through CNOP (Consiglio Nazionale dell'Ordine degli Psicologi)
• State examination required
• Mandatory registration

Counselling Profession:

• Counselling is NOT regulated by government in Italy
• Listed as an "unregulated profession" by Italian government
• Addiction counselling likely falls under unregulated counselling or psychology specialisation

Addiction Medicine:

• FeDerSerD (Federazione Italiana degli Operatori dei Dipartimenti e dei Servizi delle Dipendenze) is scientific society for addiction medicine
• NOT a regulatory body

Sources:

• CNOP Regulation of the Profession of the Psychologist

Portugal 🇵🇹

Type: ❌ NO Specific Statutory Regulation of Addiction Counsellors Confidence: ⭐⭐

Mental Health System:

• Psychologists have mandatory professional registration
• Drug policy is health-focused (decriminalisation since 2001)

Addiction Services:

• Emphasis on health-led treatment approach
• NO specific statutory regulation of addiction counsellors identified

Sources:

• Portugal Mental Health Regulation

Poland 🇵🇱

Type: ❌ NO Specific Statutory Regulation of Addiction Counsellors Confidence: ⭐

Medical Professions:

• Act on Certain Medical Professions (2024) introduced mandatory registration for medical professions
• Status of addiction counsellors unclear - not enough information to confirm regulation

3.2 SOUTH AFRICA 🇿🇦

Official Name: HPCSA (Health Professions Council of South Africa) Confidence: ⭐⭐

Overview

South Africa has a comprehensive health professions regulatory system through HPCSA, which regulates 12 professional boards, including:

• Medical and Dental Professions
• Psychology
• Social Work

Addiction Counsellors:

• Status unclear - may fall under social work regulation or psychology
• Research indicates substance abuse counsellors working in treatment settings
• NO specific "addiction counsellor" board or register identified within HPCSA
• SANCA (South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence) is a service provider organisation, not a regulatory body

Recommendation: Further verification needed from HPCSA official sources to confirm regulatory status.

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4. Tier C Countries: Framework Overview

4.1 ASIA-PACIFIC

Singapore 🇸🇬

Type: ❌ NO Specific Statutory Regulation of Addiction Counsellors Confidence: ⭐⭐

National Addictions Management Service (NAMS):

• Service provider organisation under Institute of Mental Health
• Provides treatment for drug, alcohol, gambling, gaming addictions
• NOT a regulatory body for addiction counsellor professionals

Japan 🇯🇵

Type: ⚠️ Status Unclear Confidence: ⭐

Limited information available. Substance abuse treatment exists, but specific statutory regulation of addiction counsellor profession not confirmed.

South Korea 🇰🇷

Type: ⚠️ Professional Education Partnership Confidence: ⭐⭐

NAADAC Partnership:

• Since 2006, NAADAC partnered with Woosong Digital University to bring standardised addiction education to South Korea ¹⁷
• Korean ACADC Institute offers professional addiction counselling certificate education
• Statutory regulation status unclear - appears to be educational/professional certification rather than government regulation

Sources:

• NAADAC South Korea Partnership

India 🇮🇳

Type: ❌ NO Statutory Regulation Identified Confidence: ⭐

No evidence of national statutory regulation of addiction counsellors. Professional certification through international bodies (IC&RC, NAADAC) may be pursued by practitioners.

4.2 MIDDLE EAST

United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪

Type: ⚠️ Health Practitioner Licensing (Addiction Counsellor Status Unclear) Confidence: ⭐⭐

Regulatory Bodies:

• Dubai Health Authority (DHA) licenses health professionals
• Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCR) regulates professionals in DHCC
• Federal Law No. (10) of 2023 on Mental Health established framework

Addiction Counsellors:

• Scope of practice documents mention substance abuse counselling under social work
• Specific "addiction counsellor" licensure unclear - may fall under broader mental health/social work licensing

Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦

Type: ⚠️ Health Practitioner Licensing (Addiction Counsellor Status Unclear) Confidence: ⭐⭐

Regulatory Framework:

• Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) licenses health professionals
• Mental Health Care Law establishes psychiatric care standards
• Ministry of Health lists "drug counselling centre" licensing requirements

Addiction Counsellors:

• May fall under mental health practitioner licensing
• Specific regulatory status unclear - further verification needed

Sources:

• Saudi Arabia Mental Health Care Law

4.3 LATIN AMERICA

Mexico 🇲🇽

Type: ⭐ Professional Competency Standard (NOT Statutory Regulation) Confidence: ⭐⭐

Mexican Standard of Competencies:

• "Estándar Mexicano de Competencias de la Consejería en Adicciones" (Mexican Standard of Competencies for Addiction Counseling)
• Developed to promote certification of addiction counsellors
• Competency Standard EC0548 "Addiction Counselling"
• This is a competency framework, not statutory regulation
• Certification is voluntary

Brazil 🇧🇷

Type: ❌ NO Specific Statutory Regulation Identified Confidence: ⭐

Insufficient information to confirm statutory regulation of addiction counsellors. Professional certification may be available.

Argentina 🇦🇷

Type: ⚠️ Public Health Programs (Not Practitioner Regulation) Confidence: ⭐

Plan Integral de Consumos Problemáticos:

• Government provides assistance for addiction treatment
• Focus on services rather than practitioner regulation
• NO specific statutory regulation of addiction counsellors identified

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5. Peer Support Specialist Credentials

Peer support specialists (individuals with lived experience in recovery) represent a distinct but related profession. In many jurisdictions, peer specialists are credentialed separately from addiction counsellors.

5.1 United States

State-Level Peer Specialist Certification:

• 40+ states have peer support specialist certification programs
• Often administered by state mental health or addiction authorities
• Distinct from addiction counsellor licensing

Training Requirements (Typical):

• 46-78 hours of peer-specific training
• Topics: Advocacy, ethics, mentoring, wellness, recovery
• Lived experience in recovery (documented recovery period, often 1-2 years)
• Supervision requirements

National Certifications:

IC&RC Peer Recovery Credentials:

• Peer Recovery – Associate (PR-A): Entry level
• Peer Recovery (PR): Advanced level
• Based on IC&RC competency frameworks
• Examination required

NAADAC NCPRSS:

• National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist
• Requirements: 48+ hours peer recovery-focused education, high school diploma/GED, 500 hours paid/volunteer work in peer recovery support
• Distinct credential from NCAC counsellor certifications

5.2 Other Countries

Canada:

• CACCF offers Certified Concurrent Peer Support Specialist (CCPSS)
• Provincial programs vary

New Zealand:

• DAPAANZ registers peer support workers
• Distinct category from addiction practitioners

Key Distinction: Peer support specialists typically do not provide clinical counselling. Their role is peer-to-peer support, mentoring, and recovery coaching based on shared lived experience. This distinction is maintained in credentialing systems.

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6. Regulatory Models Summary

Based on global research, addiction counselling regulation follows these models:

Model 1: State/Provincial Statutory Licensing

Countries: USA (40+ states), potentially some Canadian provinces (pending) Characteristics:

• Government agency grants licenses
• Protected titles (illegal to use without a license)
• Scope of practice defined by statute
• Disciplinary authority
• Education, experience, examination requirements

Examples:

• Texas LCDC (Licensed Chemical Dependency Counsellor)
• New York CASAC (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counsellor)
• Massachusetts LADC (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counsellor)

Model 2: Quasi-Statutory Certification

Countries: USA (California, Florida) Characteristics:

• Non-government organisation administers certification
• State statute recognises certification for specific purposes (employment, billing)
• Hybrid model between voluntary and statutory

Examples:

• California: DHCS-approved certifications (CCAPP, CAADAC)
• Florida: FCB certifications recognised by Chapter 397, Florida Statutes

Model 3: Voluntary Professional Certification

Countries: International (IC&RC), USA (NAADAC), Canada (CACCF), New Zealand (DAPAANZ), Mexico (competency standards) Characteristics:

• No statutory authority
• Voluntary credentialing based on competency
• Often employer-required
• May facilitate reciprocity
• Professional standards and ethics

Examples:

• IC&RC ADC/AADC credentials
• NAADAC NCAC I/II/MAC
• CACCF CCAC

Model 4: No Specific Regulation

Countries: Most European countries, Australia, UK, Ireland (currently), many Asian/African/Latin American countries Characteristics:

• No statutory regulation of "addiction counsellor" as distinct profession
• May fall under broader professions (psychology, social work)
• Or completely unregulated
• Anyone can use title "addiction counsellor"

Examples:

• UK (voluntary registers through PSA)
• Australia (not under AHPRA)
• Germany, France, Spain, Italy (no specific regulation found)

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7. Key Findings and Analysis

7.1 Absence of National-Level Regulation

Primary Finding: Among all Tier A countries (USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand), ZERO have national-level statutory regulation of addiction counselling as a distinct profession.

Why Addiction Counselling Differs:

1. Historical Roots: Emerged from peer-based recovery movements (AA, NA), not academic medical traditions
2. Lived Experience Value: Many effective addiction counsellors have personal recovery experience, challenging traditional credentialing models
3. Practice Settings: Often in community-based non-medical settings
4. Role Overlap: Overlaps with social work, psychology, peer support, creating regulatory complexity
5. Lower Entry Barriers: Intentionally accessible profession to include recovered individuals

7.2 Professional Certification Dominance

The IC&RC framework represents the closest thing to international standardisation:

• 50,000+ credentialed professionals
• 50+ U.S. jurisdictions + international regions
• Standardized examinations
• Reciprocity agreements
• BUT: IC&RC is NOT a regulatory body - it provides examination and certification frameworks that member boards adopt

7.3 United States State-Level Variation

The U.S. demonstrates the widest range of regulatory approaches:

• Licensing states (statutory): Texas, New York, Massachusetts, Ohio, etc.
• Certification states (quasi-statutory): California, Florida
• Minimal regulation states: Some states have no specific credential
• Title variation: 50+ different protected titles across states (LCDC, LADC, CASAC, CAC, CAP, CADC, LCADC, LADAC, etc.)

This creates challenges for:

• Interstate mobility of practitioners
• Reciprocity (though IC&RC helps)
• Public understanding of credentials

7.4 European Model

European countries generally do NOT regulate addiction counselling as a distinct profession. Typical patterns:

• Falls under psychology or psychotherapy regulation
• Social work may include addiction services
• Addiction medicine practised by physicians
• Counseling profession may be unregulated (Italy, UK)

7.5 Peer Support Specialists

A significant development is the recognition of peer support specialists as a distinct workforce:

• Based on lived experience, not traditional education
• Separate credentialing (often state-certified in USA)
• Role distinction: peer support vs. clinical counselling
• Growing integration into treatment systems

7.6 Professional vs. Statutory Regulation

Critical Distinction:

• Statutory regulation: Government authority, protected titles, legal practice requirements, disciplinary power
• Professional certification: Voluntary, competency-based, no legal authority, employer-preferred

Much of addiction counselling operates under professional certification rather than statutory regulation. This is often by design, maintaining accessibility to the profession for individuals with recovery experience.

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8. Limitations and Gaps

8.1 Information Gaps

The following areas require further verification:

1. South Africa: HPCSA regulation of addiction counsellors unclear - may fall under social work or psychology boards
2. Saudi Arabia, UAE: Mental health practitioner licensing exists, but specific inclusion of addiction counsellors not confirmed
3. Asian countries (Japan, India, China): Limited English-language regulatory information available
4. Many European countries: Confirmed absence of regulation, but alternative frameworks (integration into other professions) not fully mapped
5. Provincial regulation (Canada, Australia): Comprehensive survey of all provinces/states not completed

8.2 Regulatory Changes in Progress

Several jurisdictions have pending regulatory changes:

• Ireland: CORU regulation of counselling/psychotherapy pending (2025+)
• Canada (BC, Alberta): Proposed counselling therapist regulation
• UK: Ongoing debates about statutory regulation of psychotherapy

These may impact addiction counselling regulation in the future.

8.3 Data Currency

Regulatory frameworks change frequently. This report reflects status as of 2025-10-20. Verification from official sources is recommended for:

• Current licensing requirements (states change requirements)
• New regulatory bodies (countries may establish regulation)
• Mutual recognition agreements (reciprocity agreements evolve)

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Conclusion

Summary of Findings

National-Level Statutory Regulation:

• ❌ ABSENT in all major countries surveyed (USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand)
• ❌ ABSENT in European Union countries (Germany, France, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Sweden, Poland)
• ⚠️ UNCLEAR in Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia), Africa (South Africa), Asia (Japan, South Korea, India, Singapore)

State/Provincial Licensing:

• ✅ COMMON in U.S. states (40+ states)
• ❌ ABSENT in Canadian provinces (all provinces surveyed)
• ❌ ABSENT in Australian states/territories

Professional Certification:

• ✅ DOMINANT MODEL internationally (IC&RC, NAADAC, CACCF, DAPAANZ)
• 50,000+ practitioners certified through IC&RC framework
• Voluntary but often employer-required

Peer Support Specialists:

• ✅ DISTINCT CREDENTIALING in 40+ U.S. states
• Separate from addiction counsellor credentials
• Based on lived experience + training

Implications

For Practitioners:

• Regulatory requirements vary dramatically by jurisdiction
• Professional certification (IC&RC, NAADAC) provides portable credentials
• State/provincial requirements must be researched individually
• "Addiction counsellor" is not universally a protected title

For Employers:

• In many jurisdictions, no legal requirement to hire credentialed addiction counsellors
• Professional standards (IC&RC, NAADAC, CACCF) provide quality benchmarks
• Licensing/certification may be required for insurance billing or government contracts

For Policy Makers:

• Addiction counselling regulation is minimal compared to other mental health professions
• Professional certification has filled the regulatory gap
• Trade-offs between accessibility (for people in recovery) and professional standards

For International Mobility:

• IC&RC International Certificates facilitate reciprocity
• State/provincial variation creates barriers
• Lack of national regulation complicates international credential recognition

Recommendations for Further Research

1. Comprehensive state/provincial survey: Complete mapping of all U.S. states, Canadian provinces, Australian states
2. Integration analysis: How addiction work is integrated into social work, psychology, or counselling regulation in countries without specific addiction counsellor regulation
3. Outcomes research: Comparison of treatment outcomes in jurisdictions with vs. without statutory regulation
4. Workforce analysis: Impact of regulatory models on workforce diversity (especially inclusion of people in recovery)

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Sources

Tier 1 Sources (Official Government/Regulatory Bodies)

IC&RC Official Websitehttps://internationalcredentialing.org/Professional certification organization representing 50,000+ professionals. NOT a government regulatory body.

[1] [2] NAADAC Certification Overview - NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals https://www.naadac.org/certification Professional certification through NCC AP. Voluntary national/international standards.

[2] [3] CACCF Official Website - Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation https://caccf.ca/ Professional certification organization for Canada. Voluntary, not statutory regulation.

[3] [4] CORU Regulated Professions - CORU, Health and Social Care Professionals Council, Ireland https://www.coru.ie/health-and-social-care-professionals/ Statutory regulator for 13 professions in Ireland. Addiction counseling NOT currently regulated.

[4] [5] PSA Healthcare Regulation Overview - Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care, UK https://www.professionalstandards.org.uk/psa-healthcare-regulation Oversees statutory health regulators and accredits voluntary registers. Addiction counseling NOT statutorily regulated in UK.

[5] [6] California DHCS Counselor Certification - California Department of Health Care Services https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/provgovpart/Pages/CounselorCertification.aspx State certification (not licensing) through approved organizations. Required for DHCS-licensed programs.

[6] [7] Florida Certification Board CAP Overview - Florida Certification Board https://flcertificationboard.org/certifications/certified-addiction-professional/ Voluntary certification recognized by Chapter 397, Florida Statutes. Quasi-statutory model.

[7] [8] State-by-State Licensing Requirements - Research.com https://research.com/careers/substance-abuse-counselor-license-requirements-by-state Comprehensive survey of U.S. state variation. 2,000-4,000 supervised hours typical.

[8] [9] Ontario Mental Health and Addictions Worker Program Standard - Government of Ontario https://www.ontario.ca/files/2025-01/mcu-mental-health-addictions-worker-50733-jan-2025-en-2024-12-31.pdf States explicitly: "Currently, there is no standard regulation in the field" for addiction counselors.

[9] [10] DAPAANZ Membership and Practitioner Registration Policy - DAPAANZ, New Zealand https://dapaanz.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/reg_policy_dapaanz_2020_final.pdf States explicitly: "All dapaanz affiliations are voluntary, that is, they are not mandatory for work in addiction treatment under current legislation."

[10] [11] IC&RC Peer Recovery Credentials - IC&RC https://internationalcredentialing.org/icrc-credentials/pr/ Professional certification for peer support specialists.

[11] [12] AHPRA Registration Standards - Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Registration-Standards.aspx Regulates 16 health professions. Addiction counseling and counselling/psychotherapy NOT included.

[12] [13] Texas LCDC Requirements - Texas Health and Human Services Commission https://www.hhs.texas.gov/regulations/forms/3000-3999/form-3236-licensed-chemical-dependency-counselor-licensure-reciprocity-application Statutory licensing of chemical dependency counselors in Texas.

[13] [14] Alberta ACTA Professional Standards - Alberta Counselling and Therapy Association https://www.acta-alberta.ca/professional-standards-codes-policies-1 States: "With no current pathway for Addiction Counsellors to be regulated, ACTA has paused accepting new Addiction Counsellor applications."

[14] [15] BC Health Professions and Occupations Act - Government of British Columbia https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/practitioner-professional-resources/professional-regulation/health-professions-and-occupations-act Proposed regulation of psychotherapy and counselling. Implementation 2026-2027.

[15] [16] Saudi Arabia Mental Health Care Law - Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia https://www.moh.gov.sa/en/Ministry/Rules/Documents/Executive-Regulation-of-Menatl-Health-Care-Law.pdf Mental health care law. Specific addiction counselor regulation unclear.

[16] [17] NAADAC South Korea Partnership - NAADAC https://www.naadac.org/south-korea Partnership since 2006 for addiction education. Professional education, not statutory regulation.

[17] [18] CNOP Regulation of the Profession of the Psychologist - Consiglio Nazionale dell'Ordine degli Psicologi, Italy https://www.psy.it/regulation-of-the-profession-of-the-psychologist-2/ Psychologists regulated. Counseling NOT regulated by government in Italy.

[18] [19] Portugal Mental Health Regulation - TherapyRoute https://www.therapyroute.com/article/mental-health-licensing-regulation-in-portugal-2025-guide-by-therapyroute Psychologists have mandatory registration. Addiction counselor regulation not confirmed.

[19] [20] US State Licensing Variation - Various State Licensing Boards https://research.com/careers/substance-abuse-counselor-license-requirements-by-state State-by-state variation in licensing. Common titles: LCDC, LADC, CASAC, CAC, CAP, CADC.

Tier 2 Sources (Professional Associations, Academic) ⭐⭐