Addiction Counseling Concentration

Discover more about the addiction concentration, including licensure, where and who you'll serve.  

Addiction counseling at CMU

CMU's Addiction Counseling Concentration is a great decision for anyone looking to make a difference in the field of mental health and addiction recovery.  

• Diverse Clientele - Addictions counselors work with individuals with substance use disorders, eating disorders, gambling disorders, individuals coping with trauma, and individuals with a variety of mental health and addiction concerns.  Addiction counselors work in hospitals, intensive in patient and outpatient settings.
• Unique Needs - Clients with substance use disorders vary in severity and motivation. Many want to recover but need guidance, just like those with mental health concerns.
• Career Advantage - Addiction specialists are in high demand. Having expertise in both mental health and substance use makes you a standout candidate.
• Financial Benefits - Expanding your scope to substance use clients increases referrals from doctors, schools, and courts, helping you build a strong caseload.

Be the change in a growing crisis

Substance use and addiction are among the most pressing public health challenges in the United States today. According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (SAMHSA), the need for trained, compassionate professionals in the field has never been greater:

• 48.5 million people aged 12 or older had a substance use disorder (SUD).
• 2.2 million adolescents were affected by a SUD.
• 54.2 million individuals aged 12 or older needed substance use treatment—but most did not receive it.
• 1.8 million adolescents and 39.6 million adults with SUD went without treatment.
• 20.4 million adults experienced both a mental illness and substance use disorder, highlighting the complexity of co-occurring conditions. 
  

Focus on rural and marginalized communities

CMU has a strong commitment to serving rural and marginalized populations, who often face higher rates of substance abuse and fewer resources for recovery.  The program integrates strategies for working in these communities, equipping students with specialized skills to address the unique challenges of addiction in rural areas. 

Addiction counseling needs are growing

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for addiction counselors is projected to grow by 21% by 2030, far outpacing the available workforce and resulting in an estimated shortage of 13,600 full-time professionals.

Internship

600 hours of clinical experience with an approved licensed site supervisor.  The supervisors must have education, experience, and licensure/credentials to support working with those experiencing addiction. 

• CACREP site supervisor licensure requirements: LPC, LMSW, LMFT, LLP, LP, CAADC or equivalent

Internship sites can include a range of locations from outpatient agencies working with substance use or abuse, to intensive outpatient programs, to residential addiction treatment facilities.  At CMU, we provide personalized support to help students secure and gain approval for their practicum and internship sites.

Licensure and credential

State of Michigan

To become a licensed master's level counselor in Michigan, you must obtain the Limited Licensed Counselor (LLC) credential.  To have the official credential of Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC), you must apply for certification to the Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals. The program meets the educational requirements for professional licensure and addiction certification. 

Out of state

State licensure requirements are periodically updated or changed. Please visit the state licensure list located on our resource page to see the requirements in your desired practice state. 

Where and who you'll serve

Addiction counselors play a vital role in helping individuals, families, and communities overcome the challenges of substance use and addiction.  Through Central Michigan University's Addiction Counseling Program, students are trained to support diverse populations, including navigating the journey to sobriety with evidence-based counseling, relapse prevention strategies, and long-term support. 

Addiction counselors work in:

• mental health centers
• hospitals and community health centers
• correctional facilities
• schools and colleges
• outpatient and substance abuse centers
• private practice