What Does an LADC Do: Responsibilities, Requirements, and Salary for 2026

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Choosing a career as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) means stepping into one of the most impactful and fast-growing fields in behavioral health. As rates of addiction continue to rise, so does the demand for qualified professionals. In 2024, over 3.5 million people in the United States aged 26 years and older received treatment for alcohol use (Statista, 2024), highlighting the need for compassionate, skilled counselors.

As a career planning and education expert, my team and I have studied this field extensively to help aspiring professionals like you make informed decisions. In this guide, we’ll explore what an LADC does, the education and certification requirements, career opportunities, and the expected salary outlook.

What are the benefits of becoming a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor?

Employment for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 17% from 2024 to 2034, providing excellent job security (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics [BLS], 2024).
The median annual wage for professionals in this field is $59,190, with opportunities for higher earnings in hospitals and private practice (BLS, 2024).
LADCs make a lasting impact by helping individuals recover from addiction and improve their overall quality of life.

What are the job responsibilities of a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor?

Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LADCs) play a vital role in helping individuals overcome substance abuse and rebuild healthier lives. Their primary responsibility is to assess, diagnose, and treat clients dealing with alcohol and drug dependency.

They conduct detailed intake assessments to understand each client’s background, substance use patterns, and mental health status. From there, they develop personalized treatment plans that may include individual counseling, group therapy, and relapse prevention strategies.

LADCs also collaborate with physicians, social workers, and family members to ensure holistic care and consistent progress. In addition, they maintain thorough client records, track treatment outcomes, and provide ongoing support through education and aftercare planning. Ultimately, LADCs act as both counselors and advocates—guiding clients toward recovery and long-term sobriety.

What educational qualifications do you need to become an LADC?

Becoming a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) requires a solid educational foundation in addiction studies, psychology, or a closely related behavioral health field. Most states require at least a bachelor’s degree, while others may mandate a master’s degree for full licensure.

Some states or employers may require a master’s degree in addiction counseling or clinical mental health counseling, especially for advanced roles. Coursework typically includes subjects like counseling ethics, substance abuse assessment, human development, and treatment planning.

Many professionals with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree consider becoming a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) as one of several alternative jobs to pursue with an MSW degree. The skills gained in social work, such as case management, client advocacy, and therapeutic intervention, translate well into addiction counseling. MSW graduates may also advance into supervisory, clinical director, or policy-focused positions within behavioral health organizations.

In addition, many programs incorporate a practicum or internship that allows students to gain hands-on experience under supervision. This educational foundation ensures future LADCs understand both the psychological and social dimensions of addiction before they advance to the licensing stage.

The labor data chart below highlights that substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors lead all graduate-level occupations in projected yearly openings, with 48,900 job openings expected between 2023 and 2033. It surpasses fields like law (35,600) and nursing (29,000). This demonstrates that earning a graduate degree in counseling or a related field offers not only professional credibility but also access to one of the fastest-growing and most in-demand careers in the U.S. workforce.

What are the certification or licensing requirements to become a certified LADC?

To become a certified or licensed Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC), candidates must meet state-specific and national certification requirements that assess their education, supervised experience, and professional competence. These requirements ensure that counselors possess the skills and ethical grounding to provide safe and effective addiction treatment. The NAADAC offers three major credentials—NCAC I, NCAC II, and MAC—each representing progressively advanced levels of education and training:

NCAC I (National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I). This credential requires candidates to hold at least a high school diploma or GED, complete 6,000 hours of supervised counseling experience, and obtain 270 hours of approved addiction-specific education.
NCAC II (National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level II). This certification requires candidates to possess a bachelor’s degree in addiction counseling or a related field, complete 6,000 hours of supervised experience, and finish 450 hours of specialized training.
MAC (Master Addiction Counselor). This advanced certification requires candidates to earn a master’s degree or higher in a related field, complete 6,000 hours of supervised experience, and undertake 500 hours of advanced clinical education.

Because state licensure requirements differ, each jurisdiction may have its own standards for clinical supervision, ethics training, and license renewal. These variations are similar in structure to the BCBA fieldwork hours requirements, which ensure that professionals gain sufficient hands-on experience before independent practice.

What skills do you need to be a successful LADC?

To be an effective Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC), professionals need a balanced mix of interpersonal, analytical, and clinical skills. These abilities help them connect with clients, manage complex cases, and deliver evidence-based treatment. Below are the key skills that define a successful LADC:

Empathy and compassion. Successful LADCs demonstrate genuine care and understanding for clients struggling with addiction, helping them feel supported and respected throughout recovery.
Active listening. Strong listening skills allow counselors to fully understand clients’ experiences, emotions, and triggers, which is essential for effective treatment planning.
Communication skills. LADCs must be able to explain treatment options clearly, provide feedback, and work collaboratively with families, healthcare providers, and multidisciplinary teams.
Crisis management. Addiction counseling often involves high-stress situations. Effective counselors stay calm under pressure and use de-escalation techniques to ensure client safety.
Assessment and diagnostic skills. LADCs must accurately evaluate clients’ substance use patterns and co-occurring disorders to design appropriate treatment plans.
Ethical judgment. Maintaining confidentiality and adhering to professional standards ensures trust and compliance with state and federal regulations.
Cultural competence. Understanding how culture, background, and identity influence addiction helps counselors deliver inclusive and respectful care.
Record-keeping and organization. Attention to detail is critical for maintaining accurate client records, progress notes, and compliance documentation.

LADCs play a critical role in addressing this crisis by providing early intervention, personalized treatment, and long-term recovery support. Their work helps reduce relapse rates, promote mental health stability, and restore individuals’ quality of life. Based on the chart below, men account for 61.74% of those affected, followed by women at 35.57% and adolescents at 2.69%, reflecting that alcohol misuse cuts across all age and gender groups.

What are the potential career advancement paths for an LADC?

Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LADCs) have several opportunities to advance their careers as they gain experience, credentials, and specialization. These advancement paths allow them to move into leadership, clinical, academic, or private practice roles while expanding their professional impact.

Senior or Supervisory Counselor (LADC-S). Experienced LADCs can earn a supervisory credential, often called LADC-S, which qualifies them to oversee other counselors, manage treatment teams, and ensure program compliance.
Clinical Director or Program Manager. Those with strong leadership and administrative skills can advance to management roles in treatment facilities, overseeing operations, budgets, and clinical standards.
Private Practice Counselor. After meeting state requirements for independent practice, some LADCs open their own private counseling practices, offering personalized treatment plans and flexible schedules.
Specialized Addiction Therapist. Counselors can pursue advanced training or certifications in trauma-informed care, dual diagnosis treatment, or family therapy, allowing them to serve niche client populations.
Educator or Trainer. Experienced LADCs may teach in colleges or professional training programs, sharing their expertise with future addiction counselors.

These career paths demonstrate how an LADC license can open doors beyond direct counseling, offering long-term growth, leadership potential, and diverse ways to make a lasting difference in addiction recovery.

Are there opportunities for advanced or specialized training for LADCs?

LADCs have a wide range of opportunities for advanced and specialized training that allow them to expand their professional expertise and better serve diverse client populations. These trainings enhance their clinical skills, prepare them for leadership roles, and keep them updated with evolving best practices in addiction treatment. Below are some key areas where LADCs can pursue advanced training:

Co-Occurring Disorders (Dual Diagnosis). Specialized programs train LADCs to work with clients who face both substance use and mental health disorders, emphasizing integrated treatment approaches.
Trauma-Informed Care. This training equips counselors to recognize how trauma influences addiction and recovery, promoting safety, empathy, and empowerment in treatment.
Family and Couples Counseling. Advanced courses in family systems or relationship therapy enable LADCs to address family dynamics that contribute to or are affected by substance abuse.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI). These evidence-based methods help LADCs strengthen client motivation and change harmful thinking patterns associated with addiction.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Integration. Specialized certification helps counselors support clients undergoing medication-assisted recovery programs alongside clinical therapy.
Clinical Supervision and Leadership Training. Experienced LADCs can pursue supervisory credentials or leadership programs to qualify for LADC-S or management positions within treatment centers.
Cultural Competency and Diversity Training. Advanced cultural awareness courses prepare counselors to work effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds and communities.

Like other behavioral health professionals, LADCs are encouraged to complete ongoing continuing education to maintain their licenses. For example, Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) must fulfill specific CEU requirements for Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification renewal, which ensures they remain current with research and ethical standards. Similarly, LADCs can pursue continuing education units (CEUs) focused on addiction science, ethics, and emerging treatment modalities to maintain licensure and professional excellence.

Through these specialized learning paths, LADCs not only enhance their professional credibility but also increase their ability to provide comprehensive, evidence-based, and culturally responsive care to individuals in recovery.

What is the average salary for an LADC?

The average salary for a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) in the United States varies based on factors such as experience, education, work setting, and geographic location. According to ZipRecruiter (2025), annual salaries for LADCs range from $33,000 to $84,500, with most professionals earning between $49,000 (25th percentile) and $69,000 (75th percentile). The top 10% of earners can make up to $78,500 per year across the country (ZipRecruiter, 2025).

Complementing this data, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, 2024) reports that the median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors, a category that includes LADCs, was $59,190 as of May 2024.

The chart below shows that the salary levels also vary depending on the industry of employment. Those working in hospitals earn the highest median wage at $61,930, followed by offices of other health practitioners ($59,570) and outpatient centers ($58,200). Counselors in individual and family services earn about $57,080, while those in residential facilities earn the lowest at $49,610.

What certifications or advanced degrees can boost an LADC’s career?

Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors can significantly advance their careers by earning specialized certifications or pursuing higher academic degrees. These credentials deepen their knowledge, broaden their scope of practice, and increase their eligibility for leadership or clinical supervision roles. Below are some of the most valuable options for professional growth:

Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or Psychology. Earning an advanced degree allows LADCs to qualify for dual licensure (e.g., LPC or LMHC) and provide both addiction and mental health counseling.
Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS). This credential prepares experienced counselors to train, mentor, and oversee other addiction professionals, often required for supervisory positions.
Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Professional (CCDP). This certification focuses on integrated treatment for clients with both substance use and mental health disorders, enhancing an LADC’s clinical expertise.
Certified Trauma Professional (CTP). This specialization equips LADCs to address the link between trauma and substance abuse through trauma-informed practices.
Doctorate in Counseling, Psychology, or Social Work (PhD or DSW). Advanced degrees open pathways to academia, research, or executive-level positions in behavioral health organizations.
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) Reciprocity. For LADCs relocating to other states, obtaining CADC or IC&RC-recognized credentials can facilitate multi-state practice.

Some states specify that applicants must hold degrees from Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs or CACREP-accredited programs, while others also recognize Master's in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council or MPCAC-accredited degrees. Understanding CACREP vs. MPCAC distinctions ensures that your educational background aligns with your state’s specific licensing standards for LADCs.

What is the job outlook for LADCs?

The job outlook for LADCs or addiction counselors, in particular, is exceptionally strong, reflecting the increasing national demand for qualified professionals in addiction treatment and behavioral health. According to the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA, 2024), employment for Addiction Counselors is projected to grow by 49% between 2024 and 2037. This sharp increase highlights the expanding recognition of substance use disorders as critical public health issues that require trained intervention and counseling support.

Despite this growth, the HRSA also reports that the total percent adequacy for addiction counselors by 2037 will be only 47% (HRSA, 2024). In other words, less than half of the projected national demand will be met by the existing workforce. This shortage translates to greater job security, higher earning potential, and abundant employment opportunities for current and future LADCs.

Overall, the LADC career field offers outstanding prospects for those interested in making a measurable difference in addiction recovery and community health. The projected growth underscores the ongoing need for compassionate, skilled counselors across healthcare, social services, and rehabilitation settings.

Are there enough addiction counselors in the US

What are the biggest challenges LADCs face?

Similar to MSN nursing education jobs, LADC jobs are also challenging. Based on data from the American Counseling Association’s Counseling Workforce Report (ACA, 2024), the following issues are among the most pressing:

Increased demand and workload. Nearly 50%of counselors reported a surge in demand for their services in recent years, which has led to heavier caseloads and growing stress levels.
Burnout and overwork. Around 40% of counselors said they feel overworked, and more than half identified the threat of burnout from managing high caseloads as a major concern. These pressures can affect both counselor effectiveness and personal mental health.
High student loan debt. Over 50% of counselors carry student loan debt, with amounts averaging 113% higher than the national average. Counselors from marginalized populations report the highest levels of educational debt, which adds financial strain to the profession.
Low compensation and multiple jobs. About 34% of counselors hold a second job, most often to supplement their income. This indicates that many professionals in the field are not earning enough through counseling alone to meet their financial needs (ACA, 2024).

how challenging is the job of a counselor

What do LADCs Say About Their Careers

Jessica: "Working as a licensed alcohol and drug counselor has shown me the power of resilience and recovery. Helping clients rebuild their lives and reconnect with their families is the most fulfilling part of my job. Every success story reminds me why I chose this path."

Robert: "This career allows me to combine clinical skills with genuine human connection. I’ve learned that small moments of progress—like a client choosing sobriety for one more day—can mean everything. It’s challenging work, but incredibly meaningful. "

Elena: "As an addiction counselor, I’ve had the privilege of guiding people through some of their hardest battles. The field constantly teaches me about compassion, patience, and the human capacity for change. Seeing hope return to someone’s eyes never gets old. "

Key Findings

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors rank first among all graduate-level occupations, with 48,900 projected yearly job openings between 2023 and 2033.
The highest-paying industries for substance abuse counselors include hospitals ($61,930) and offices of other health practitioners ($59,570).
About 34% of counselors hold a second job, primarily to supplement their income.
Nearly half of counselors reported a surge in service demand in recent years, resulting in heavier caseloads and higher stress levels.
Annual salaries for LADCs typically range from $33,000 to $84,500, with most earning between $49,000 (25th percentile) and $69,000 (75th percentile).

Other Things to Know About Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors

What is the highest-paid type of counselor?

According to Indeed (2025), among the highest-paid counseling roles are clinical psychologists and specialized therapists, with average salaries exceeding $100,000 per year, but the broad category of “counselor” generally has lower averages.

What’s the difference between an LADC and a CADC?

An LADC (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor) is a state-issued licensure given to professionals who typically hold higher education (often a bachelor’s or master’s) and meet stringent supervised clinical hours and exam requirements; it often allows independent practice and a broader scope. On the other hand, a CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor) is generally a certification rather than full licensure, with fewer educational or clinical prerequisites, and typically requires supervised practice under others.

How do state licensing requirements for LADCs differ across regions?

Licensing requirements for LADCs vary widely by state. For example, some states require only a bachelor’s degree plus 2,000 supervised hours, while others demand a master’s degree and 4,000 or more supervised hours. States also differ in whether they accept national exams, the coursework required, and the number of continuing education hours that must be completed for renewal. Because of these variations, aspiring LADCs must check the specific regulations of the licensing board in the state where they intend to practice.

Can an LADC provide mental health counseling in addition to substance abuse treatment?

Yes, in many states, an LADC often has the training and credentialing that allows them to assess and treat substance use disorders and frequently related mental health issues; however, whether they can provide full independent mental health counseling depends on the state’s scope of practice rules. Some states allow LADCs to offer integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders, while others may require additional licensure (e.g., in mental health counseling or social work) for broader therapeutic work.