About Us

Under enactment by the 82nd General Assembly of the State of Arkansas, 1999, the State Board of Examiners of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (SBEADAC) was created and charged to provide for the licensure and registration of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors; and for other purposes (SB 254).

Mission Statement:
To protect the public by upholding the standards of practice for alcoholism and drug abuse counselors.

Board of Examiners of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors

Proposed Rule 2
Scope of Practice
Licensed Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor
       Licensed Associate Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor

I. Purpose
This Scope of Practice Statement is intended to provide a definition of a professional alcoholism and drug abuse counselor’s rights and responsibilities and to distinguish this profession from other behavioral healthcare professionals.

II. Introduction
Alcohol and drug abuse counseling is the application of general counseling theories and treatment methods adapted to specific alcohol and drug theory and research, for the express purpose of treating persons with alcohol and other drug problems and persons with co-occuring psychiatric disorders within our diverse society.

III. Foundations of Alcohol and Drug Counseling
The practice of alcohol and drug counseling is based on the following knowledge:

1. Pharmacology and psychopharmacology of alcohol and drugs (drugs of abuse and drugs used in the treatment of addictions and other psychiatric disorders).
2. Addiction processes including: models and theories of addiction; social and cultural context of addiction; biological, psychological and social effects of addiction; and the differentiation and interrelations of addiction from other medical and psychological conditions.
3. Various treatment models and methods including: models of treatment, relapse prevention, and continuing care; impact of treatment on problems associated with addiction; co-occuring psychiatric disorders; the importance of community, social, family and self-help systems.
4. Practical application including: use of interdisciplinary approaches and teams in treatment; assessment and diagnostic criteria; appropriate use of treatment modalities; adapting treatment strategies to a patient’s individual characteristics and needs; and the use of other resources in securing the best available services for the patient.
5. Professional standards of practice including: recognizing the needs of diverse populations relating to issues of ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS and co-occuring psychiatric disorders; adherence to ethical and professional standards of conduct; commitment to continuing education and clinical supervision; awareness of policies and procedures for patients and staff safety; an understanding of etiology, treatment and prevention; and the clinical application of current research in alcohol and drug treatment.
   

IV. Scope of Practice
The practice of alcohol and drug counseling consists of the activities listed below. The practice of these activities will conform to the individual’s level of training, education and supervised experience.

1. Clinical Evaluation of Drug and Alcohol Issues
1.1 Screening of Alcohol and Drug Problems
1.2 Assessment of Alcohol and Drug Problems
1.3 Screening for the presence of other Psychiatric Disorders
1.4 Diagnosis of Alcohol and Drug Problems

2. Treatment Planning
2.1 Case Management
2.1.1 Implementing the Treatment Plan
2.1.2 Consulting
2.1.3 Continuing Assessment and Treatment Planning
2.2 Referral
2.3 Cultural Diversity
2.4 Patient Advocacy
3. Counseling
3.1 Individual Counseling
3.2 Group Counseling
3.3 Family Counseling

4. Education and Prevention
4.1 Patient
4.2 Family
4.3 Community
5. Documentation
6. Professional and Ethical Standards