Insights & Resources
Expert articles on SUD counseling, certification prep, California law, and building your career in the addiction treatment field.
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The Role of Monoamines in Addiction: Dopamine, Serotonin & Norepinephrine
Understanding how these three neurotransmitters drive addiction is essential for any SUD counselor. A pharmacology primer for exam prep.
5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting My SUD Counseling Career
From clinical externship surprises to exam day tips — advice from ADCSI graduates who've been through it all.
Understanding the IC&RC Exam: Format, Domains & Study Strategies
A comprehensive guide to the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium exam — what to expect and how to prepare.
Why Lived Experience Matters in SUD Counseling
Research shows that counselors with personal recovery experience bring unique strengths to the therapeutic relationship. Here's the evidence.
A Day in the Life of a SUD Counselor: What to Really Expect
From morning group sessions to crisis interventions and treatment planning — an honest look at what your workday actually looks like as a certified SUD counselor.
MAT Explained: What Every SUD Counselor Needs to Know About Medication-Assisted Treatment
Suboxone, methadone, naltrexone — a clinical breakdown of the medications your future clients may be taking and how they affect the counseling process.
Empathy vs. Sympathy: Why the Distinction Can Make or Break Your Counseling Career
Carl Rogers taught us that empathy is the cornerstone of effective therapy. But what does that actually look like in a session with a client struggling with addiction?
Online vs. In-Person SUD Education: Can You Really Learn Counseling Through a Screen?
The debate is over. Here is the data on learning outcomes, student satisfaction, and career readiness for online SUD counseling programs.
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