“This Board is authorized by Arkansas Code Annotated section 17-27-401 to 416 to license alcoholism and drug abuse counselors and to regulate such licensees to protect the public from unqualified or unprofessional persons holding themselves out to the public to be licensed alcoholism and drug abuse counselors. The Board is also authorized to investigate complaints and sanction licensed alcoholism and drug abuse counselors who violate the rules or ethics code of the Board.”
Our mission is to protect the public by upholding the standards of practice for alcoholism and drug abuse counselors.
On behalf of the members of the Board and staff, we hope these web pages will prove to be a useful tool for both the public and for certified and licensed alcohol and drug abuse personnel.
Information for individuals seeking licensure in the State of Arkansas.
About Us
I. Purpose
This Scope of Practice Statement is intended to provide a definition of 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-occurring 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:
- Pharmacology and psychopharmacology of alcohol and drugs (drugs of abuse and drugs used in the treatment of addictions and other psychiatric disorders).
- Addiction processes including models and theories of addiction; the social and cultural context of addiction; the biological, psychological, and social effects of addiction; and the differentiation and interrelations of addiction from other medical and psychological conditions.
- Various treatment models and methods including models of treatment, relapse prevention, and continuing care; the impact of treatment on problems associated with addiction; co-occurring psychiatric disorders; the importance of community, social, family and self-help systems.
- 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.
- Professional standards of practice including recognizing the needs of diverse populations relating to issues of ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS, and co-occurring 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
