The Substance Abuse Counseling Program provides professional development training to prepare students to work as alcohol and other drug abuse (AODA) counselors. This program provides AODA counseling knowledge and skills to social service professionals concerned with addicted individuals and their families. 

The Oakton Community College Substance Abuse Counseling Program is accredited by the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association (IAODAPCA). This program meets the IAODAPCA requirements to sit for the examination for Provisional Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor (Option A) certification eligibility. 

IAODAPCA requires two years of qualified AODA experience and 225 clock hours of training for eligibility to sit for the examination for certification as an Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC). The Oakton Substance Abuse Counseling Program meets these academic requirements. (It does not meet the experiential requirements for paid work experience, which must be completed separately by the applicant.) 

IAODAPCA certification means the counselor has demonstrated proficiency in the knowledge, skills and core functions necessary to provide quality care to the individuals seeking treatment of their alcohol and/or other drug abuse or dependence. 

IAODAPCA requires 40 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years for counselor recertification. The National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) requires 60 CEUs every two years for recertification. For recognition of Oakton's substance abuse counseling courses, counselors may submit Oakton transcripts indicating successful course completion to IAODAPCA or NAADAC and earn 15 CEUs per semester hour (45 CEUs per three semester hour course).