Licensed Addiction Counselor Louisiana: RAC, CAC & LAC Requirements
Louisiana credentials addiction counselors at three levels through the Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority (ADRA): the Registered Addiction Counselor (RAC), Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC), and Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC). Requirements vary by education level, but all three paths require 300 hours of approved education, supervised work experience, and passing an IC&RC exam.
Louisiana has a serious need for trained addiction counselors. The opioid crisis hit the state hard, and treatment demand in parishes across the Gulf Coast hasn’t let up. If you want to work in this field, the Addiction Disorder Regulatory Authority (ADRA) is the state body that issues your credentials. There are three credentials to know: the RAC, CAC, and LAC. The right one depends on where you are in your education.
Each credential has its own education, experience, and examination requirements. Here’s what the path looks like at every level.
Louisiana’s Three Addiction Counselor Credentials
The ADRA issues credentials under three tiers. Your current education level determines which credential you’re working toward, though it’s common to enter at the RAC level and work up as you complete more schooling. The table below shows the key differences at a glance.
| Credential | Education Required | Supervised Work Hours | Education Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Addiction Counselor (RAC) | High school diploma or GED | 6,000 hours | 300 hours (180 substance-specific) |
| Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) | Bachelor’s degree in behavioral science | 4,000 hours | 300 hours (180 substance-specific) |
| Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) | Master’s degree in behavioral science | 2,000 hours | 300 hours (180 substance-specific) |
The higher your degree, the fewer supervised hours you need. A master’s-level counselor reaches the LAC in roughly half the time it takes someone entering with just a high school diploma.
Start as a Counselor in Training
Before you can begin accumulating the supervised hours required for any of the three credentials, you need Counselor in Training (CIT) status. This is your authorization to work with clients while you’re still building toward full certification.
To apply for CIT status, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED, 180 completed hours of substance abuse-specific education, and a position in an addiction treatment setting under a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS). CIT status is renewed annually and can be held for up to 72 months. All applicants also undergo a background check through the ADRA. The board reviews criminal history. Some convictions may affect eligibility depending on your circumstances.
For the RAC Level
The Registered Addiction Counselor is the entry-level credential. It’s designed for people working in the field without a college degree. Requirements include:
- High school diploma or GED
- 6,000 hours of clinically supervised work experience (reduced to 4,000 with a bachelor’s degree, or 2,000 with a master’s degree)
- 300 total clock hours of ADRA-approved education, with 180 hours specific to substance abuse treatment and 6 hours in professional ethics
- A 300-hour practicum working within the 12 Core Functions, with training covering all 12 Core Functions. Specific hour distribution should follow current ADRA guidance
- Direct supervision from a Certified Clinical Supervisor
- Pass the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) examination
- Pass a criminal background check
Applications are submitted through the ADRA’s online portal at la-adra.org.
For the CAC Level
The Certified Addiction Counselor requires a bachelor’s degree and carries more responsibility than the RAC. CACs provide direct counseling services and can make referrals, but they work under supervision and can’t render a diagnostic impression. Requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science discipline from a regionally accredited university
- 4,000 hours of clinically supervised work experience (reduced to 2,000 with a master’s degree)
- 300 total clock hours of ADRA-approved education, with 180 hours specific to substance abuse treatment and 6 hours in professional ethics
- A 300-hour practicum working within the 12 Core Functions, with training covering all 12 Core Functions. Specific hour distribution should follow current ADRA guidance
- Direct supervision from a Certified Clinical Supervisor
- Pass the IC&RC ADC examination
Applications are submitted through the ADRA’s online portal at la-adra.org.
For the LAC Level
The Licensed Addiction Counselor is the highest frontline credential in Louisiana. LACs can practice independently, provide counseling without supervision, diagnose substance use disorders, and make referrals on their own authority. It’s the credential for counselors who want the broadest scope of practice. If you’re also considering the Licensed Professional Counselor path, our guide to Louisiana LPC requirements covers that credential separately. Requirements for the LAC include:
- Master’s or Ph.D. in a behavioral science discipline from a regionally accredited university
- 2,000 hours of clinically supervised work experience
- 300 total clock hours of ADRA-approved education, with 180 hours specific to substance abuse treatment and 6 hours in professional ethics
- A 300-hour practicum working within the 12 Core Functions, with training covering all 12 Core Functions. Specific hour distribution should follow current ADRA guidance
- Direct supervision from a Certified Clinical Supervisor
- Pass the IC&RC ADC examination
Applications are submitted through the ADRA’s online portal at la-adra.org.
The IC&RC Examination
All three credentials require passing a standardized exam through the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC). Louisiana uses the Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) exam, which covers the core functions and knowledge areas required for addiction counseling practice.
You can find candidate guides, study materials, and practice exams directly on the IC&RC website. The ADRA schedules your exam after your application is reviewed and approved. Processing times vary. Check with the ADRA directly for current timelines.
What Addiction Counselors Earn in Louisiana
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Louisiana earned a median annual salary of $46,070 as of May 2024. The lower end of the range, representing those early in their careers or at the RAC level, sits around $29,170. Counselors in the upper tier, typically LACs with experience, earned $66,560 or more.
Louisiana salaries are below the national median of $65,100 for this occupation, reflecting both cost-of-living differences and the state’s overall wage structure. That said, experienced LACs working in specialized settings, hospital systems, or private practice can push toward the top of the range. For comparison, those who pursue a Louisiana social work license in mental health and substance abuse roles report similar earning patterns at the state level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a RAC, CAC, and LAC in Louisiana?
The three credentials reflect different levels of education and experience. The RAC requires a high school diploma and 6,000 supervised hours. The CAC requires a bachelor’s degree and 4,000 hours of experience. The LAC requires a master’s degree and 2,000 hours of experience. The LAC also carries the broadest scope of practice, including the ability to diagnose substance use disorders and practice independently.
Do I need CIT status before I can start working toward a credential?
Yes. Before you can accumulate the supervised hours required for the RAC, CAC, or LAC, you must have Counselor in Training (CIT) status from the ADRA. CIT authorization requires 180 hours of substance abuse-specific education and a position under a Certified Clinical Supervisor. You renew it annually while you complete your hours.
What exam do Louisiana addiction counselors have to pass?
All three credentials require passing the Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) exam administered by the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC). Study materials and candidate guides are available through the IC&RC website.
Will a felony conviction prevent me from getting certified?
Criminal history is reviewed by the ADRA on a case-by-case basis. Some convictions may affect eligibility depending on the circumstances. Contact the ADRA directly if this applies to your situation before investing significant time in the process.
How long does it take to become a licensed addiction counselor in Louisiana?
It depends on your starting point. Someone entering with a master’s degree needs 2,000 supervised hours, which takes roughly one to two years of full-time work. Someone starting at the RAC level with a high school diploma needs 6,000 hours, which is closer to 3 years. Completing the required education hours and CIT status adds time to any path.
Key Takeaways
- Three credential levels: Louisiana issues the RAC, CAC, and LAC through the ADRA, each tied to a different education requirement and supervised hour threshold.
- CIT status comes first: You must hold Counselor in Training authorization before you can begin accumulating the supervised hours for any credential.
- 300 education hours required: All three credentials require 300 ADRA-approved education hours, with 180 specific to substance abuse treatment.
- The IC&RC ADC exam is required: Every credential path ends with the standardized Alcohol and Drug Counselor examination through the IC&RC.
- LACs have the broadest scope: Only the Licensed Addiction Counselor can diagnose substance use disorders and practice without supervision.
Ready to explore your options? Find Louisiana programs that meet ADRA education requirements at every level, from certificates to master’s degrees in addiction counseling.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Social Workers, Social and Human Services Assistants, Social and Community Service Managers, and Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed April 2026.