General Questions

What is NAADAC?

NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals, is the premier global membership organization for addiction focused professionals, representing the professional interests of more than 100,000 addiction counselors, educators, and other addiction-focused healthcare professionals in the United States, Canada, and abroad. NAADAC’s 12,500+ members are addiction counselors, educators, and other healthcare professionals who specialize in addiction prevention, treatment, recovery support, and education. An important part of the healthcare continuum, NAADAC members and its 45 affiliates in the US and many countries work to create healthier individuals, families, and communities through prevention, intervention, quality treatment, and recovery support. 

Who can join NAADAC?

NAADAC individual membership is open to all addiction-focused professionals through five different membership categories: professional, associate, peer recovery support specialist, student, and retired. NAADAC’s organizational membership is open to organizations, corporations, colleges/universities and agencies interested in supporting the addiction profession and increasing their visibility through NAADAC’s marketing opportunities. 

How can NAADAC save me money?

NAADAC offers members over 300 online continuing education (CE) hours, including eight independent study courses and over 300 webinars available 24/7 to members for free. In addition, NAADAC members receive numerous discounts, including savings on additional continuing education and business hours, discounts on qualification and requalification courses for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), and reduced rates for NAADAC-sponsored conferences, trainings, meetings, and workshops, on all NAADAC publications, on select Hazelden Publishing and Educational Resources, and numerous NAADAC-endorsed commercial products, such as malpractice and liability insurance, telehealth products, and other valuable tools. The cost of membership pays for itself through these savings! Click here for a full list of benefits. 

Why is an addiction-specific Code of Ethics important?

The NAADAC-NCC AP Code of Ethics is important because addiction professionals have and need specific skills, tasks, and responsibilities. The NAADAC-NCC AP Code of Ethics was written to govern the conduct of NAADAC members and those addiction professionals certified by the NCC AP. The Code is designed as a statement of the values of the profession to guide clinical decisions and the NCC AP certification process. The Code is also used by many state licensing/certification boards and educational institutions to evaluate the behavior of addiction professionals. 

What are the different individual membership categories?

NAADAC has five different individual membership categories: professional, associate, peer recovery support specialist, student, and retired.

  • Professional: Open to individuals who are engaged as addiction professionals. 
     
  • Associate: Open to individuals who are working towards qualification, licensure, or certification in the addictions profession and have less than five years of experience. This category may include counselors-in-training category and non-clinical addiction professionals, such as probation officers, marketing representatives, public health workers, peer recovery support specialists, as well as other people interested in the addiction field. 
     
  • Peer Recovery Support Specialist: Open to individuals who are credentialed/licensed/certified/registered peer recovery support specialists or recovery coaches.
     
  • Student: Open to those individuals currently enrolled in a college/university or state government approved training facility with a minimum of three credit hours in addiction studies and students involved in a full or part-time internship are also eligible for student membership. Student members must not be currently licensed or certified as an addiction professional or practicing as an addiction professional. 
     
  • Retired: Open to individuals that are no longer in practice.
Why should my organization, corporation, or agency join NAADAC as an Organizational Member?

Organizational Membership in NAADAC has many important benefits, including:

  • Marketing Discounts: Organizational members receive free and discounted marketing opportunities on NAADAC’s website (over 220,000 monthly visits), in NAADAC’s Addiction & Recovery eNews (emailed to 80,000+ addiction professionals), in NAADAC’s Advances in Addiction & Recovery digital magazine (circulation 80,000+), and at NAADAC national and affiliate conferences. In addition, organizational members can post trainings and events on NAADAC’s online Calendar of Events, and place career ads in NAADAC’s Career Center
     
  • Savings: Organizational members receive discounts on NAADAC education, trainings, and products, and NAADAC-endorsed commercial products, such as malpractice and liability insurance, computer software, and other valuable tools. In addition, organizational members can get discounted individual memberships for their employees. 
     
  • Recognition: Organizational membership ads prestige and recognition to your organization, company, or agency and demonstrates your commitment to the future of the addiction profession. Organizational members are listed on the NAADAC website (over 220,000 monthly visits) and receive both a plaque to publicize your NAADAC membership and an organizational member logo to display on your website and business communications. 
     
  • Advocacy: NAADAC provides a consistent message to policy and opinion-makers about the need for workforce development, private sector reimbursements, and public sector funding for treatment, prevention, intervention, and recovery support.  

    Click here to view the full list of benefits.
How is NAADAC membership beneficial for undergraduate and graduate students?

NAADAC student membership will give you access to NAADAC’s vast resources to supplement your academic education, and the knowledge and tools to develop your professional identity.

  • Use NAADAC’s network, conferences, and trainings to make connections with other addiction professionals and potential mentors and employers.
  • Start obtaining valuable continuing education for your state license/certification
  • Gain national leadership experience on NAADAC’s Student Committee
  • Use NAADAC’s PhD Candidate Survey service to access NAADAC’s membership and constituents to obtain data for dissertation-related research
How long is a NAADAC membership term?

An individual NAADAC membership term is one year from the date of enrollment. Organizational NAADAC memberships have two-year terms. 

How do I join NAADAC?

You may join NAADAC at any time, using our convenient online, mail, fax, or telephone options.

  • Online: Visit http://www.naadac.org/join and fill out the online application.
  • By Mail or Fax: Download and fill out a membership application, then fax to 703.741.7698 or mail to NAADAC, Attn: Membership Services, 44 Canal Center Plaza, Ste 301, Alexandria, VA 22314.
  • By Phone: Call NAADAC Member Services at 703.741.7686 x1 and a Member Services Representative will be happy to assist with enrollment.

* Georgia Residents Only:  Please join NAADAC and the Georgia Addiction Counselor Association (GACA) online at http://gaca.org/membership/register/ or by calling 770.434.1000. 

Am I required to belong to a State Affiliate?

Yes, if you live or work in a U.S. state or territory with a NAADAC affiliate, you will automatically join both NAADAC and its affiliate and must pay both national and state affiliate dues. Membership in both NAADAC and your state affiliate ensures that you are represented at both the national and state level. If you are in the military and stationed overseas, you may choose the state affiliate in the state you will live upon return stateside or in the state where your family resides. 

How long will it take to process my application?

All online membership applications and applications taken by phone are processed immediately, with membership packets emailed to new or renewed members the same day. Applications submitted by fax or mail will be processed within 1-2 business days from receipt of the application. 

When can I start to use my member benefits?

You can enjoy the benefits of membership as soon you receive your membership ID number in your membership packet. 

How can I sign up for NAADAC's two ePublications, the weekly Professional eUpdate and/or the biweekly Addiction & Recovery eNews?

If you are currently not a NAADAC member, click here to subscribe to NAADAC's free ePublications. If you are a NAADAC member, login to your member portal and check your publication options. Other tips for getting NAADAC's ePublications:

  • If we don't have an e-mail address for you, contact us by e-mail and put "ePublications" in the subject line.
  • Make sure that the correct email is in your records. If you change jobs or change email addresses, make sure to tell us!
  • Delete us from your spam blocker or add us to your "safe list" so you can receive our e-mails.

Membership Dues

Am I eligible for discounted membership?

NAADAC offers discounted memberships for retired professionals, students, and those professionals working towards licensure/certification. 

How can I pay my annual dues?

It is easy to pay your dues online by logging in to your member portal, by submitted a paper application via fax or email, or by calling Member Services at 703.741.7686 x1. NAADAC appreciates your prompt payment, which allows us to contain our billing expenses. 

Does NAADAC offer payment options?

Yes. If you prefer, you can pay your annual dues in two equal payments. To utilize this option, you must call Member Services at 703.741.7686 x1 and provide a credit card to set up automatic payments. 

How can I obtain a receipt for my membership dues?

Upon payment, a receipt will be automatically emailed to the email address we have on file. If you need an additional copy, please email [email protected] or call Member Services at 703.741.7686 x1. 

Are my dues tax deductible?

Yes. NAADAC estimates that $6.00 has been allocated to the production of our magazine and is therefore not tax deductible. Your remaining dues is tax-deductible as a business expense. Please consult with a tax professional for specific advice. 

Can I cancel my membership and receive a refund or partial refund?

While you may cancel your NAADAC membership at any time, NAADAC and state affiliate dues are non-refundable. 

My company/organization paid for my NAADAC membership. What happens if I leave my job?

NAADAC membership is individual, so your membership follows you. Please make sure to keep your contact information and email address current, especially if you move or change jobs. 

Member Logistics

How do I update my mailing address, contact information or email address?

We encourage you to update your profile online by logging in to your member portal. You may also send changes to Member Services by fax at 703.741.7698 or by calling 703.741.7686 x1. 

How do I update my email address?

If our records do not have your current email address or you would like to change your email address, you will need to contact Membership Services directly at 703.741.7686 x1 or [email protected]

How do I obtain my username and/or password to sign into the NAADAC Member Portal on www.naadac.org?

Members may obtain their username and/or password by calling Members Services at 703.741.7686 x1, emailing [email protected], or by entering the email address associated with their membership here

What membership services can I access by signing into the NAADAC Member Portal on www.naadac.org?

NAADAC’s online Member Portal allows you to easily:

  • Update contact information
  • Update email preferences
  • Renew your NAADAC membership
  • Print out your NAADAC membership card
  • Review your NAADAC membership packet and flyers
  • Keep track of your NAADAC and NCC AP certifications, qualifications, and endorsements
  • Change your password
  • Look up other NAADAC members in our online directory
  • Register for the NAADAC Annual Conference and other conferences to obtain the NAADAC membership registration discount
  • Read the current version of Advances in Addiction & Recovery
  • Purchase products in the NAADAC bookstore using your NAADAC membership discount
  • Make a tax-deductible donation to the NAADAC Education and Research Foundation (NERF)
How do I obtain my membership ID?

You can obtain your membership ID by calling Members Services at 703.741.7686 x1, emailing [email protected], or by clicking the “Membership Card” icon in the NAADAC Member Portal at www.naadac.org

How do I obtain my NAADAC membership card?

You can obtain and print your NAADAC membership card by clicking the “Membership Card” icon in the NAADAC Member Portal at www.naadac.org

How do I specify which emails I want to receive?

NAADAC members can specify which NAADAC and Affiliate email correspondence to receive or choose to opt out of all email correspondence by clicking the “Membership Profile” icon in the NAADAC Member Portal at www.naadac.org

Continuing Education

What CEs do I receive for free as a NAADAC member?

NAADAC members can get over 300 CEs for free through the NAADAC Webinar Series and NAADAC’s OnDemand Webinars.

What other CEs are available?

NAADAC members can pay discounted prices to obtain other CEs through NAADAC’s in-person conferences and trainings, online independent study courses, magazine CE articles, and products. 

What organizations and boards accept NAADAC CEs?

Click here for a complete list of organizations and boards that accept NAADAC CEs.

How do I find out about other continuing education opportunities in my area?

Listings of conferences, trainings, workshops, events, and webinars by NAADAC, NAADAC state affiliates, NAADAC Approved Education Providers, and other addiction education providers are available on the NAADAC Calendar of Events. Please note Providers and Affiliates must post their own events on NAADAC's Calendar

Renewing Your Membership

When will I receive my renewal notice?

NAADAC makes every effort to notify you in advance of your membership expiring. You can expect to receive renewal notifications 90 days prior to your expiration date. Please make sure to keep your email address, mailing address, and phone number current with NAADAC, especially if you move or change jobs, so you do not miss these important renewal communications. 

I did not receive a renewal notice. How can I renew my membership?

You can renew your membership online by signing in to the Membership Portal at www.naadac.org, by calling Membership Services at 703.741.7686 x1, or by submitting a paper application by fax to 703.741.7698 or email to [email protected]. Please make sure to keep your email address, mailing address, and phone number current with NAADAC, especially if you move or change jobs, so you do not miss these important renewal communications. 

What do I do if my membership is lapsed/expired?

There is no financial penalty for renewing a lapsed/expired membership. You can reinstate your NAADAC membership by paying your dues online through your naadac.org account, by calling Membership Services at 703.741.7686 x1, or by submitting a paper application by fax to 703.741.7698 or email to [email protected]

Affiliates

Am I required to belong to a State Affiliate?

Yes, if you live or work in a U.S. state or territory with a NAADAC affiliate, you will automatically join both NAADAC and its affiliate and must pay both national and state affiliate dues. Membership in both NAADAC and your state affiliate ensures that you are represented at both the national and state level. If you are in the military and stationed overseas, you may choose the state affiliate in the state you will live upon return stateside or in the state where your family resides. 

How can I connect with my state affiliate?

To obtain the contact information for your state affiliate representative, visit the Affiliates page, then click on your specific state. 

Will my state affiliate contact me or should I contact them for information about my state’s trainings and activities?

Your state affiliate does reach out to new NAADAC members throughout the year, but we encourage you to contact your affiliate to find out what local events or resources could be of use to you. Find contact information for your affiliate here

Leadership & Advocacy

How do I become involved with NAADAC national leadership or leadership in my state or region?

Every two years, eligible NAADAC members may run for national or regional leadership positions. The next regional elections will take place in May 2019. Please contact your state affiliate directly to learn of state leadership opportunities. 

How can I join a NAADAC committee?

If you are interested in joining a NAADAC Standing or Ad Hoc committee, visit our Committees webpage download the committee application form, or email [email protected] for more information.  

Membership vs. Certification

If I am certified through the NAADAC’s National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCC AP) does that automatically make me a NAADAC member?

No, NAADAC membership is different from NCC AP certification. NAADAC membership is not required to hold an NCC AP credential, and NCC AP certification does not automatically include a NAADAC membership. 

What's the Difference Between Membership and Certification?

Membership provides you with discounted rates for products, a voice at the national level, and cutting edge skills in the addiction profession. Certification allows you to practice as an addiction counselor, as a result of application and testing, and is a validation of skills and knowledge. You can be a member of NAADAC and not have a NAADAC certification and you can have a NAADAC certification without being a member of NAADAC.