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http://www.cmsinstituteofaddictionologyinc.org/

CMS Institute of Addictionology, Inc., 4709 Harford Road, Baltimore, MD (2026)

06/02/2026

King He**in
Song by

James Brown
Ladies and gentlemen
Fellow Americans
Lady Americans
This is James Brown
I wanna talk to you about one of our
Most deadly killers in the country today
I had a dream the other night and I was sitting in my living room
Dozed off to sleep so I started dreaming
I dreamed I walked in a place and I saw a real
Strange weird object standing up talking to the people
And I found out it was he**in
That deadly drug that go in your vein
He said, "I came to this country without a passport
Ever since then I've been hunted and sought
My little white grains are nothing but waste
Soft and deadly and bitter to taste
But I'm a world of power and all know it's true
Use me once and you'll know it too
I can make a mere schoolboy forget his books
I can make a world famous beauty neglect her looks
I can make a good man forsake his wife
Send a greedy man to prison for the rest of his life
I can make a man forsake his country and flag
Make a girl sell her body for a five dollar bag
Some think my adventures a joy and a thriller
But I'll put a gun in your hand and make you a killer
In cellophane bags I found my way
To heads of state, to children at play
I finance in China, Iran and Japan
I'm respected in Turkey and I'm legal in Siam
I take my addicts and make 'em steal, borrow, beg
Then they search for a vein in their arm or their leg
So be you Italian, Jewish, black or Mex
I can make the most virile of men forget their s*x
So now, so now my man you must, you know, do your best
To keep up your habit until you're arrest
Now the police have taken you from under my wing
Do you think they dare defy me, I who am king?
Now you must lie in that county jail
Where I can't get to you by visit or mail
So squirm with discomfort, wiggle and cough
Six days of madness and you might throw me off
Curse me in name, defy me in speech
But you'd pick me up right now if I were in your reach
All through your sentence you become resolved to your fate
Fear not, young man and woman, I'll be waiting at the gate
And don't be afraid, don't run, I'll not chase
Sure my name is he**in and you'll be back for a taste
Behold, you're hooked, your foot is in the stirrup
And make haste, mount the steed and ride him well
For the white horse of he**in will ride you to hell
To hell, will ride you to hell until you are dead
Dead, brother, dead"
This is a revolution of the mind
Get your mind together and get away from drugs
That's the man
Songwriters: James Brown, Dave Matthews, Manny Rosen, Charles Fred Bobbitt. For non-commercial use only.

05/25/2026

Call to Action for Members: Clinicians Uniting to Raise Addiction Treatment Reimbursements
You deliver evidence-based, lifesaving care every day. Yet insurance reimbursements remain far below what’s needed to sustain quality, expand access, and retain skilled clinicians. It’s time to change that—together.

We’re uniting across NBCC, NAADAC, ASAM, NAATP, and AATOD to establish a fair, tiered reimbursement system for addiction treatment—one that recognizes quality, outcomes, and scope of care, just as in the broader medical model.

What “Tiered Reimbursement” Means for You
Fair pay for quality: Higher reimbursement for programs and clinicians meeting clear, addiction-specific quality benchmarks (e.g., timely access, retention, reduced ED use, medication adherence for OUD, culturally responsive care, integration of peers).
Transparency: Clear criteria and feedback so you know what drives higher reimbursement and how to improve.
Equity safeguards: Risk adjustment and access standards so clinicians serving higher-need populations aren’t penalized.
Why This Matters
Sustain your practice: Reimbursement that covers true costs—clinical time, supervision, care coordination, peer services, and measurement.
Improve outcomes: Incentives aligned with what works, not just visit counts.
Grow the workforce: Competitive pay helps recruit and retain counselors, physicians, nurses, peers, and supervisors.
What We’re Asking Clinicians To Do Now
Add your name: Endorse the joint statement supporting tiered reimbursement for addiction treatment.
Share your data: Contribute de-identified outcomes and access metrics (e.g., wait times, retention at 30/90 days, medication continuity) to our shared registry to strengthen the case.
Map your services: Document levels of care (outpatient, IOP, residential, withdrawal management, MOUD) and key practices (screening, MAT, contingency management, family involvement, peer support).
Tell your story: Submit brief case examples showing how current rates limit staffing, access, and continuity—and how fair tiering would change care.
Engage locally: Join your state chapter’s payer and Medicaid workgroup to push pilots and contracts that reflect this model.
What You Can Expect From Us
A clinician-friendly quality framework with specific, feasible metrics and risk adjustment.
Tools and templates: documentation checklists, outcomes tracking guides, and payer contracting language for tier differentials.
Pilot opportunities: Participate in early contracts with meaningful rate lifts tied to transparent, addiction-relevant measures.
Ongoing support: Coaching, office hours, and peer learning to help teams meet benchmarks and move up tiers.
Our Shared Goal
A payment system that pays fairly for effective addiction care—expanding access, strengthening teams, and improving outcomes in every community.

Add your voice. Endorse the statement. Join the workgroup. Let’s secure the reimbursement our patients—and our profession—deserve.

04/30/2026

Call to Action: From LCADC to Addictionologist
Reclaiming Our Role in Addiction Care
Addiction professionals stand at a turning point. Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LCADCs) possess the clinical expertise, lived experience integration, and patient-centered focus that the field of addiction treatment urgently needs.
Yet, despite this, our influence on policy, reimbursement, and clinical leadership remains limited.
That must change.
What We Can Achieve—Together
When addiction counselors’ step into the role of Addictionologists, we can:
• Advocate for fair and competitive reimbursement rates for addiction treatment services
• Establish a unified professional body or union representing addiction specialists
• Develop a structured, multi-tiered compensation system aligned with medical professions
• Elevate standards of care through advanced clinical training and leadership
Becoming the Professional Voice of Addiction Care
We must lead—not follow—in shaping the future of addiction treatment.
That means:
• Actively engaging in professional associations that provide continuing education
• Staying current with emerging research, evidence-based practices, and policy changes
• Pursuing advanced credentials and specialized certifications
• Building strong professional networks to exchange knowledge and influence change
Building the Field of Addictionology
The time has come to formalize a new professional identity: Addictionology.
This field will be led by highly trained clinicians who:
• Hold licensure as addiction counselors (LCADC or equivalent)
• Earn the Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) credential through the
National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals under
NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals
Addictionology represents more than a title—it represents authority, specialization, and leadership in a field that demands both.
The Workforce Reality
• 87,630 Addiction Counselors
• 0 Addictionologists
• 69,610 Mental Health Counselors
• 62,490 Psychologists
• 42,130 Psychiatrists
• 27,450 Marriage and Family Therapists
• 21,030 School Counselors
The gap is clear—and so is the opportunity.
Take the Next Step
Invest in your professional growth.
Strengthen your clinical voice.
Expand your influence.
Step into leadership. Help define a new standard of care.
Your expertise changes lives.
Your next step can transform the field.

04/24/2026

addiction
noun
ad·dic·tion ə-ˈdik-shən
a-
Synonyms of addiction
Simple DefinitionA Simple Definition is available from our Learner's Dictionary to help you understand the meaning faster.
1
: a compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity having harmful physical, psychological, or social effects and typically causing well-defined symptoms (such as anxiety, irritability, tremors, or nausea) upon withdrawal or abstinence : the state of being addicted
alcohol addiction
an addiction to prescription painkillers
drug addictions
gambling addiction
2
: a strong inclination to do, use, or indulge in something repeatedly
But those who know him well say he isn't driven by politics as much as his addiction to breaking news.—Amanda Ripley
If we do not find the courage to kick our fossil fuel addiction and transition to clean energy, we will warm the atmosphere to the extent that areas typically covered in white all winter long could see only sporadic snow.—Steven Nyman

Cambridge Dictionary
-ologist
suffix
us
/ -ɑː.lə.dʒɪst/ uk
/ -ɒl.ə.dʒɪst/
Add to word list
used to form nouns; an expert in a particular area of scientific study:
archaeologist

-ologist
From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary EnglishRelated topics: Hard science-ologist /ɒlədʒɪst $ ɑːl-/ (also -logist) suffix [in nouns] a person who studies or has knowledge of a particular kind of science a biologistExamples from the Corpus-ologist• a pathologist• a psychologist

04/24/2026

Certification Pathways for Addiction Medicine Professionals
For Physicians and Non-Physicians

Several recognized organizations offer certification pathways for physicians seeking specialization in addiction medicine:

American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM)
The ABPM administers the board certification examination in Addiction Medicine (ADM). Comprehensive information regarding eligibility requirements, application procedures, and examination details is available through the ABPM.

American Osteopathic Association (AOA)
The AOA offers a board certification examination in addiction medicine. As of May 26, 2021, both Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) and Doctors of Medicine (MDs) are eligible to sit for this examination. Additional details on eligibility and application processes are available through the AOA.

American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN)
The ABPN provides subspecialty certification in Addiction Psychiatry. This certification focuses on the evaluation and treatment of individuals with substance use disorders, including those with co-occurring psychiatric conditions. Information on examination requirements and eligibility pathways is available through the ABPN.

International Society of Addiction Medicine (ISAM)
ISAM offers an international certification and examination process for physicians practicing addiction medicine. This credential signifies that the physician possesses the knowledge and competencies required to practice within the scope of their medical license.

Important Historical Context

The American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM) previously provided certification pathways for addiction medicine specialists but is no longer an active certifying body. Physicians certified through ABAM may maintain their credentials through transitional Maintenance of Certification (MOC) requirements.
The American Society of Addiction Medicine administered certification examinations from 1984 to 2008. ASAM-certified physicians may still be verified through the organization.
For Non-Physicians

Certification pathways are also available for non-physician professionals specializing in addiction treatment:

Addictions Nursing Certification Board (ANCB)
ANCB administers specialty certification examinations for registered nurses and advanced practice nurses. These certifications recognize expertise in the prevention, intervention, treatment, and management of substance use disorders.

National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCC AP)
Operating under NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals, NCC AP offers voluntary national and international certifications for addiction counselors. These credentials validate clinical competencies developed through supervised experience and specialized training in substance use disorder treatment.

04/24/2026

Call to Action: Advancing Toward Non-Physician Addictionologist Status

Pursuing the Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) credential through the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals—operating under the NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals—represents a significant step for clinicians seeking advanced recognition in the field of addiction treatment.

The NCC AP serves as an independent certifying body responsible for overseeing national and international credentialing standards for substance use disorder professionals.

Master Addiction Counselor (MAC)

The MAC is a voluntary, advanced-level credential designed for professionals in substance use disorder and addiction-related disciplines. It recognizes expertise developed through supervised clinical experience and graduate-level education.

Why Obtain the MAC Credential?

Earning the MAC credential allows you to:

Strengthen your position for career advancement and increased earning potential
Distinguish yourself as a specialist in addiction assessment and treatment
Demonstrate a verified commitment to high-quality care to clients, employers, and third-party payors
Validate your clinical competencies through formal certification
Uphold the highest ethical standards in addiction counseling practice
Align with growing workforce demand in the addiction treatment field
Expand opportunities for independent and advanced clinical practice
Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the MAC credential, applicants must meet the following criteria:

A master’s degree or higher in substance use disorders, addiction studies, or a related field (e.g., social work, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, psychology, or medicine) from a regionally accredited institution
A current, valid professional license or credential in addiction counseling or a related discipline (associate or trainee-level credentials are not accepted)
A minimum of three years of full-time experience or 6,000 hours of supervised clinical practice in addiction counseling
At least 500 contact hours of specialized education and training in substance use disorders, including:
A minimum of 6 hours in ethics (within the past 6 years)
A minimum of 6 hours in HIV/communicable disease education (within the past 6 years)
A passing score on one of the following examinations:
MAC Examination (NCC AP)
eMAC Examination (through the National Board for Certified Counselors)
AADC Examination (through the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium)
Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

Official graduate transcripts sent directly from the accredited institution
Verification of current professional licensure or credential
Documentation of required supervised clinical experience
Supervisor or qualified healthcare professional verification of competency across core skill areas
Proof of 500 contact hours of relevant education and training
Documentation of required ethics and HIV/communicable disease training
A signed agreement to adhere to the NAADAC/NCC AP Code of Ethics
Payment of the non-refundable application fee
Fees
Initial Credentialing Fee: $235
Renewal Fee (every two years): $200
Renewal Requirements

To maintain the MAC credential, professionals must:

Submit a completed renewal application
Maintain an active, qualifying professional license or credential
Complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years
Provide documentation of relevant work history during the renewal period
Reaffirm adherence to the NAADAC/NCC AP Code of Ethics
Submit the required renewal fee

04/22/2026

Applications Close June 30, 2026

Counseling Fellowships Available!

The NBCC Foundation (NBCCF) is pleased to announce the application period for the 2026 NBCCF Minority Fellowship Program (NBCCF MFP).

Up to 95 doctoral- and master’s-level Counseling fellowships are available for current Counseling students.

Fellowship award amounts range from $12,000 to $22,000 and include fellowships in the following categories:

Up to 20 doctoral fellowships for Counselor Education and Supervision students
Up to 32 master’s fellowships for Mental Health Counseling students
Up to 43 master’s fellowships for Addictions Counseling students
The MFP is made possible by a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and is administered by the NBCC Foundation. Please be advised that MFP awards are subject to future funding from SAMHSA.

Share the news!

Help inform Counseling students, university faculty, and colleagues or networks of these incredible award opportunities.

Download the Toolkit

We have also prepared a toolkit where you can view, download, and share promotional flyers and graphics about NBCCF MFP fellowship opportunities.

The application deadline for all awards is June 30, 2026.

Questions? Email [email protected]

04/20/2026

Call to Action: Rise as Addictionologists

Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselors across the United States—this is a pivotal moment for our profession.

Now is the time to elevate our role, our voice, and our identity. By obtaining the Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) certification through NAADAC and NCC AP, you position yourself for formal recognition aligned with the standards of American Society of Addiction Medicine as a non-physician Addictionologist.

As the professional landscape shifts, we must define our future—not wait for it to be defined for us.

The transition from LCADC to Addictionologist is more than a title change—it is the natural evolution of our field. It reflects advanced expertise, interdisciplinary alignment, and a unified professional identity grounded in science and clinical excellence.

Since founding the CMS Institute of Addictionology, Inc. in 2019, the mission has been clear: to build a nationally recognized professional brand that elevates addiction treatment and those who lead it.

Imagine the impact of 100,000 Addictionologists in purpose—advancing addiction psychology, influencing policy, and transforming care delivery across the country.

That future is within reach—but only if we act together.

Join the movement.
Step forward. Get certified. Claim your role.

Be recognized not just as a counselor—
but as an Addictionologist.

04/19/2026

Call to Action Nationwide for LCADC to Non- Physician Addictionologist
Transitioning from a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) to a non-physician addictionologist is doable—but it’s not a simple title change. “Addictionologist” isn’t a universally regulated credential for non-physicians, so what you’re really building is advanced expertise + recognized certifications + expanded clinical scope in addiction medicine.
Here’s how to approach it in a grounded, practical way:
1. Clarify What “Non-Physician Addictionologist” Means
Unlike physicians certified by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), non-physicians now have a combined credentialing process by ASAM, a State Licensed Clinical Alcohol Drug Counselor, and NCC AP Master Addiction Counselor (MAC).
In practice, people using this label usually have:
Advanced addiction-specific certifications
Deep clinical experience (often across levels of care)
Training in co-occurring disorders
2. Strengthen Your Credentials (Core Step)
To be taken seriously at an “addictionologist” level, you’ll want certifications beyond LCADC:
American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Guide to Addiction Medicine Certification
Certification in addiction medicine is offered as a medical subspecialty and is concerned with the prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery of persons with the disease of addiction and substance-related health conditions.
Certification Pathways
There are different pathways through which physicians and non-physicians may become certified addiction medicine specialists.
Certification Pathways for Non-Physicians
The National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCC AP)
NCC AP administers voluntary national and international certification exams intended for counselors working within substance use disorders/addiction-related disciplines who wish to demonstrate their skills gained through years of supervised work experience. Detailed information about the exams, application process, and eligibility pathways is available on the NAADAC website.
CALL TO ACTION
Answer the Call: Become a Licensed Clinical Alcohol & Drug Counselor and Advance to Non-Physician Addictionologist
The addiction crisis continues to impact individuals, families, and communities at an unprecedented scale—and the need for highly trained professionals has never been greater. If you are passionate about helping others reclaim their lives, now is the time to take action.
Step into a Purpose-Driven Career
As a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC), you are on the front lines of recovery—guiding individuals through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. But you don’t have to stop there.
Elevate Your Impact
By advancing to a Non-Physician Addictionologist, you expand your clinical expertise, deepen your understanding of substance use disorders, and position yourself as a leader in addiction treatment. This path empowers you to:
Deliver advanced, evidence-based care
Influence treatment planning at a higher level
Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams
Shape the future of addiction services
Why Now?
The demand for addiction specialists is rapidly growing
Communities need skilled professionals more than ever
Opportunities for leadership and specialization are expanding
Take the Next Step
Invest in your professional growth. Strengthen your clinical voice. Broaden your ability to make a lasting difference.
Your expertise can change lives. Your next move can change your career.
Start your journey today toward becoming a Non-Physician Addictionologist.
I founded the CMS Institute of Addictionology, Inc., in 2019 as an organization that can bridge the clinician from counselor to Addictionologist. I first started discussing this transition in 2011 while still in college for addiction counseling.

11/12/2025

A Childhood of Chaos, A Life Shaped by Survival

In Why AM I HERE?, Cyril Scovens shares the truth most people are too afraid to say out loud. Raised by a mother whose love came wrapped in pain, he learned to speak violence before he ever felt safe. Beatings followed by scripture. Saltwater baths and bedtime lessons in warrior ship. Get your copy today!

CMS Institute of Addictionology, Inc.

06/02/2026

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