Addiction professionals in Louisiana are regulated by the Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority (ADRA), which is a state agency headquartered in Baton Rouge. Below is a brief summary of the credentialing process. For more detail you can visit the ADRA's website or download a detailed description document of the process.

There are three levels of Addiction Counselor credentials, depending upon your current educational level. All three levels require completion of both educational and work experience hours. Candidates for credentialing must submit an application to the ADRA verifying completion of these requirements. When the application is approved, candidates are scheduled for testing. Once the test is passed, the appropriate credential is issued. 
‍These are the three levels of credentials:
Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC), Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC), Registered Addiction Counselor (RAC)
‍
The entry status for all levels is Counselor in Training (CIT). A CIT applicant must have completed the required 180 hours of substance abuse specific education, have a high school diploma or GED, and have a job in the addiction field working under the supervision of a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS). CIT status must be renewed annually and can be held for a maximum of 72 months. The education requirement for credentialing at every level is 300 hours in addiction studies, of which 180 hours must be specific to substance abuse. LASACT operates a school called the Louisiana Addiction Counselor Training (LACT) Program to provide these 180 hours.
‍
LACT courses are open to all individuals interested in learning more about addiction. Many students are interested in becoming Professional Addiction Counselors. Allied health professionals such as social workers, nurses, marriage and family therapists, and other helping professionals often benefit substantially from developing specialized skills in addiction work to better assist their clients, as well as to earn credits for a Specialty Certificate in Addiction.

A commitment to become a full-time Addiction Professional is not necessary for course enrollment, but a strong desire to study the addiction field is essential. Although a high school or college degree is not required, students should have basic writing, reading, and verbal skills in order to get the maximum benefit from the program.