The Louisiana Association of Substance Abuse Counselors and Trainers (LASACT) was incorporated in 1975 with two main objectives:

• To further the treatment of individuals and family members who suffer from
   alcoholism and other drug addictions

• To represent the interests of the membership.

The objective of promoting treatment of addictive disorders was met by establishment of a Certification Examining Board (CEB), which was responsible for developing and implementing criteria for certification of professional counselors in the field. For many years LASACT offered the Certified Substance Counselor (CSAC) credential to qualified persons who met the stringent requirements of the CEB. In the mid-1990's credentials for Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) and Certified Prevention Manager (CPM) were added to recognize the importance of preventing substance abuse among all age groups. The Certified Compulsive Gambling Counselor (CCGC) credential was added at the same time. The addition of this credential coincided with the mushrooming of gaming facilities in the State and the subsequent increase in the numbers of persons with gambling addictions.

In 1999 -- thanks in part to LASACT’s advocacy efforts -- the certification function was changed from LASACT to the Louisiana State Board for Certification of Substance Abuse Counselors. In July, 2004 Governor Kathleen Blanco signed Senate Bill 875 -- now Act 803 -- which replaced the State Board with the Addiction Disorders Regulatory Authority (ADRA) of the Office for Addictive Disorders of the Louisiana State Department of Health and Hospitals. LASACT now contracts with the Regulatory Authority to provide both oral and written testing for certification applicants.

In 2000 LASACT began offering the voluntary Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) credential to recognize and standardize the qualifications of counselors with advanced knowledge and experience in the field of alcohol and drug abuse counseling. This credential does not give authorization to practice in the State of Louisiana. Only the Regulatory Authority can give this authority through its various certifications, i.e. LAC, CAC, RAC.

In October, 2002 LASACT was approved by IC&RC/AODA to offer the Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS) credential. The Certified Criminal Justice Professional (CCJP) credential was approved in April, 2004.

In April, 2006 LASACT will inaugurate the Louisiana Addiction Counselor Training Institute in Baton Rouge to provide 180 hours of substance abuse specific training and education to aspiring addiction professionals.

Interests of the membership have always been promoted through provision of an Annual Conference, various educational offerings, evaluator training, and legislative advocacy at all levels of government.

As LASACT has evolved through time, its focus has expanded. No longer in the business of providing certifications to practice, LASACT now concentrates its efforts in other areas, including:

• Continuing to advocate for the advancement of the professions of Substance Abuse
  Counseling, Substance Abuse Prevention, and Compulsive Gambling Counseling

• Providing high quality, current education and training for Addiction Professionals, including an
  annual Conference that is designed to present the most current information in the field of
   Addiction Counseling.  Test preparation workshops, and home study courses are provided
   throughout the year.

• Providing internationally recognized testing standards to the Addictive Disorders Regulatory
  Authority of OAD for certification of Substance Abuse Counselors, Preventionists, and
  Compulsive Gambling Counselors;

• Establishing a Counselor Training Institute, with classes beginning in April, 2006, to
   provide substance abuse specific training to persons entering the addiction
   counseling field.

• Investigating the possibility of providing credentials for substance abuse technicians.