Introduction

In this unit, we explore the key areas of counselor knowledge. The chapters focus on information that is relevant to anyone working in addictions treatment and is foundational to good clinical practice.

Included are sections on the core functions of the addictions counselor, ASAM assessment and placement criteria, understanding diagnostic criteria, and becoming familiar with the Illinois administrative code governing treatment services—referred to as the 2060 law.

Being familiar with this content is important for all counselors to be successful in the field. The core functions encompass a group of fundamental aspects of the job, while assessment and diagnostic elements speak to the ways we establish a need for treatment and a path for working with an individual. The 2060 law outlines the requirements of all licensed treatment programs in the state of Illinois and provides critical expectations for all counselors to be aware of.