About Us

The History of the Board:

The North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board became a duly chartered corporation in August 1984, and was granted statutory status by N.C.G.S. 90-113.30 of 1994. In 2005, it became mandatory to hold a Board credential in order to practice substance use disorder treatment services.

Effective January 1, 2020, the North Carolina General Assembly reorganized the Board as the North Carolina Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board. The mission of the Board remains the same: to protect the public health, safety, and welfare; to protect the public from being harmed by unqualified persons; and to assure the highest degree of professional care and conduct on the part of credentialed substance use disorder professionals.

The primary mission of the Board:

  • To establish standards for professional practice in the alcoholism and addiction service delivery systems,
  • To provide a means by which individuals certified under these standards may be recognized and identified as possessing the necessary competencies as professionals in the field of alcoholism and addictions counseling,
  • To establish a means by which alcoholism and addiction professionals may demonstrate their integrity and credibility to the general public and to other health care professionals.

More Information:

Annual Reporting:

Per NC GS 93B, all occupational licensing boards are required to submit an annual report and a financial report to the Joint Legislative Administrative Procedures Oversight Committee, NC Auditor, NC Secretary of State, and NC Office of State Budget and Management.

The public may access these reports here: Joint Legislative Administrative Procedure Oversight Committee Non Standing Committee – North Carolina General Assembly (ncleg.gov)