KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCE REQUIREMENTS

Indigenous Certified Addictions Specialists possess a constellation of knowledge that is unique to the addictions counselling profession and distinguishes the addictions counselling profession from other related health care professions.

The FNWACCB has established that it will issue a Indigenous Certified Addictions Specialist, (ICAS ), certificate to those applicants who meet the following conditions, and who, in the opinion of the Board, are qualified to hold this credential.

Acceptance of and adherence to the Professional Code and Ethical Standards follow (Appendix 1), and possession of the abilities, knowledge and competencies outlined below are requirements essential to all levels of certification.

Knowledge of Drugs/Alcohol and Addictions

To counsel individuals and families with problems caused by the effects of drugs/alcohol, basic knowledge of the effects of drugs/alcohol and its impact and influence on human beings is a prerequisite.

Knowledge of the effects of alcohol/drugs should fall into these major categories:

• Understand the pharmacology of psycho-active drugs and the physiological effects these drugs have on the total person, physically, psychologically, socially, culturally, and spiritually.
• Physiological and pharmacological effects of drug/alcohol on the human body, relationship between drug/alcohol intake levels and behavior, management of the illness and recovery process, and physiological mechanisms of addictions among other knowledge.
• Psychological dependence and complications, patterns of progression, relapse, recovery, and personal and social reconstruction.
• Psychological and Cultural aspects of recovery – family, community, cultural values, attitudinal, and spirituality – relating to drugs/alcohol use, abuse, addiction, and recovery.
• The synergistic potentiation of drugs/alcohol. The antagonistic potentiation of drugs/alcohol.

Addiction Theory and Concepts

There is a theoretical basis to all addictions counselling. Example would be physiological, behavioral, humanistic, gestalt, existential, cognitive/rational emotive therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, physiological/biological perspectives, and the Twelve Step programs. First Nations counselling may involve the Medicine Wheel concept, or concepts that require traditional spiritual preparation for healing.

Counselling Special Populations and Cultural Diversity

A Indigenous Certified Addictions Specialist  must be knowledgeable and sensitive to the physical, social, ethnic, and or cultural factors which influence the values, characteristics, behaviors and needs of individuals from special populations and culturally diverse backgrounds.