Navy Drug and Alcohol Counselor School

Contact Special Programs Detailer

• Unit 1 Introduction to Navy Drug and Alcohol Counseling
• Unit 2 Introduction to Group Membership
• Unit 3 Developmental Psychology and Substance Abuse Counseling
• Unit 4 Bio-Psycho-Social and Spiritual Aspects of Dependence
• Unit 5 Treatment Issues in Substance Abuse and Dependence Counseling
• Unit 6 Continuum of Care
• Unit 7 Personal and Professional Development

Prerequisites:

• Pharmacology Course:
  • Please download the course by clicking here.
  • Once downloaded completely read the substance abuse course.
  • Complete the test at the end of the reading by sending an email with the test answers to usn.san-diego.navmedotcswmica.list.ndacs-admin@health.mil. Be sure to include the question number followed by the letter response.
• Self Help Meetings:
  • 12-Step programs provide a fundamental resource among substance abuse treatment programs. The more familiar you are with 12-Step meetings, processes, and philosophy, the more you will understand the subjects taught at NDACS and the better you will be able to serve your patients.
    Please attend a minimum of six self help meetings prior to your arrival at NDACS.
    • Al-Anon
    • Alcoholics Anonymous
    • Narcotics Anonymous
    • Adult Children of Alcoholics
    • Overeaters Anonymous
    • SAMHSA
    You may be assigned specific meetings by the person that interviewed you.
    For each meeting write up a paragraph summarizing what you got out of the meeting. (DO NOT write or take notes at the meeting).
• Readings:
  There are two relatively short and easy reading books that students have found extremely helpful in getting through NDACS.
  • Becoming Naturally Therapeutic. By Jacqueline Small, ISBN 0-553-34800-0
  • Why Am I Afraid to Tell You Who I Am? By John Powell
  For each of the two books write a 1 page insight oriented summary about what you gained from reading the book and send that to your NDACS POC.
  
  Reading for those in recovery: If you identify yourself in recovery, then there is an additional required reading:
  • Stage Two Recovery. By Earnie Larsen.
  Write a 1 page insight oriented summary about what you gained from reading the book and send that to your NDACS POC.

Physical Fitness Requirement

 Prior to your transfer, your command must have re-measured you for compliance with Navy Fitness / body composition standards. Please remember, a body composition analysis(BCA) will be conducted on day Zero of class. If you are out of standards a that time, you will not be classed up, your orders will be cancelled, your transferring command notified, and you will then be up for orders in accordance with the needs of the Navy.

1. NAVMEDOPTRACTR INSTRUCTION 6110.6B 
        a. Students 1 to 3 percent above BCA standard will be counseled, issued administrative remarks according to reference (h), and given 10 weeks to comply with their respective service requirements through the command FEP. Progress, according to references (a) and (b), is at least 1 percent of body fat loss per month or a loss of 1 to 2 pounds of body weight per week. If not within BCA at the end of the tenth week, a NAVPERS 1070/613 Administrative Remarks form will be issued to Navy personnel and constitute disenrollment from the school. 
        b. Students who measure 1 to 3 percent above the allowable BCA standard will be permitted to enter the training track. Students greater than 3 percent above allowable standards will not be allowed to enter the training track and will be made available for orders.
2. Please be prepared to do a potential PRT during your NDACS class 22020. 
        a. Per NMOTC policy, there is no alternate cardio option available while in a student status, all students must complete the run. 
        b. Per NMOTC policy, students unable to pass the PRT and a subsequent PRT retest a NAVPERS 1070/613 Administrative Remarks form will be issued to Navy personnel and constitute disenrollment from the school. 

Substance Use Standards

 Another requirement is that you be nicotine free for at least the past two months prior to arrival at NDACS. Please recognize that you are coming into the substance abuse counseling profession. It would be highly unethical and hypocritical of you to be actively addicted to a substance that causes more death than alcohol or illicit substances combined. We also understand that quitting smoking or other dependence on nicotine products can be stressful. Quitting smoking, or other nicotine use, while attending an intense training regimen such as NDACS has rarely been successful and never pleasant.

Other Requirements:

 Prior to arrival (Unless indicated otherwise), please provide an email containing the following items:

1.  GMT’s required for computer access and issuance (current Fiscal Year):
   1. HIPAA and Privacy Act          DHA-US001
   2. Cyber-Awareness-23             DOD-US1364-23
   3. OPSEC                                   JS-US009
   4. Privacy Act (CUI)                    JS-US002
2. Completed SAAR-N Form
3. Updated PPD and HIV (found on your IMR accessed through BOL).
        a. PPD must be within 12 months of graduation date. 
        b. HIV must be within 24 months of graduation date.
4. Updated PHA, including dental (must be dental class 1 or 2).

NDACS Training Application Procedures

See: CANTRAC CIN/Course Detail Report (B-302-0001) for Navy Drug and Alcohol Counselor School for further information on the application process.

The Navy Drug and Alcohol Counselor School (NDACS) training application is designed to accommodate enlisted personnel (E-4 through E-9) interested in attending NDACS. Because NDACS is a rigorous competency based course, a thorough screening is a valuable tool in identifying eligible personnel. The application and screening assess personal strengths and possible deficiencies in the areas of physical and mental health, positive attitudes towards self and others, effective communication skills and the absence of any alcohol, other drug abuse, compulsive overeating or other emotional problems.

All prospective NDACS students are required to be screened and have a favorable evaluation prior to admission. Screening evaluations will be conducted by certified Navy Drug and Alcohol Counselors (military or civilian) assigned to a Navy Treatment Facility.

Additional information concerning NDACS application is available by contacting NDACS, BUPERS (Pers 4010D1).

Other applicants (Coast Guard, Army, and foreign military students) are required to submit a completed application package and be screened by a qualified counselor.

 Navy Drug and Alcohol Counselor Training Application contains detailed directions for completing and submitting the three components of the application package. Part I of the application can be downloaded via this website. Guidelines for the Autobiography Completion can also be downloaded. These two portions should be submitted to usn.san-diego.navmedotcswmica.list.ndacs-admin@health.mil. Part II will need be completed by a qualified SARP Counselor who will send their screening directly to NDACS.

Many NDACS forms, like the application above, function best if you download a copy to your computer and open the file with Adobe.

All application packages (whether recommending approval or not) shall be forwarded to:

Officer in Charge
Navy Drug Alcohol Counselor SCH
Building 500
140 Sylvester Road
San Diego, CA 92106-3521

What to Expect:

Check in:

Check in is the day prior to the first day of the course. Students arrive NLT 0630 in Official Navy PT gear for initial weigh-in. Following weigh-in, students change in to NSU or Khaki to begin administrative procedures.

Administrative personnel will collect student orders(with any MODs), ID card, copy of extension or re-enlistment contracts(if applicable), initial check-in lodging receipt from NGIS or Certificate of Non-Availability (CNA) and overseas transfer paperwork (if applicable).

Required Uniforms:

1. Graduation Ceremony: Seasonally appropriate Service Dress Uniform
2. Service Khaki, Navy Service Uniform
3. BCA / PFA: Navy Physical Training gear
4. Practicum: At civilian sites: Business Casual civilian attire or at military facilities NWU M-Th and NSU/Khaki on Friday
   • Appropriate business casual dress typically includes slacks or khakis, dress shirt or blouse, open-collar or polo shirt, a dress or skirt at knee-length or below, knit shirt or sweater, and loafers or dress shoes that cover all or most of the foot.

Note to students on PCS orders:

1. If your ultimate duty station is overseas (or operational command), and your dependents will be traveling with you to your ultimate station, make a copy of overseas (or operational) suitability screening package completed at current command to include Administrative Remarks (Page 13) which indicates suitability for overseas (or operational) assignment whichever is applicable. If being assigned overseas and orders require you and dependents to obtain passports, make sure you obtain "no fee" passports (not tourist passports) for yourself and dependents. Make a copy of every passport (pages with dependent's information and picture). Additionally, make sure to keep a copy of the message approving your "dependent entry" to ultimate overseas station just in case the Navy Passenger Transportation Officer (NAVPTO) requires Them when transferring to ultimate overseas station. Per your PCS orders, the detaching (current) command or servicing PSD will have to process you and your dependents' port call to your detachment from NDACS. Turn in copies of all items mentioned above during the check in process.
2. If you executed an extension or reenlisted to meet obligated service requirements by PCS orders, then you must turn in a copy of the extension or reenlistment contract during the check in process. if either extension or reenlistment was not done at last command, you will be required to do so prior to transfer from NDACS.

Funding (GTCC) 
GTCC: NAVADMIN 286-21 mandates Navy personnel to utilize Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC) for all PCS travel expenses.  This NAVADMIN mandates use of the GTCC for PCS purposes and ceases the issuance of travel advances.
 
NAVADMIN 286-21:  Use of the GTCC reduces out of pocket expenses.  Users are not charged interest or required to remit payment for up to 60 days from end of mission critical-PCS (MC/PCS) status.  Sailors will be placed in MC/PCS status upon detaching from their command and will remain in MC/PCS status until they report to their ultimate duty station or for 120 days, whichever comes first.  If there are delays in reporting or PCS orders are longer than 120 days, Sailors and agency program coordinators (APC) shall verify the GTCC is placed back in a MC/PCS status.
 
If transferring from or to an overseas duty station or ship:  check with your Personnel Support Activity Detachment regarding any expenses, allowances or policies prior to transfer to NDACS (i.e. COLA, Letter of Logistics Support, Overseas or Operational Screening, Dependent Entry Approval Request and Approval Reply).
 

COURSE SCHEDULE:

1. NDACS is one of the most demanding C-Schools in the Navy. You will have very little time for outside activities or appointments during this ten(10) week course.
   • Class runs from 0730-1630 with 60 minutes for lunch Monday - Friday.
   • Practice Group 1630-1715 one evening per week.
   • 12-Steps meetings are 3 nights per week
   • Homework assignments are 5+ nights per week and journals 6-7 days a week.
2. PT is on your own before or after class. The base has a full gym, functional training equipment and a well-kept track.

Lodging for Students:

If you’re detaching or ultimate duty station is in the San Diego area (this typically included Camp Pendleton):

• If you rate BAH or are currently in San Diego already receiving BAH, you will have BAH throughout your time here and thus be responsible for your own lodging during NDACS.
• If you are E-4 or below and are not currently already receiving San Diego BAH, contact NDACS to discuss options.

• NGIS Reservation at one of these locations (1-877-NAVY-BED)
  • Point Loma NB, Main Base (pet friendly, School is located here)
    • The NGIS web-page for Point Loma is: http://ngis.dodlodging.net/propertys/Point-Loma-NB-Main-Base.
  • Point Loma Annex (Next closest location to schoolhouse)
  • Coronado NAB (pet friendly)
  • North Island NAS
  • San Diego NB (pet friendly)

1. If NGIS does not have berthing available, obtain a Certificate of Non-Availability (CNA). Notify NDACS Admin as soon as possible to assist you in coordinating off base lodging.
2. NOTE: Short term rentals such as, AirBnB, are not considered a commercial lodging facility per the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) and should not be used. Lodging and per diem only cover designated government accommodations (i.e., NGIS)
3. Personnel residing outside the area whose ultimate duty station is in the San Diego are often issued orders with instructions to PCS in conjunction with arriving at school. In rare cases personnel may be considered "geographical bachelors (GB)". For E-5 to E-9 who want to be considered “geographical bachelor (GB),” please read the Geographical Bachelor Instruction – 11103.4A.  If you believe you meet the geographical bachelor criteria and can provide proper justification, email usn.san-diego.navmedotcswmica.list.ndacs-admin@health.mil
   for further instructions.  Geo Bachelor requests are not guaranteed to be submitted and/or approved by the base CO.
4. Please be advised there is a base galley available to students. Students on per diem status will receive Meal Rate as listed on your orders defaulting to Government Meal Rate.

Directions:

If arriving by Air to Lindbergh Field (San Diego International Airport):No duty driver is available to pick up NDACS students at the airport. The following taxicabs are allowed to enter the Naval Base Pt. Loma depending on the driver's access to get on base. MAKE SURE TO ASK THE DRIVER IF HE/SHE CAN DRIVE ON BASE.

• YELLOW CAB
• QUEST CAB
• ERITREAN CAB
• MAIPU CAB
• PANOK CAB
• ARRIBA CAB
• DK CAB

The most convenient and efficient means of ground transportation to NDACS is by taxi to the front gate (Rosecrans Street and Strothe Road). Be sure you direct the driver to the Naval Base at the end of Rosecrans Street and not the ASW base which is very close to the airport. NDACS is located in Building 500 across from the Autoport Gas Station which is a few hundred feet past the end of the bus route.

If arriving by POV, there are three primary routes that will bring you into San Diego:

• *Interstate 5 will come into San Diego along the coast from the north. It will intersect with I-8 in the San Diego general vicinity, at the intersection of the freeways there will be a Rosecrans Street exit off the I-8 east off ramp (right lane). Proceed on Roscrans Street until you come to the Naval Submarine gate (approximately 5 miles). After passing through the frong gate, continue another three-forths(3/4) of a mile until you see the Autoport Gas Station on your right hand side. NDACS is located in Building 500 across from the Autoport (Rosecrans & White). If you need to check into the CBH, turn left at the Autoport (Kerrick Road) and follow the street until it makes a turn to the right and you'll see building 601 which is where the check in desk is located.
• *Interstate 8 will come into San Diego from the east and will intersect with I-5 once you get close to the coast. Look for the I-5 south/Rosecrans Street off ramp remaining on the Rosecrans Street exit. Proceed on Rosecrans Street until you come to the Naval Submarine Base main gate (approximately 5 miles). After passing through the front gate, continue another three-fourths(3/4) of a mile until you see the Autoport Gas Station on your right hand side. NDACS is located in Building 500 across from Autoport (Rosecrans & White). If you need to check in to the CBH, turn left at the Autoport (Kerrick Road) and follow the street until it makes a turn to the right and you'll see Building 601 which is where the check in desk is located.
• *Interstate 15 will come into San Diego from the northeast. Just past the Miramar Marine Corp Air Station, I-15 will split with State Route 163 (remain on the right side of the freeway). A shortcut is to take Route 163 to I-8 west. I-8 will intersect with I-5 once you get close to the coast. Look for the I-5 south/Rosecrans Street off ramp remaining on the Rosecrans Street exit. Proceed on Rosecrans Street until you come to the Naval Submarine Base main gate (approximately 5 miles). After passing through the front gate, continue another three-fourths(3/4) of a mile until you see the Autoport Gas Station on your right hand side. NDACS is located in Building 500 across from the Autoport (Rosecrans & White). If you need to check in to the CBH, turn left at the Autoport (Kerrick Road) and follow the street until it makes a turn to the right and you'll see Building 601 which is where the check in desk is located.

Certification and Contracts

The Certification and Contracts Office is responsible for the implementation and oversight of the Navy Alcohol and Drug Counselors Certification Program as well as management of the Navy's Clinical Preceptorship Program.    

The Certification and Contracts Office maintains information on the certification status of all Navy and Marine Corps counselors.  In order to maintain accurate records and to effectively communicate changes in requirements, notify personnel of expiration dates, etc., it is imperative to keep this office informed of personnel moves, status changes and contact information.

Please note, the requirement for ADC II initial certification has changed from 270 hours of initial ADOA training to 300 hours. (Completion of NDACS fulfills only 270 hours of the required AODA training and 3 hours of the ethics requirement, therefore 30 additional hours of approved substance use disorder counselor training and 3 additional hours of AODA ethics training must also be documented in this application.

The USNCB Policy and Procedure Manual is the governing document for the US Navy Certification Board. All rules, regulations, and directives for US Navy Certification are promulgated within.

New fillable PDF Forms for Certification

♦ Correspondence Critique Sheet Form

♦ ADC I Non-Reciprocal Initial Certification

♦ ADC I Recertification

♦ ADC I Retest

♦ ADC II (Reciprocal) Initial Certification

♦ ADC II (Reciprocal) Recertification

♦ ADC II Retest

♦ CCS Reciprocal Initial Certification

♦ CCS (Reciprocal) Recertification

♦ CPS Reciprocal

♦ Extension Request Form

♦ Testing Officer Affidavit Form

♦ Weekly Clinical hours Log Sheet

♦ Certification Officer/ Certification Specialist/ Contracting Officer

Downloads

NDACS Links

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - http://www.samhsa.gov/

National Institute on Drug Abuse - http://www.nida.nih.gov/ 

National Counsel on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence - http://www.ncadd.org/

International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium - http://internationalcredentialing.org/

California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals https://ccapp.us

Florida Certification Board - http://www.flcertificationboard.org/

Texas Certification Board - https://www.tcbap.org/

North Carolina Certification Board - http://www.ncsappb.org/