Addiction Counsellors of Ireland (ACI) has announced updates to its Addiction Worker accreditation criteria, following feedback from addiction services and professionals across the sector.

Introduced in 2025, Addiction Worker accreditation was developed to formally recognise the vital contribution of Addiction Workers - a group central to the delivery of drug and alcohol services but historically without access to a nationally recognised accreditation pathway.

What's Changed

The updated criteria aim to maintain professional standards while making accreditation more achievable within the realities of service delivery.

Key updates include:

• Greater flexibility in how supervision is accessed, including individual and group supervision
• A minimum requirement of ten one-hour supervision sessions per year
• A two-year transitional period allowing flexibility around supervisor qualifications and experience
• Clear separation of supervision from line management to support ethical and reflective practice

As Ireland’s only HSE-recognised accrediting body for addiction professionals, ACI is committed to supporting Addiction Workers through accreditation that recognises their skills and experience while maintaining professional standards.

Services interested in supporting staff through Addiction Worker accreditation can request more information by contacting ACI directly.

More information and how to apply for Addiction Worker accreditation HERE