I don't know the criteria to become an addiction counselor but I would think it would vary from state-to-state.

I WILL say that a good counselor is worth their weight in gold. Many years ago when I got my DUI, the court appointed me to go to this addiction program. I thought it was going to be boring and just another box to check while on probation but, alas, my counselor made it pretty fun and interesting. She was cool and is a huge reason why I haven't had a drop in twenty-plus years. I still remember her name (Mrs. Davies).