This Advisory is based on Technical Assistance Publication (TAP) 21, Addiction Counseling Competencies: The Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes of Professional Practice. It discusses the development of the counseling competencies and the validated research on which they are based, provides a simplified overview of their structure and the elements of a typical competency, and outlines how these competencies are changing the field of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment nationwide. The Advisory also addresses the critical role of cultural competency.

This advisory answers questions about the seriousness of prescription drug misuse. It explains how people become dependent on prescription drugs, and treatment options. The advisory also offers necessary treatment resources for professionals.

This advisory equips substance use treatment and service providers with information about eating disorders and their relationship to substance use disorders. It provides an overview of screening, referrals, and evidence-based treatments for eating disorders and lists resources for more information.