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Behavior Addiction - Behavior Disorder Specialist
60 CEUs
The Behavior Addiction - Behavior Disorder Specialist (BABDS) is a healthcare professional that specializes in the utilization of evidence-based bio-psycho-social-cultural-environmental-spiritual interventions to facilitate modifications and changes in behavior and schema patterns that are deleterious to a healthy and thriving lifestyle.
What is the difference between "behavior" and "behavioral"?
The word behave is a verb that refers to the doing of an action. It involves volition and agency. Behavior is a noun that refers to the action or conduct itself. Behavioral is an adjective that refers to something related to behavior, and includes the actions and reactions made in response to social stimuli.
What is a Behavior Disorder?
A behavior disorder involves a pattern of persistent and deviate conduct or action that impairs, or otherwise interrupts, normal functioning, or creates distress in other people.
What is a Behavior Addiction?
Addictive behaviors involve actions that are compulsive, repetitive, and difficult to control, despite negative consequences. These behaviors activate the brain’s reward system, leading to dependency (marked by tolerance and withdrawal symptoms) and often interfering with daily life, relationships, and well-being. The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) lists gambling and gaming as behavior addictions. Gambling is the only recognized behavioral addiction in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
In order to apply to receive the Behavior Addiction - Behavior Disorder Specialist (BABDS) designation, professionals must have achieved the professional-proficient level of skills acquisition, as evidenced by:
A. Hold an accredited Masters degree
B. Have 6000 hours of verifiable, direct professional experience in assessing and treating behavior disorders after receiving graduate degree
C. Hold one of the following qualifying credentials:
1. Master Addiction Counselor, NAADAC - the Association of Addiction Professionals
2. Master Addictions Counselor, National Association of Forensic Counselors
3. Master Addictions Counselor, National Board for Certified Counselors
4. Board Certified Behavior Analyst - Behavioral Treatment of Substance Use Disorders, Behavior Analyst Certification Board
D. Hold the clinical, professional, or highest level of membership to which the applicant is qualified in a reputable behavioral health trade association that has an official code of ethics
E. Pass the written knowledge examination
F. Hold the appropriate level of liability insurance for professional practice