Go to Page Section:
- What Does a Substance Abuse Counselor Do?
- Job Description
- Where Do Substance Abuse Counselors Work?
- Salary
- U.S. Average Salary: $60,080
- Salary Information by State
- How to Become A Substance Abuse Counselor – Step-by-Step
- Education
- Licensing & Certification
- Job Outlook
- Should You Become a Substance Abuse Counselor?
- Personal Skills Needed
- Frequently Asked Questions
For those interested in a rewarding vocation based on supporting individuals in overcoming substance, mental health, and behavioral challenges, a vocation as a substance abuse counselor could be an excellent option.
What Does a Substance Abuse Counselor Do?
This vocation is centered around aiding individuals with substance abuse issues.
Substance abuse counselors offer support, education, assessment, referrals, and counseling.
They create unique treatment plans tailored to each client, utilizing time-tested foundational studies with the latest advancements in the field to help clients learn skills and strategies for a sober lifestyle.
As society as a whole is becoming more aware of the importance of aiding those with addictions, the US Bureau of Labor predicts a growing need for substance abuse counselors as institutions and individuals express awareness and interest in mental health care in general and addiction recovery.
This demand for qualified substance abuse counselors is expected to grow healthily.
Job Description
Interested in a career as a substance abuse counselor?
The job involves helping those struggling with drug or alcohol addiction by providing direction, treatment, and coping strategies, assessing clients’ mental/emotional health, developing personalized treatment plans, and leading individual/group counseling sessions.
As a substance abuse counselor, candidates will be responsible for:
- Evaluating clients’ substance use and mental health.
- Teaching relapse prevention skills and sober life-coping strategies.
- Developing individualized treatment/recovery plans.
- Facilitating individual and group counseling sessions.
- Providing crisis intervention and emotional support.
- Monitoring and evaluating clients’ progress.
- Educating individuals and their families about addiction and recovery.
- Collaborating with healthcare professionals and support services.
- Maintaining clear case records and documentation.
- Advocating for and supporting clients.
Where Do Substance Abuse Counselors Work?
They meet clients where they are, literally and figuratively, in hospitals, rehab centers, or community clinics.
They work alongside medical staff and social workers, educating families while advocating for clients within legal or healthcare systems.
Duties
There are different pathways to helping people achieve a sober lifestyle, so as a first step down your career path, explore what area interests you.
Substance abuse counselor jobs are in homeless shelters, halfway houses, adolescent treatment facilities, prisons, hospitals, mental health centers, outpatient programs, community health centers, and private practice.
Most of the jobs in this field are full-time, and often the work requires weekend or evening hours.
Salary
Most substance abuse counselors enter the field as a vocation, and their interest is in helping individuals.
However, money does matter, and questions about salary are essential.
According to the US Bureau of Labor, the median salary for this position will be $59,190 per year, or $28.46 per hour, in 2025.
As in any field, practices in urban areas tend to earn higher rates than those in rural landscapes.
An inner-city nonprofit serving a low socio-economic population tends to pay less than a high-priced private clinic.
Education and experience also influence career advancement, and that affects annual salary.
U.S. Average Salary: $60,080
Salary Information by State
| State | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 3,110 | $47,900 | $23.03 | $70,010 | $30,090 |
| Alaska | 1,120 | $77,430 | $37.23 | $103,590 | $46,430 |
| Arizona | 8,110 | $60,640 | $29.15 | $82,740 | $35,030 |
| Arkansas | 2,520 | $66,180 | $31.82 | $113,520 | $29,240 |
| California | 54,660 | $66,970 | $32.20 | $108,070 | $39,160 |
| Colorado | 13,290 | $62,380 | $29.99 | $92,360 | $37,900 |
| Connecticut | 6,960 | $61,100 | $29.37 | $91,390 | $36,850 |
| Delaware | 1,500 | $51,220 | $24.63 | $71,210 | $34,090 |
| D.C. | 1,060 | $67,750 | $32.57 | $96,040 | $40,930 |
| Florida | 19,310 | $56,980 | $27.39 | $80,370 | $35,520 |
| Georgia | 7,890 | $53,760 | $25.85 | $80,020 | $31,990 |
| Hawaii | 1,330 | $61,530 | $29.58 | $99,290 | $45,950 |
| Idaho | 1,630 | $58,990 | $28.36 | $79,120 | $39,290 |
| Illinois | 14,710 | $63,450 | $30.51 | $98,920 | $39,440 |
| Indiana | 10,230 | $49,750 | $23.92 | $73,670 | $35,550 |
| Iowa | 2,680 | $61,770 | $29.70 | $82,620 | $38,570 |
| Kansas | 1,950 | $54,170 | $26.04 | $75,790 | $35,610 |
| Kentucky | 6,610 | $53,690 | $25.81 | $84,630 | $30,910 |
| Louisiana | 5,190 | $42,280 | $20.33 | $61,690 | $27,750 |
| Maine | 960 | $57,610 | $27.70 | $83,570 | $35,150 |
| Maryland | 7,690 | $61,860 | $29.74 | $86,320 | $38,640 |
| Massachusetts | 17,290 | $58,720 | $28.23 | $80,840 | $39,900 |
| Michigan | 9,110 | $57,560 | $27.67 | $82,540 | $36,220 |
| Minnesota | 6,550 | $54,420 | $26.16 | $69,680 | $41,060 |
| Mississippi | 1,990 | $47,500 | $22.84 | $63,980 | $29,640 |
| Missouri | 5,790 | $55,910 | $26.88 | $77,470 | $34,000 |
| Montana | 1,880 | $53,690 | $25.81 | $75,800 | $33,600 |
| Nebraska | 1,720 | $58,720 | $28.23 | $82,490 | $37,350 |
| Nevada | 2,020 | $59,820 | $28.76 | $86,810 | $36,790 |
| New Hampshire | 2,310 | $57,110 | $27.46 | $80,540 | $39,130 |
| New Jersey | 13,320 | $67,250 | $32.33 | $102,710 | $37,220 |
| New Mexico | 2,110 | $66,190 | $31.82 | $98,270 | $39,950 |
| New York | 24,420 | $67,240 | $32.33 | $99,700 | $39,810 |
| North Carolina | 9,980 | $56,510 | $27.17 | $79,440 | $37,000 |
| North Dakota | 920 | $66,200 | $31.83 | $82,680 | $37,770 |
| Ohio | 16,310 | $57,300 | $27.55 | $81,500 | $37,060 |
| Oklahoma | 5,010 | $61,760 | $29.69 | $95,790 | $32,990 |
| Oregon | 6,420 | $66,260 | $31.86 | $99,380 | $42,260 |
| Pennsylvania | 24,040 | $56,090 | $26.97 | $82,350 | $36,490 |
| Rhode Island | 1,430 | $50,110 | $24.09 | $75,730 | $36,140 |
| South Carolina | 3,980 | $49,310 | $23.71 | $75,670 | $30,480 |
| South Dakota | 1,620 | $50,960 | $24.50 | $67,060 | $37,440 |
| Tennessee | 5,220 | $49,280 | $23.69 | $75,330 | $30,050 |
| Texas | 18,840 | $55,780 | $26.82 | $79,440 | $35,370 |
| Utah | 3,850 | $70,310 | $33.80 | $106,390 | $32,820 |
| Vermont | 920 | $58,880 | $28.31 | $77,800 | $44,960 |
| Virginia | 15,720 | $58,610 | $28.18 | $80,150 | $38,430 |
| Washington | 12,080 | $63,490 | $30.53 | $92,970 | $41,400 |
| West Virginia | 1,640 | $47,520 | $22.85 | $74,450 | $28,540 |
| Wisconsin | 8,060 | $66,230 | $31.84 | $97,450 | $38,800 |
| Wyoming | 820 | $66,430 | $31.94 | $104,000 | $36,840 |
| Puerto Rico | 100 | $28,480 | $13.69 | $42,690 | $18,700 |
Annual Average Salary: Top 10 States
Alaska tops the list in this field, with an average salary of $77,430.
These are the leading 10 states in terms of earnings in the field:
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, OCC Code 21-1018, BLS.* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
How to Become A Substance Abuse Counselor – Step-by-Step
As with any career in the medical or counseling fields, the requirements to enter this rewarding career will vary by state.
Prerequisites may include a degree, accreditation, curriculum, internships, experience, and other qualifications.
Candidates should begin the process by familiarizing themselves with the job requirements in the state where they plan to practice.
Step #1: Planning
The path to becoming a drug counselor will vary depending on the candidate’s ultimate career goals and where the candidate plans to practice.
Typically, the entry is a bachelor’s degree; many substance addiction counselors also work towards a mental health counselor license.
Several states have begun to require a master’s degree-level education for addiction counseling licensure and certification, and many more work environments are starting to demand it or seek it for career advancement.
There are many routes to discovering a candidate’s specialization when becoming licensed or certified as an alcohol and drug counselor.
Examples range from the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium’s (IC&RC) Alcohol and Drug Counselor Examination to the Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor Examination. Candidates must also take the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCCAP).
In addition, some states mandate that candidates pass examinations for mental health licensure, such as the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).
Additionally, it may be necessary to take additional counseling programs or organization testing and exams.
Depending on the state and the type of licensure the candidate is pursuing, completing supervised, post-graduate professional practice for substance abuse counseling training may also be the next step.
Step #2: Licensure or Certification
Substance abuse counselors must be licensed or certified by the state board overseeing their practice area.
That’s why checking with the state regulatory board is essential to see how to apply.
Practicing in multiple states or a telehealth setting is achievable.
However, it could necessitate maintaining credentials in numerous states.
Education
Continuing education is mandatory for maintaining addiction counselor certification.
The knowledge base and best practices for SUD counselors are continually evolving, and this focus on continuing education aids substance abuse counselors in staying current with the latest professional developments in the field.
Licensing & Certification
Types of Licensed Addiction Counselors
The field of aiding clients with drug and/or mental and emotional concerns includes a range of job titles.
Some of these include certified alcohol-drug counselors (CADC), chemical dependency counselors (CD counselors), clinical counselors, addiction counselors, case managers, and others.
Counselors need outstanding teamwork talent to work with patients.
They must also partner with a range of professionals, from psychologists, psychiatrists, and physicians to social workers, to coordinate patient care, create treatment plans, and support clients on the path to long-term recovery.
Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician
A Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician (RADT) acts as support staff and is an excellent introduction to the art and science of substance abuse counseling. Candidates must complete a nine-hour orientation to become RADTs.
For example, the first step in California is to complete the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) RADT application and submit a copy of the candidate’s driver’s license or government ID.
The candidate also signs and submits a series of Codes of Conduct, including the:
- CCAPP Code of Conduct
- California AOD (Alcohol and Other Drug) Counselor Code of Conduct
- The RADT Scope of Practice
A Career Path
Many RADTs continue with education and training to become CADCs (CADC-I, CADC-II, or CADC-III).
The curriculum is CCAPP-approved and approved by the NAADAC, the national association for addiction professionals.
The most common types of certified addiction counselors include:
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors, or CADCs, are also called Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LADCs) or Alcohol and Drug Counselors (ADCs).
Once a candidate has earned CADC certification, various specialty certifications, including intervention specialist, professional recovery coach, medication-assisted treatment specialist, and more, become available as career paths.
Candidates can become licensed advanced alcohol and drug counselors (LAADC) with a master’s degree in behavioral science or allied mental health professions.
CADC Licensed Addiction Counselor Requirements
To become a CADC, candidates must:
- Complete coursework
- Complete Supervised Practicum
- Complete Supervised Fieldwork Practicum
- Pass The IC&RC Exam
Complete Supervised Work Experience — The number of hours needed depends on the type of CADC certification.
One of the benefits of becoming a licensed addiction counselor is that a college degree is not strictly necessary.
This opens the profession to many people who otherwise might not consider addiction counseling.
That said, requirements vary; substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors typically need a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree, and mental health counselors usually need a Master’s degree and an internship.
Keep in mind that a certified alcohol and drug counselor (CADC) certification must be maintained throughout a substance abuse counselor’s career.
CADC-I Certification:
No college education is required, yet an associate’s degree in behavioral science or another mental health profession requires only 2,080 hours of supervised work experience for certification, or 3,000 hours without it.
CADC-II Certification:
Six thousand hours of work experience are required to earn CADC-II certification, regardless of educational level.
CADC-III Certification:
Four thousand hours of work experience and a bachelor’s degree qualify a worthy candidate for this level of certification.
Candidates can complete their educational requirements in addiction studies in only three months, and all coursework can be taken in the classroom or online.
Some self-paced programs can be completed in three months, or candidates can take up to 18 months to complete the program.
For example, one online program is based in California, yet the curriculum is approved in most states.
Job Outlook
Substance abuse counselors’ career trajectory and employment are expected to grow 19 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.
Openings are anticipated due to the need to replace substance abuse counselors who transfer, move up the career ladder, or exit the labor force.
Should You Become a Substance Abuse Counselor?
Overall Satisfaction – High
While the position of substance abuse counselor can be emotionally and physically demanding, many in the profession discover that their passion for helping others in the journey to sobriety is a motivating factor.
The job outlook is excellent for this in-demand vocation!
Average Salary – Medium
According to the Bureau of Labor, the average annual salary for substance abuse counseling jobs in 2025 will be $59,190 per year or $28.46 per hour.
While this is the average, education, experience, hiring institution, and location also impact pay.
Job Growth Outlook – High
As with other mental health specialties, we’re becoming increasingly aware of how substance abuse, behavioral abuse, and others in the mental health and wellness arena can help not only individuals but families, communities, and society as a whole.
Therefore, it’s unsurprising that the need for workers in this rewarding profession is growing.
The US Bureau of Labor projects an increase in career opportunities for substance abuse counselors between now and the end of the decade.
The projected growth rate for this industry, at a 19% predicted growth rate, is well above the average for job growth rates.
Education Duration
The local area where you plan to practice will have specific educational requirements.
Some states require just two years for an associate degree in counseling or psychology.
However, earning a Bachelor’s or Master’s in a related discipline will help your career options and advancement potential.
If working with clients in a private practice is your goal, know that it typically demands a Master’s degree.
Personal Skills Needed
- Substance abuse counselors would do well to possess the following traits: If this sounds like you, you could be a candidate for the rewarding role of a substance abuse counselor:
- Empathy, patience, and a skill set that supports clients.
- Strong interpersonal communication skills.
- Solid attention to detail.
- Team player, able to flourish within the framework of medical and legal institutions.
- The ability to stay on top of paperwork.
- Commitment to lifelong learning.
- Dedication to helping people achieve and maintain sobriety.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you have to go to school to become a substance abuse counselor?
Roughly, let’s look at some possible paths:
Associate’s degree from a 2-year full-time program.
Bachelor’s degree, 4 years.
Plus, many states mandate supervised clinical hours to become a licensed substance abuse counselor.
What kind of education do you need to be a substance abuse counselor?
Substance abuse counseling is a specialized and challenging field with its own certification.
It’s a field that provides a good entry-level into counseling careers since candidates aren’t mandated to attain a bachelor’s degree.
That said, for many organizations and some states, the minimum educational attainment for entry is a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree, which tends to help candidates avail themselves of more career opportunities to work as a substance abuse counselor.
How much money does a substance abuse counselor make a year?
The salary ranges for professionals in the addiction field of substance abuse recovery are based on factors including education, experience, and who is signing the paychecks.
However, it should be noted that the profession has an extensive range of annual salaries.
There’s a significant range in substance abuse counseling salaries; according to the Hazelden Betty Ford organization, “the lowest 10 percent of substance abuse counselors earned less than $28,240, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $72,990.”
Nonprofit organizations pay less, while private residential facilities often pay higher earnings.
A substance abuse counselor earns $59,190 annually, which breaks down to $28.46 per hour.
Are substance abuse counselors in high demand?
Yes, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics has looked into its crystal ball and predicted an overall trend of healthy growth in the addiction recovery and mental health fields.
The robust growth of 19% over the next decade bodes well for people acquiring the skills and techniques to work towards maximum wellness, sobriety, and good health.
As experts in the effects of substance abuse and addiction and the treatments for these issues, substance abuse counselors assess clients’ health, recommend treatments, and aid in imparting skills to support recovery.
The job of a substance abuse counselor includes educating others, including families, conducting community outreach, and aiding individuals by educating them about job placement services, support groups, and other resources.
- Excellent Interpersonal Communication Skills: Communicate effectively, actively listen, and convey ideas.
- Empathy: The ability to understand and respect diverse perspectives
- Compassion: Caring for individuals and the path they’re on, and helping them find a new path toward sobriety
- Open-minded: An acceptance of the range of lived experience.
- Perceptive: An ability to perceive what a client is communicating.
- Altruism: A desire to help others.
- Lifelong Learning: A commitment to keeping up with the latest advances in the field.
- Presence: Being available emotionally and respecting boundaries.
- Patience: The road to sobriety can be long and challenging. It is best to meet clients where they are and where their journey has led.
- Detail-Oriented: Dedicated to working as part of a medical team to support individual and group counseling clients within the structure of psychological, social, and medical institutions.
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