Counselors are a group of professionals used in our society to aid those who are facing personal or circumstantial difficulties; alcohol and drug counselors assist those who are dealing specifically with addictions to controlled substances. These counselors meet with those facing addiction and help them define their problem, overcome the addiction, and reverse the damage it has done in their lives. Most counselors work one on one with individuals, and others facilitate group counseling between clients facing similar issues. They develop strategies and techniques the recovering addict can use to change their behavior and nurture better habits. Many counselors also work with the client's family members, to teach them ways they can assist their loved one in their recovery. Drug and alcohol abuse counselors may work in hospitals, mental health facilities, outpatient care centers, or community outreach centers.

The education you will need to begin a career in alcohol and drug abuse counseling will depend on the state where you plan to work. Some only require a pertinent certificate or associate degree, while others require a bachelor's or master's. The longer your counseling education, the more advancement opportunities you will experience. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that addictions and substance abuse counselors will have very good job opportunities in the coming years, as the demand for addiction counseling services grow. More attention is being brought to the benefits of addiction counseling, and the taboo around seeking help for addiction issues is lessening. The middle half of substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors earn $30,000-48,000 a year. 

Career Specializations

• Behavioral Addictions Counselors: Some counselors in this field work with people who are not addicted to substances, but instead have behavioral issues. For example, gambling, eating disorders, and sex addiction would be some behavioral disorders that are treated by this type of counselor.
• Substance Abuse Counselors: These counselors work predominantly with individuals who are recovering from an addiction to drugs or alcohol. They develop behavioral treatment plans and techniques their clients can use to overcome addiction; many also speak with the client's family members to teach them ways to support their loved one and cope with their problem.

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Degree Levels

• Certificate: 1 year to complete
• Associate Degree: 2 years to complete
• Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
• Master's Degree: 2 years to complete
• Doctoral Degree: 3-5 years to complete

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Education & Certification Requirements 

The education level you will need to begin your career in alcohol and substance abuse counseling will largely depend on the state in which you live. In most states, substance abuse and behavioral addictions counselors will need a license in order to legally offer their services to the public; however, the requirements for attaining this license vary from state to state. In many states, counselors will need at least a bachelor's or master's degree in counseling; in other states an associate degree or certificate is sufficient. Licensure requirements also depend on what type of firm you will work in; those who work in larger counseling or social work organizations may not need a license, whereas those that operate their own practice will.

Individuals who live in a state that requires only a certificate or associate degree may be interested in entering the counseling career through this relatively fast option. Certificate and associate degrees generally include the same core courses in addictions and substance abuse areas; the two differ in that the associate degree also includes a number of general education and liberal arts requirements. These programs include classes in both counseling theory and practical techniques that counselors will need in order to advise and communicate with clients.

While a certificate or associate degree may be sufficient for earning a license in some states, a bachelor's or master's degree will give career-seekers better job prospects and advancement opportunities. Bachelor's degrees tend to be in general counseling, with the option to focus in addictions counseling. These longer degrees give students the opportunity to take courses in a broader variety of counseling techniques. Master's programs give students more clinical training and require them to spend time shadowing a trained counselor and practicing interviewing and other counseling skills. (BLS)

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Salary Information

New counselors with the requisite education and license can expect wages of around $30,000 a year. Those with a master's degree or professional experience can earn $38,000-48,000 a year. The industries employing the most substance abuse and addictions counselors are outpatient care centers, residential mental health and substance abuse facilities, individual and family services, local governments, and hospitals. Montana, Vermont, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and New Jersey are the states with the highest concentration of behavioral disorder and substance abuse counselors in the work force. (BLS)

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Job Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that alcohol and drug abuse counselors will see job growth of about 21 percent by 2018, which is much faster than the national average rate of job creation. As addiction loses its taboo and society becomes more aware of the benefits of addictions counseling, more people will be seeking out counseling services. The U.S. corrections system is also increasingly utilizing drug and alcohol addictions counseling as a part of offender rehabilitation programs.

This rapid job growth will mean good job opportunities for drug abuse and addictions counselors with the necessary education and license. Those who are willing to move to a rural area may have better job prospects. (BLS)

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Related Careers

Social workers also help their clients get back on their feet and improve their lives. These workers help people facing all sorts of life obstacles, including addictions. They provide counseling and refer their clients to services that my help alleviate their circumstances. A master's degree in social work is required for becoming a licensed social worker.

Clinical psychologists diagnose and treat patients with mental health and behavioral disorders. They work with the patient to define what is causing the psychological issues they are facing, and recommend strategies patients can use to relieve those mental issues. Clinical psychologists are required to have a doctoral degree in clinical psychology and a state-issued license before they can legally practice.

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