How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor

Substance abuse counselors are needed to help close the treatment gap, which has prevented millions of Americans from receiving the help they need. In 2018, 21.2 million people needed treatment, but only 3.7 million were able to receive it. Fortunately, advances in telehealth have expanded the ability of substance abuse counselors to reach more patients, and their importance is expected to grow even more in the future. 

Whether you are interested in becoming a substance abuse counselor or are simply curious about the role, the following is a general overview of job duties, educational requirements, experience and credentials needed.

What Does an Addiction Counselor Do?

In general, substance abuse counselors provide resources and knowledge to people struggling with substance use disorders. They teach their clients effective coping mechanisms to deal with their cravings and help them adopt healthier behaviors that replace the misuse of drugs or alcohol. Treatment may include:

• Group and individual therapy using approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Behavioral and medical interventions
• Educational programming
• Prevention strategies
• Medication-assisted treatment

Counselors may work in different settings, including recovery centers, detox facilities, sober living facilities, hospitals or clinics. They may treat inpatient clients at the facility and help outpatient clients maintain long-term recovery. 

Types of Addiction Specialists 

Different types of addiction specialists require varying levels of experience, education and certification. The most common types include:

• Addiction Psychologists: These professionals work to diagnose and treat mental health issues that co-occur with addiction.
• Addiction Psychiatrists: These are doctors who focus on the physical and mental aspects of addiction and mental health issues, and they can prescribe medication.
• Addiction Medicine Physicians: These doctors provide comprehensive care to patients, including evaluation, diagnosis and treatment.
• Interventionists: These individuals create a plan to help persuade people into seeking treatment, typically with the help of the person’s family members and friends.
• Substance Abuse Social Workers: People in these roles provide ongoing therapy and support to clients, helping them maintain long-term recovery and transition into substance-free lives.
• Recovery Counselors/Coaches: Also known as life coaches, these individuals help clients readapt to daily life and thrive in recovery.

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor 

The degrees, certifications and licenses required vary greatly from one specialty to another, but the typical requirements are as follows. 

Education and Degree Requirements

At a minimum, substance abuse counselors need a bachelor’s degree. However, counselors will need graduate degrees to increase the scope of what they can do, such as providing addiction counseling in their own private practice. 

Psychologists, psychiatrists and physicians are doctors, and these roles require medical degrees. Social workers typically require a master’s degree, while recovery coaches and interventionists do not necessarily require a specific degree.

Residency and Clinical Experience

Many graduate degrees require that students receive professional training through an internship or practicum. Additionally, most states require that substance abuse counselors complete a number of supervised training hours before becoming licensed. For example, someone at an undergraduate level may need to spend 4,000 to 10,000 hours working under supervision. Individuals with master’s degrees may need 1,000 to 4,000 hours. 

These requirements differ depending on specialty. For example, an addiction medicine physician must complete a residency to receive a medical degree and be eligible for a medical license.

Substance Abuse Counselor Certifications

Certifications are provided by The Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification and the National Board of Certified Counselors. These are specialty certifications, and many employers require substance abuse counselors to have one.

State Licensure and Continuing Education

Generally, a substance abuse counselor can be licensed after receiving their master’s degree. Some states do allow those with undergraduate degrees to receive licenses and work under supervision. However, all states require counselors with private practices to have a master’s degree and license. Additionally, state licensing boards may ask for transcripts, recommendations and information about internships.

Substance abuse counselors are also required to take part in continuing education each year for licensure renewal. These requirements vary from state to state and are usually available on the state licensing board’s website. There are many places to receive continuing education in person or online, including through The Recovery Village.

What to Expect After Schooling and Training

After receiving a degree, certificate and license, substance abuse counselors will usually search for a place to put their skills to use. There are a few things counselors can expect while starting their careers.

Occupational Outlook for Addiction Counselors

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the demand for addiction counselors will rise by 22% by 2028, which is over four times the average job growth rate. The median pay in 2018 was around $44,630.

Demand is expected to grow for a few reasons. The criminal justice system is finding people with drug-related crimes are less likely to commit them again if they receive treatment. As a result, many are given mandatory treatment and counseling as part of their sentencing. Additionally, telehealth services are growing in popularity, which allows people in underserved or rural areas to receive much-needed recovery resources. 

How to Find a Job

Certifications, high-level degrees, continued education, letters of recommendation from professors and valuable internship experiences help candidates stand out in the job market. Speaking with professors and attending conferences can help graduates build a network of potential employers. 

Online job boards and listings specifically for addiction counselors provide a multitude of opportunities. There is also a growing number of telehealth opportunities that allow counselors to provide online counseling services.