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What is Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling?

Substance abuse and addiction counseling is considered one of the more difficult areas of social service. The role of the counselor is to identify addiction and its underlying causes and then assist the client in achieving and maintaining sobriety.

Substance abuse and addiction counselors will work with other social services, such as lawyers, psychologists, social workers, and career counselors in order to assist the client transition toward sobriety. In addition, counselors will try to find causes for addiction and attempt to assist in the remedy and removal of such sources in order to prevent relapse into detrimental abuse behavior.

How Prevalent is Addiction?

According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), approximately 1 in 12 adults suffer from alcohol dependence abuse in the United States.  This translates to 17.6 million adults suffering from alcohol abuse with millions more engaging in dangerous binge drinking behavior.   All told, alcohol and drug abuse is directly related to over $600 billion of health and crime-related costs annually in the United States.

Addiction is not only a physical phenomenon but has lasting mental and emotional side effects for everyone involved.  Thus, the importance of having a well-trained, competent substance abuse and addiction counselor available to meet the needs of those suffering.

A drug counselor can be a coach, supporter, mentor, anchor, friend, and advisor to those in need.  With the sheer range of alcohol and drugs available today through legal and illegal channels, dealing with substance abuse head on is a critical job for all involved.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$44,160

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

16.06%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

91,040

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling Degree

BBC or Baptist Bible College and Seminary is a highly regarded private institution offering students a Bachelor of Science in Biblical Counseling.  This degree pathway helps to prepare students in counseling individuals, couples, families, counseling centers or mission settings. Students will study the interpretations of the bible and communicate the meaning with appropriate implications in a counseling setting. The aim of this program is to ensure that each student can demonstrate basic knowledge of Biblical Counseling content. Students should also develop skills that are related to Biblical Counseling as a ministry in the church.

Acceptance Rate

40.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Substance Abuse Counseling Certification is offered at The College of New Jersey. The two levels of protected titles for Substance Abuse Counselors in the state of New Jersey are the CADC and the LADC. The CADC stands for Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor while LADC means Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor. These certifications require certain standards for education, experience, and training.

Acceptance Rate

49.28

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The Certificate in Addiction Studies at Syracuse University addresses one of the major problems of the society. This program strives to provide the students with the opportunities to develop competencies for employment in a variety of fields that deal with substance abuse and other behavioral addictions. Its curriculum is designed to expose the students to a broad perspective in the fields of addiction. The courses may apply to their professional fields which results in employment or placement expansion.

Acceptance Rate

44.38

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers degrees in Addiction Counseling or Integrated Behavioral Health (Master of Professional program is included). These programs are for people who can see themselves as an agent of change serving for the prevention and treatment of substance abuse disorders. This program will impart strong theoretical and practical foundations in evidence-based treatment which will enable the students to effectively treat people with substance use disorders. A cutting-edge curriculum will be provided, and it will address the social, psychological and biological factors of addiction.

Acceptance Rate

56.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

The Substance Abuse Counseling Program at Fairfield University offers a number of resources to address substance abuse issues. First-year students will be provided with presentations about substance abuse, campus resources and healthy choices. This University conducts educational classes, clinical assessments and provides clinical modalities. Recovery Lounge is also available for students in recovery where they can socialize and study.

Acceptance Rate

57.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The Substance Use Disorder Treatment Training Certificate at University of Utah aims to develop the necessary knowledge and treatment skills in their students that will enable them to treat not only the individuals suffering from substance use disorder but also their families. Their primary goal is to enhance the substance use disorder treatment’s quality. Proficiency in three levels of training namely, SUDC, ASUDC, and BSW/ASUDC, are what this certificate provides. Some of the topics included in this program curriculum are, the dynamics of addiction and recovery, pharmacology, and ethics.

Acceptance Rate

62.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

The Substance Abuse Prevention and Education degree at the University of South Carolina-Columbia aims to develop a safe community so that the academic and personal success of students wouldn’t be impaired due to substance use. They conduct a comprehensive program that is called the Students Taking Initiative & Responsibility Screening & Intervention. This STIR Intervention program will let a student take a survey about their substance use and attend three sessions with coach’s guidance. Students’ information will be kept confidential.

Acceptance Rate

68.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Springfield College offers a program in Substance Use Disorder Counseling Concentration. This is designed to assist students in becoming an effective addictions counselor by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and competency needed. A program for Alcohol and Substance Counseling II is also available here. The major goal of this program is to help students prepare for a career as counselors in a wide variety of rehabilitation and detoxification programs. 

Acceptance Rate

68.06

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Indiana Wesleyan offers a Bachelor’s degree in Addiction Counseling which made learning at a convenient time and place possible by making this program available online. It can be completed in as few as 22 months. It caters in-depth education from a Christian perspective for persons who want to understand and serve addicted persons and their families. They also conduct practicums at mutually agreed-upon sites.

Acceptance Rate

67

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

University of St. Francis offers a program in Substance Abuse Counseling. Though substance use disorders are indeed complex to study, this program provides new research on best ways to assist people and their families as they overcome their misuse of alcohol or other substances. The Post Master Certificate program in Substance Abuse Counseling is another degree program offered at USF worth deep consideration for motivated students. This graduate professional certificate can lead you to a position advancement in your current clinical role.

Acceptance Rate

45.62

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

SUNY College at Brockport offers a major in Alcohol & Substance Abuse Clinical Studies. This program provides current knowledge and skills necessary to be an effective substance abuse counselor. This is also the only bachelor’s level substance abuse training program available in New York state. Graduates of this program learned how to perform a clinical evaluation.

Acceptance Rate

54.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

An Inpatient Rehabilitation Program is offered at St. Vincent College. This program assists individuals whose level of alcohol or other substance dependence has disrupted their daily functioning, their recovery is the main focus of the program. The Outpatient Addiction Recovery program is also available here. The primary purpose of the treatment that they provide is to improve the level of functioning of people who are chemically dependent.

Acceptance Rate

67.7

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The Occupational Associate Degree in Dependency Disorders Technology is what the Mountain State College offers. Graduates of this program can pursue employment as Substance Abuse Counseling Assistant, Behavioral Health Tech and other positions that are related in prevention and education programs. This is a 24-month program and completion of this will develop your interviewing skills. Students under this program were also able to foster critical thinking and investigative skills.

Acceptance Rate

75

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Salve Regina University wanted to respond to the increasing demand for trained counselors in substance abuse and treatment, that’s why they developed a Graduate Certificate in Substance Abuse and Treatment. As of now, it is the only advanced graduate certificate program of its kind that is offered in the state. Students who wish to be admitted in this program must have a Master’s Behavioral Degree from an accredited institution. This newly developed program is designed for individuals that want to complete the continuing units needed to meet the national certification standards.

Acceptance Rate

73.78

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The Certificate in Alcoholism and Addictions Counseling is offered at Saint Joseph’s College. This is a 29-credit certificate that is structured to prepare health, human resources, and human services practitioners. This will also help psychology majors to provide referral services and counseling to individuals affected by alcoholism, and drug abuse dependency. Courses taken for this certificate program can be applied toward the BS Degrees in Health Administration, Organizational Management, and Human Services.

Acceptance Rate

72.99

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The Addiction Studies Program at William Jessup University is focused on providing a quality formal education to all qualifying students.  They offer certification programs which teaches a range of skills needed to work in the field of addiction. Some of the addiction studies programs that will be included are Counseling of addictive behavior, professional treatment skills, and Group and Advanced Counseling. Addiction Assessment and treatment strategies, and Physiology and Pharmacology will also be studied by the students.

Acceptance Rate

65.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The Addictions and Mental Health Treatment online degree is available at Alvernia University. This is for those who desire to become a substance abuse counselor. Individuals who are interested in entering the field of mental health and preventative medicine are also welcome. This is simply designed for people who want to make a difference in the lives of others.

Acceptance Rate

64.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The Alcohol, Drug & Sexual Assault Prevention Education degree program is offered at Rider University. This program promotes and supports healthy living behaviors. They do this by giving alcohol and other drug education recovery support. They also put effort on engaging and empowering community members to participate in creating a campus that is safe from sexual and relationship violence.

Acceptance Rate

71.47

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

University of Cincinnati offers an online program in BS in Substance Abuse Counseling. This program effectively prepares graduates for a fulfilling career helping those who struggle with drug and alcohol conditions. This program puts your passion to work. They are devoted to treating America’s most dangerous disorders. 

Acceptance Rate

76.67

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Drexel University offers an online program for Master’s in Addiction Counseling Degree. This is tailored to provide the ability to apply evidence-based practices that meet the needs of an ever-growing and changing population of people that suffer from alcohol and drug use disorder and behavioral addictions. The certificate program for Substance Use Disorder Treatment can also be taken here. The certificate program is exclusive for individuals with bachelor’s degrees in social, work, psychology or any other allied health professions that seek to advance their knowledge in substance use disorders treatment. 

Acceptance Rate

74.7

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Regis College offers a Professional Post-Graduate Certificate Program in Transdisciplinary Addiction. Earning this certificate will position you as a leader in implementing best practice in this area. This certificate program provides advanced clinical care to patients whether in primary or co-morbid addictions. This is the only transdisciplinary certificate of its kind that is offered at Boston.

Acceptance Rate

70.96

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The Alcohol and Drug Counseling Certificate program at Bethel University is more than just teaching about the treatment, they are devoted in helping others transform their lives. This is expected to prepare individuals to start a career that helps people overcome addiction. Students will receive knowledge in theory and research. Along with that, they will also know how to apply what they learned to their practice.

Acceptance Rate

78.52

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The College of Health & Human Sciences at Western Carolina University offers a certificate program in Substance Abuse Studies. This certificate program is tailored to meet the educational requirements for the Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist. Its credential was administered by the NC Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board. This will surely enhance the knowledge and skills of those who work in the field of addictive disorder practice.

Acceptance Rate

68.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

A program for MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is offered at Saint Joseph’s College-Main Campus. Taking this program is an effective way to prepare for a career as a licensed counselor serving a diverse variety of clients. Their mission is to provide the credentials, experience and skills that are needed in giving care for communities in need. This program is developed by faculty that are practitioners and experts in their field, it even met the Pennsylvania requirements for Licensed professional counselor, the primary certification of the National Board for Certified Counselors, and the National Certified Counselor.

Acceptance Rate

71.24

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

An Addiction Studies Certificate program is offered at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.  The academic program prepares individuals to counsel people with addictive behavior and their families. This also supports the prevention of substance abuse. Students who completed this program are qualified to take the addiction certificate exam. Enhanced experience which is a mandatory requirement for the certification can be earned in this program.

Acceptance Rate

61.96

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

How Do You Become a Drug and Alcohol Counselor?

Are you considering earning an online substance counselor degree or a traditional substance counselor degree from a college or university? It is crucial to know the steps to become a counselor before enrolling in a college program or completing your college application. We will cover the steps involved in becoming a drug counselor below to help you through the process.

  1. Education: The initial step in the journey to become a drug and alcohol counselor is to get an education from a qualifying institution. Accredited colleges and universities are the most common institutions to prepare students to become a professional counselor. In some states, a certification is sufficient while others require a bachelors degree or masters degree to become a drug counselor.
  2. Clinical Experience: After earning your degree, you will typically be required to obtain hands-on experience in an approved clinical setting. The number of hours of supervised clinical experience and approved institutions are established by your state of residence.
  3. Licensing: In many states, you will need to sit for a state-administered licensing examination after earning a qualifying college degree plus your required hours of clinical experience. The license allows you to practice as a substance abuse counselor in your state and work with a larger organization or start your own practice.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Degree in Counseling?

The length of time it takes to earn your degree in drug counseling depends on the number of credits you take at a given time coupled with the degree type you select. For the examples below, we will presume full-time matriculation at an accredited college or university for ease of example. Both on-site and online drug counseling programs are available from a wide range of colleges across the country.

  • Bachelors Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling: 4-years to earn a bachelors degree in substance abuse counseling including general education courses and core curriculum in counseling.
  • Masters Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling: 1-2 years to earn a masters degree in substance abuse counseling after successfully completing all prerequisite classes.
  • Doctorate Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling: 1-2 years to earn a PhD or Doctorate in substance abuse counseling after completion of all lower-level prerequisite classes.

Educational Requirements for Addiction Counselors

The educational requirements for becoming a substance abuse and addiction counselor varies from state to state, and can be as low as a high school diploma or as high as a master's degree.

Most states also require a license or certification and it is prudent to check the state's licensure requirements. Supervised internships for certification or a degree are mandatory. As a result, the necessary clock hours will be established by your state's regulatory body.

Individuals who pursue a graduate degree will typically have an easier time finding work. The basis for this reality is the amount of knowledge & clinical skills provided by graduate degree programs. Large breadth of academic work for graduate students allows for a broad spectrum of techniques and specialized skills. For reference, curriculum in substance abuse counseling may include:

  • Human Behavior
  • Psychology
  • Chemistry
  • Sociology
  • Drug Abuse, Causes and Treatments
  • Counseling Techniques

Programs for substance abuse and addiction counseling will include classes in group and individual counseling techniques, patient assistance, case management and crisis intervention. Additionally classes will be taken in broader fields of study including sociology, criminology and psychology. This is to ensure that the counselor will have a good understanding of the personal and social causes of substance abuse and addiction.

Employment for Substance Abuse Counselors

Upon completion of an accredited program, individuals will look for positions as a counselor at hospitals, community centers, mental health facilities, and preventive education centers.

A counselor may choose to pursue a specialization, for example working with kids, single parents or ex-convicts, or may perform their duties without a specialization. Typically a program will provide job placement opportunities for graduates through various connections and time tested contacts with counseling services either locally or regionally.

Licensure may or may not be required by a given state, and it is up to the individual to research state policy prior to seeking employment.

It is important to note that substance abuse and addiction counseling is considered a high stress job with a high turnover rate. This is due to the personal connections that can form between client and counselor and the high amount of relapse among clients.

Substance and abuse and addiction counselors can branch into other social services, the opportunities of which are generally dependent on level of education.

Common Job Titles of a Substance Abuse Counselor
  • Addictions Counselor
  • Counselor
  • Substance Abuse Counselor (SA Counselor)
  • Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist (DATS)
  • Chemical Dependency Professional
  • Clinical Counselor
  • Prevention Specialist
  • Case Manager
  • Chemical Dependency Counselor (CD Counselor)
  • Correctional Substance Abuse Counselor
Top Job Responsibilities of a Substance Abuse Counselor

In a recent survey by the United States Department of Labor of substance abuse counselors and behavior disorder counselors, a list of job responsibilities was illuminated by practitioners from around the country.  The top 5 job responsibilities of a substance abuse counselor include:

  1. Maintaining accurate medical records and case files for each patient
  2. Developing unique treatment plans rooted in research, surveys, clinical experience, and client history
  3. Reviewing and evaluating client progress relative to goals and objectives in treatment plan and/or care plan
  4. Counseling clients to assist to understand addiction, overcoming dependencies, adjust to life, or make behavioral changes
  5. Assessing a client’s mental and physical suitability for program participation

Job Growth, Salary and Related Counseling Fields

Substance abuse and counseling is expected to grow quite rapidly over the next decade, at a clip of 22% or over 3 times the national average. The average salary for a substance abuse and addiction counselor is approximately $50,000 per year, though individuals in managerial or supervisory positions tend to make significantly more. Individuals with experience or higher levels of education will also earn more, particularly degreed individuals looking for entry level positions.

Top Employers of Substance Abuse Counselors

  • Outpatient Care Centers 22,250
  • Mental Health Facilities 18,240
  • Individual & Family Services 12,560
  • Local Government 6,620
  • Medical & Surgical Hospitals 5,050

States with the Highest Employment of Drug Counselors

  • California 9,050
  • New York 7,600
  • Pennsylvania 6,730
  • Massachusetts 5,010
  • Florida 4,440

Top Paying States for a Substance Abuse Counselor

  1. New Mexico $59,090
  2. Alaska $54,280
  3. North Dakota $53,680
  4. New Hersey $53,490
  5. New York $50,350

List of Associations for Substance Abuse Counselors

  • American Art Therapy Association (AATA)
  • International Family Therapy Association (IFTA)
  • National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
  • Institute for Integrative Psychotherapy (IIP)
  • International Association of Counseling Services (IACS)
  • American Counseling Association (ACA)
  • American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA)
  • International Association of Marriage & Family Counselors (IAMFC)
  • American Rehabilitation Counseling Association (ARCA)
  • National Rehabilitation Counseling Association (NRCA)
  • Association of Family And Conciliation Courts (AFCC)

Individuals interested in substance abuse and addiction counseling may also be interested insocial work,sociology, orcriminology.

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