According to the 2024 National Drug Threat Assessment, the United States experienced nearly 108,000 drug-related deaths in 2022. As substance abuse and addiction rise nationwide, the demand for specialized substance abuse counselors is growing.
The typical substance abuse counselor salary varies based on geographic location, experience, and work hours; the salary often reflects the demands of the role. Counseling degree programs provide an excellent background for entry-level positions in substance abuse counseling.
What Is a Substance Abuse Counselor?
A substance abuse counselor is a type of counselor who helps individuals overcome addictions and substance abuse problems. They offer treatment, often including talk therapy, and referrals to other resources, such as physicians, psychologists, or psychiatrists.
Substance abuse counselors typically work in treatment environments, including mental health facilities, outpatient clinics, and residential treatment centers.
Job Responsibilities: What a Substance Abuse Counselor Does
Substance abuse counselors’ responsibilities vary widely by day and client. Most important, they counsel and educate individuals, provide case management services, and refer clients to support groups and other recovery programs. These counselors help clients understand the factors that led to their addiction, then assist them in developing healthy coping mechanisms.
The exact duties may include the following:
- Counseling clients on the reasons for their addiction and substance misuse
- Helping clients prevent relapse
- Providing a compassionate, empathetic ear
- Maintaining patient records
- Responding to clients in crisis outside normal business hours
- Leading therapy sessions, both privately and in groups
- Training other individuals and counselors to respond to crises
Substance abuse counselors use two different approaches when working with their clients. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on changing how people think and behave; this can help them identify what drives their addiction. Motivational interviewing is a technique that helps individuals discover their motivation for change, offering them support, empathy, and encouragement throughout the process.
How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor
The steps involved in becoming a substance abuse counselor typically include earning a degree, gaining the required number of clinical hours, and earning a state license.
1. Earn A Degree
Depending on the state where an aspiring counselor chooses to work, the educational requirements may vary. An undergraduate degree in counseling, with courses in biology, psychology, physiology, and substance abuse prevention and treatment, provides a solid foundation for a career in substance abuse and mental health counseling.
To work as a licensed professional counselor specializing in any field, including substance abuse, students must complete a graduate degree. Individuals can choose to complete a Master of Science in Counseling with an emphasis in Addiction and Substance Abuse to prepare to become a licensed substance abuse counselor.
Students who’ve already earned a graduate degree in a related field can complete an Addiction and Substance Abuse Counseling Graduate Certificate program to prepare for the substance abuse counselor licensure exam. Much shorter than a degree program, this certificate program gives aspiring counselors the knowledge they need to apply their existing education to treating individuals with addiction issues.
2. Participate in Clinical Hours Requirements
Most programs require aspiring substance abuse counselors to complete a specific number of clinical practice hours, as mandated by state licensing laws, before pursuing licensure. Depending on their degree level, aspiring substance abuse counselors will typically need to complete between 4,000 and 10,000 hours of clinical practice.
3. Earn a State License
Substance abuse counselors in private practice must obtain licensure, which is offered by state boards. Licensure requirements for substance abuse counselors in other practice settings vary by state. The titles for licensed professionals also vary by state; for example, some states issue the licensed alcohol and drug counselor (LACD) credential, while others use the licensed chemical dependency counselor (LCDC) title.
To become licensed, individuals typically must complete a graduate program, undergo a set number of supervised counseling hours, and pass a rigorous exam. Individuals may also earn optional certifications from professional associations to show their competency in a specific field.
Substance Abuse Counselor Salary and Job Outlook
The median annual salary for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors was about $53,710 as of May 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The substance abuse counselor salary for those working in hospitals was $59,090, while the salary for those working in residential facilities was $46,880.
According to the BLS, employment for substance abuse counselors is projected to grow by an impressive 18% from 2022 to 2032, far outpacing the average growth rate for all occupations (3%). The demand for mental health services, including addiction and substance abuse treatment, is on the rise, and more counselors will be needed to meet the demand.
Promote Healthier Thinking and Behavior as a Substance Abuse Counselor
Substance abuse counselors are essential to ensuring a happier, healthier society with reduced dependency on drugs and alcohol. Though their roles vary significantly, their mission remains the same: helping individuals overcome problematic ways of thinking while building confidence in their ability to get and remain substance-free.
Mid-America Christian University’s online counseling degree programs combine empathy and cultural competency, empowering students to become exceptional mental health care providers who offer unparalleled support to those with substance and addiction issues. Our Bachelor of Science in Psychology provides a foundation in the principles of psychology and counseling, while our Master of Science in Counseling offers an emphasis in Addiction and Substance Abuse. For students who’ve already earned a graduate degree, our Addiction and Substance Abuse Graduate Counseling Certificate can help them prepare for state licensure.
Take the first step toward a fulfilling career in service. Discover how MACU’s programs can equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to make a lasting impact as a substance abuse counselor.
Recommended Readings
Types of Counselors: Clinical and Nonclinical Roles
How to Become a Therapist
How Long Does It Take to Become a Counselor?
Sources:
CounselingPsychology.org, How to Become a Licensed Professional Counselor
Indeed, “Substance Abuse Counselor Job Description: Duties and Paths”
NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals, Certification
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Credentialing, Licensing, and Reimbursement of the SUD Workforce
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, DEA Releases 2024 National Drug Threat Assessment
Verywell Mind, “What Does a Substance Abuse Counselor Do?”