Substance Abuse Counselor

Explore This Path

Help individuals overcome addiction and lead healthier, fulfilling lives.
Make a positive impact by guiding clients through recovery and personal growth.
Unique role in assessing and supporting diverse recovery journeys.

💰 Earn $60K-$104K

📚 Bachelor Degree

⏱️ 48 MONTH TRAINING

📈 4.5% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

Counsel and advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug, or other problems, such as gambling and eating disorders. May counsel individuals, families, or groups or engage in prevention programs.

Complete and maintain accurate records or reports regarding the patients' histories and progress, services provided, or other required information.
Counsel clients or patients, individually or in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, or making changes.
Assess individuals' degree of drug dependency by collecting and analyzing urine samples.
Follow progress of discharged patients to determine effectiveness of treatments.
Conduct chemical dependency program orientation sessions.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Bachelor Degree

Career Prospects

Good (Increasing by 1-5%)

Training Time

Over 4 years

Job Openings

29,100 Annually

Median Earnings

$77,640 in California

$61,710 Nationally

$25K

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$250K

Real Talk Reel

Want to see what it's like to be a Substance Abuse Counselor? We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life.

@.riahanne

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Being creative or artistic
Relating with or serving others
Thinking and problem solving

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Service Orientation
Social Perceptiveness
Speaking

You value 🙏

Accomplishing things
Having freedom
Personal relationships

Deep Dive

Substance Abuse Counselor

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years