Explore This Path

Substance Abuse Counselor

💰 Earn $48K-$90K

📚 Bachelor Degree

⏱️ 48 Month Training

📈 16.8% Job Growth

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.

What Substance Abuse Counselors DoCounsel 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.

Substance Abuse Counselors Education, Salary, and Growth

Minimum EducationBachelor Degree

Career ProspectsExcellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training TimeOver 4 years

Job Openings48,300 Annually

Median Earnings

$61,310 in California

$59,190 Nationally

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Only you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.

Real Talk Reel

We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life of this career.

@.riahanne

Is This Career Right For You?

YOU Like

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

you value

Accomplishing things
Having freedom
Personal relationships

you are skilled in

Speaking
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Social Perceptiveness
Service Orientation

Go Deeper: Substance Abuse Counselors Explained

Substance Abuse CounselorExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

How Do You Train for This Career?

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

Associate's DegreeAn 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 DegreeA 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 SchoolA 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

Workforce Development ProgramA workforce development program typically enhances participants' opportunities to succeed in the workforce through employment skill-building, career counseling, connections to employers, and pathways to high-demand and high-wage jobs.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years

Professional UpskillingProfessional upskilling typically results in acquiring new or enhanced skills and knowledge relevant to a participant's current job or desired career path, leading to improved job performance, opportunities for career advancement, and greater employability.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 1 week - 3 months

ApprenticeshipAn apprenticeship typically offers a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and the potential for long-term employment in a specific trade or profession.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ Finish in 2-5 years

Fellowship or Service ProgramA fellowship or service program typically provides individuals with opportunities to engage in meaningful community service or social impact work, while encouraging personal growth, developing leadership skills, and creating positive change in society.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ Finish in 1-3 years

Technology BootcampA technology bootcamp typically offers intensive training in specific tech skills, preparing participants for entry-level roles in the tech industry in a relatively short period of time.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in Less than a year

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What Is the Education & Counseling Industry?