Become an Addiction Support Professional
Help individuals overcome substance use challenges through counseling, recovery support, and patient advocacy.
What Is Addictions?
The Addictions program prepares students to support individuals affected by substance use disorders by teaching foundational addiction knowledge and recovery support principles.
Addiction support professionals work in clinical and community settings alongside counselors and care teams, assisting with client engagement, documentation, crisis support, and access to recovery resources.
What You'll Learn in Addictions Training
Core Skills
- Motivational interviewing basics
- Crisis de-escalation
- Client support and engagement
- Case documentation
- Resource coordination
- Professional boundaries
Safety & Compliance
- HIPAA compliance
- Confidentiality standards
- Trauma-informed care principles
- Ethical decision-making
- Safety awareness
Tools & Technology
- Electronic documentation systems
- Client tracking tools
- Telehealth support platforms where applicable
Admissions Requirements for Addictions Training
Most Addictions programs have accessible entry requirements designed to help motivated students start their career.
Requirements vary by program and training provider. Career-Bond partners will confirm specific requirements during enrollment.
Certifications for Addictions
This program prepares you for nationally recognized certifications that employers value.
Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS)
NCCBHP
Exam Focus: Peer recovery coaching principles, ethics, and recovery support practices
Behavioral Health Technician (BHT)
NAADAC
Exam Focus: Behavioral health support skills, client interaction, documentation, treatment environment practices
Mental Health First Aid
National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Exam Focus: Crisis recognition, response, and referral skills
Certification requirements vary by state and employer. Career-Bond partners will help you understand the requirements in your area.
Addictions Salary & Job Outlook
Demand remains strong as communities expand addiction treatment, prevention, and recovery services
Career Outlook for Addictions
Work Settings
Treatment centers; Community mental health programs; Hospitals; Rehab facilities; Social service agencies
Advancement Path
Advance into senior recovery roles, case management, or pursue additional education toward counseling or social work licensure
What Is the Difference Between Addictions and Alcohol & Drug Counseling?
TL;DR: Addictions emphasizes broad recovery support, while Alcohol & Drug Counseling focuses more on counseling techniques and clinical intervention
The Addictions program provides a broad foundation in substance use disorders and recovery support across multiple settings. Alcohol & Drug Counseling programs typically place greater emphasis on counseling theory, client assessment, ethical guidelines, and structured clinical intervention. Choose Addictions for a flexible entry point into behavioral health support roles. Choose Alcohol & Drug Counseling for a more counseling-focused pathway.
Foundational understanding of substance use disorders and recovery support
Clinical counseling, assessment, and structured treatment for substance use disorders
Short-term to moderate training depending on role and setting
Moderate training often tied to certification or licensure requirements
Recovery support, client communication, case coordination, relapse awareness
Counseling techniques, client assessment, treatment planning, documentation
Entry-level behavioral health or recovery support credentials
State-recognized counseling certifications and supervised practice pathways
Community programs, recovery centers, behavioral health facilities
Treatment centers, outpatient clinics, detox and rehabilitation programs
Supportive and motivational interaction focused on recovery assistance
Direct therapeutic interaction through individual and group counseling
Basic clinical documentation systems and case management tools
Electronic health records, assessment tools, and clinical documentation systems
Pathway into behavioral health roles or further clinical education
Advancement into licensed counselor or senior clinical roles
Individuals seeking a flexible entry point into behavioral health support
Those aiming to provide direct counseling and structured treatment services
Addictions
Individuals seeking a flexible entry point into behavioral health support.
Alcohol & Drug Counseling
Those aiming to provide direct counseling and structured treatment services.
Benefits of Addictions Training
Addictions Student Reviews
"The training helped me understand addiction and gave me the tools to support clients with compassion."
"I learned real crisis intervention and communication skills I use every day on the job."
"Being part of someone's recovery journey is challenging and incredibly rewarding."
Addictions FAQs
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