Become an Alcohol & Drug Counselor
Support individuals in recovery by providing counseling, education, and evidence-based strategies for overcoming substance use challenges.
What Is Alcohol & Drug Counseling?
The Alcohol & Drug Counseling program trains students to provide structured counseling and support services to individuals experiencing substance use disorders, with a focus on evidence-based treatment approaches.
Alcohol & Drug Counselors work directly with clients in clinical and community-based settings, conducting assessments, facilitating counseling sessions, documenting progress, and collaborating with treatment teams.
What You'll Learn in Alcohol & Drug Counseling Training
Core Skills
- Client assessment fundamentals
- Motivational interviewing
- Group and individual counseling basics
- Relapse prevention planning
- Case management
- Professional communication and boundaries
Safety & Compliance
- HIPAA compliance
- Ethical counseling standards
- Client confidentiality
- Crisis response protocols
- Professional conduct
Tools & Technology
- Electronic health records
- Client documentation systems
- Screening and assessment tools
- Telehealth platforms where applicable
Admissions Requirements for Alcohol & Drug Counseling Training
Most Alcohol & Drug Counseling 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 Alcohol & Drug Counseling
This program prepares you for nationally recognized certifications that employers value.
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC or CADC-I)
State certification boards
Exam Focus: Addiction counseling theory, assessment, treatment planning, ethics
Mental Health First Aid
National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Exam Focus: Crisis recognition, response, and referral skills
CPR or BLS Certification
American Heart Association
Exam Focus: Basic life support and emergency response
Certification requirements vary by state and employer. Career-Bond partners will help you understand the requirements in your area.
Alcohol & Drug Counseling Salary & Job Outlook
Demand remains strong due to expanded treatment access, prevention efforts, and recovery programs nationwide
Career Outlook for Alcohol & Drug Counseling
Work Settings
Rehabilitation centers; Outpatient clinics; Detox units; Recovery housing; Community behavioral health agencies
Advancement Path
Advance into senior counseling roles, supervision, program management, or pursue advanced licensure or degrees
What Is the Difference Between Alcohol & Drug Counseling and Addictions?
TL;DR: Alcohol & Drug Counseling is counseling-focused and clinical, while Addictions provides broader recovery support and foundational addiction education
The Alcohol & Drug Counseling program emphasizes hands-on counseling, assessment, and treatment planning used in recovery settings. The Addictions program focuses more on general addiction knowledge and recovery support across settings without the same level of clinical counseling depth. Choose Alcohol & Drug Counseling if you want direct client counseling responsibilities. Choose Addictions if you want a broader entry point into behavioral health support roles.
Direct counseling, assessment, and structured treatment for substance use disorders
Foundational understanding of addiction and recovery support across settings
Moderate training aligned with counseling certification requirements
Short-term to moderate training depending on support role
Individual and group counseling, client assessment, treatment planning, documentation
Recovery support, motivational communication, case coordination, relapse awareness
State counseling certifications and supervised licensure pathways
Entry-level behavioral health or recovery support credentials
Rehabilitation centers, outpatient treatment programs, detox facilities
Community programs, recovery centers, behavioral health organizations
High direct interaction through therapeutic counseling relationships
Supportive interaction focused on motivation and recovery assistance
Electronic health records, assessment instruments, clinical documentation systems
Basic documentation platforms and case management tools
Advancement into licensed counselor or senior clinical treatment roles
Pathway into behavioral health roles or further clinical education
Individuals seeking hands-on counseling responsibilities in treatment settings
Those looking for a broad entry point into behavioral health support roles
Alcohol & Drug Counseling
Individuals seeking hands-on counseling responsibilities in treatment settings.
Addictions
Those looking for a broad entry point into behavioral health support roles.
Benefits of Alcohol & Drug Counseling Training
Alcohol & Drug Counseling Student Reviews
"My training helped me support clients with compassion and practical tools that work."
"Career-Bond matched me with a program that prepared me for certification and hands-on counseling work."
"I'm grateful to help people through some of the hardest moments of their lives."
Alcohol & Drug Counseling FAQs
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