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Addiction Counselor Jobs in Calgary, AB (NOW HIRING)

Calgary Alpha House Society

Recovery Coach

Calgary, AB

CA$24.95/hr

An understanding of addictions including withdrawal management, harm reduction, stages of change, trauma informed-care, crisis management, crisis counseling, recovery orientated systems of care and ...

Calgary Alpha House Society

Outreach Worker

Calgary, AB

CA$24.95/hr

Experience with crisis counseling and outreach for vulnerable populations * Knowledge of addictions, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and mental health * Strong interpersonal, crisis management ...

All JobsAddiction Counselor JobsAddiction Counselor Jobs in Calgary, AB

Addiction Counselor information

See Calgary, AB salary details

$27K

$46.7K

$65.5K

How much do addiction counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for addiction counselor in Calgary, AB is $46,677.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $52,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do addiction counselors make?

Addiction counselors in Georgia typically earn an average annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, certification, and work setting. Salaries can vary based on location, education level, and whether they work in outpatient or inpatient facilities. Certification as a substance abuse counselor can also influence earning potential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Addiction Counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Addiction Counselor, you need a background in psychology or counseling, state licensure or certification, and specialized training in substance abuse treatment. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), motivational interviewing techniques, and standardized assessment tools is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and cultural sensitivity are crucial for building trust and effectively supporting clients through recovery. These skills and qualifications are essential to provide ethical, evidence-based care and to foster lasting positive change in clients' lives.

What is the difference between Addiction Counselor vs Substance Abuse Counselor?

AspectAddiction CounselorSubstance Abuse Counselor
CredentialsOften requires certification or licensure (e.g., CADC, LPC)Similar certifications, often overlapping with addiction counseling
Work EnvironmentClinics, rehab centers, hospitals, community agenciesRehab centers, outpatient clinics, community health settings
Industry UsageCommonly used term for professionals helping with addiction issuesOften used interchangeably, but sometimes more focused on substance-specific treatment

Both Addiction Counselors and Substance Abuse Counselors work in similar environments and often hold comparable certifications. The main difference lies in terminology; Addiction Counselors typically have a broader focus on various addictive behaviors, while Substance Abuse Counselors may focus more specifically on substance-related issues. However, in practice, these roles are often interchangeable, and the choice of title depends on employer preference or certification specifics.

What does an addiction counselor do?

An addiction counselor helps individuals who are struggling with substance abuse or behavioral addictions. They assess clients’ needs, develop treatment plans, provide emotional support, and lead individual or group therapy sessions. Addiction counselors also educate clients and their families about addiction, help them develop coping strategies, and connect them with additional resources for recovery. Their goal is to support clients on their journey to achieve and maintain sobriety.

What are some common challenges Addiction Counselors face when working with clients, and how can they effectively address them?

Addiction Counselors often encounter challenges such as client relapse, resistance to treatment, and managing clients with co-occurring mental health disorders. Building a trusting relationship is crucial, as is maintaining patience and empathy throughout the recovery process. Counselors frequently collaborate with healthcare professionals, social workers, and families to create a supportive network for clients. Continuous professional development and self-care are important for managing the emotional demands of the role.

What is the highest paid addiction counselor?

The highest paid addiction counselors typically work in specialized settings or hold advanced certifications, with salaries reaching over $70,000 annually. Factors such as experience, location, and additional qualifications can influence earning potential significantly.

How to become a counselor for addicts?

To become an addiction counselor, individuals typically need a relevant bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, along with specialized training in addiction counseling. Many states require certification or licensure, such as Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), which involves completing supervised hours and passing an exam. Strong interpersonal skills and knowledge of addiction treatment methods are essential for success in this role.

Is addiction counseling a good career?

Addiction counseling is a rewarding career that involves helping individuals recover from substance use disorders. It typically requires relevant education, certification, and strong interpersonal skills, with job growth expected due to increasing awareness of addiction issues. The role offers opportunities for meaningful work in healthcare, mental health, and social services environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Addiction Counselor jobs in Calgary, AB? The most popular types of Addiction Counselor jobs in Calgary, AB are:
What are popular job titles related to Addiction Counselor jobs in Calgary, AB? For Addiction Counselor jobs in Calgary, AB, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Addiction Counselor jobs in Calgary, AB look for? The top searched job categories for Addiction Counselor jobs in Calgary, AB are:
Addiction Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Addiction Counselor job openings in Calgary, AB as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,677 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Substance Abuse Counselor

destinationone Consulting

Calgary, AB • On-site

Other

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

destinationone Consulting specializes in recruitment across diverse sectors, including Healthcare, Health Tech, Government, Municipalities, Non-Profits, Legal, Public Accounting, Food and more. We are proactively building a data bank for opportunities in these fields. By applying, you ensure our recruiters can quickly match you with suitable roles when they arise.

Location: Various locations across Alberta The Substance Abuse Counselor specializes in treating individuals with addiction and substance use disorders. This role focuses on helping clients achieve recovery through counseling and support. Key Responsibilities: Assess clients' substance use history and related issues.

Develop and implement individualized treatment plans. Conduct individual and group counseling sessions. Monitor clients' progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary.

Facilitate educational workshops on addiction prevention. Requirements Bachelor's or Master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, or a related field; certification in substance abuse counseling preferred. Experience in addiction treatment or recovery settings.

Strong communication and motivational interviewing skills. Disclaimer: We're proactively building a databank for opportunities in Healthcare, Health Tech, Government, Non-Profits, Legal, and more. By applying, you ensure our recruiters can quickly match you with suitable roles when they arise.

We value Integrity, Transparency, and Innovation, so we want you to know these are not active jobs. Join our network today, and we'll promptly connect you with the right opportunities when they come up. Let us help you find your next career move.

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