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Addiction Nursing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Addiction Nursing information

See California salary details

$54.8K

$107.3K

$168.3K

How much do addiction nursing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for addiction nursing in California is $107,252.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,900.00 and $123,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is addiction nursing?

Addiction nursing is a specialized field of nursing focused on caring for individuals who are struggling with substance use disorders or behavioral addictions. Addiction nurses provide support, education, and treatment to patients as they undergo detoxification, rehabilitation, and recovery. These nurses work as part of multidisciplinary teams in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and community health settings. Their responsibilities include administering medications, monitoring withdrawal symptoms, offering counseling, and helping patients develop strategies for long-term recovery.

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

To thrive as an Addiction Nurse, you need a solid foundation in nursing practice, substance abuse assessment, and mental health care, typically supported by an RN license and specialized training in addiction medicine. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), medication-assisted treatment protocols, and relevant certifications such as Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN) is often required. Compassion, strong communication, and resilience are vital soft skills for building trust with patients and supporting their recovery journeys. These skills and qualifications are crucial for delivering effective, empathetic care and promoting positive outcomes in the challenging field of addiction treatment.

What are some common challenges faced by addiction nurses, and how can they effectively manage them?

Addiction nurses frequently encounter emotionally charged situations, including supporting patients through withdrawal symptoms and relapse. Managing compassion fatigue and maintaining clear professional boundaries can be challenging but is essential for providing consistent care. Effective strategies include participating in regular debriefings with colleagues, seeking supervision when needed, and engaging in ongoing professional development related to trauma-informed care. Building strong interdisciplinary relationships with counselors, social workers, and physicians also helps ensure comprehensive support for patients and reduces the burden on individual nurses.

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

AspectAddiction NursingSubstance Abuse Counselor
Required CredentialsRN license, certification in addiction nursing (e.g., ANCC)State certification or licensure as a counselor, often with a CAC or similar credential
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, detox centers, inpatient and outpatient settingsRehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, community programs
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, healthcare facilities, specialized addiction treatment unitsCommunity health agencies, private practices, rehab centers

While both roles focus on supporting individuals with substance use issues, Addiction Nurses provide medical care, administer medications, and monitor health in clinical settings. Substance Abuse Counselors primarily offer therapy, counseling, and behavioral interventions in community or outpatient environments. Both are vital in addiction treatment but serve different functions within the healthcare system.

What are popular job titles related to Addiction Nursing jobs in California?

For Addiction Nursing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Addiction Nursing jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Addiction Nursing jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Addiction Nursing jobs?

Cities in California with the most Addiction Nursing job openings:

Infographic showing various Addiction Nursing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 22% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,252 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

$230/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Addiction Psychiatrist - Kern County, CA (#R10039)

Must have board certification or board eligibility in Addiction Psychiatry

Greenlife Healthcare Staffing is seeking an Addiction Psychiatrist to fill an opening in the KernBHRS department that provides specialty behavioral health services to Medi-Cal recipients and uninsured, located in Kern County, CA.

Schedule of the Addiction Psychiatrist:

  • Full-Time (FTE)
    • Shift: 8-hour day
    • Weekly Hours: 40 hours
    • Activities: 14-16 medication management appointments, 4 evaluations, and 2-3 hours weekly fellowship supervision.
  • Part-Time: (PTE)
    • Shift: 4-6 hours
    • Weekly Hours: 20 - 30 hours
    • Activities: Proportional reduction in appointments (7-10 medication sessions, 2 evaluations).

Job Description:

Treating patients with co-occurring substance use disorders (SUD) and mental health conditions. This role integrates clinical care with academic leadership, as providers supervise Addiction Medicine Fellows and contribute to curriculum development for the UCLA-Kern Fellowship Program.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations for patients with opioid use disorder, alcohol dependence, stimulant addiction, and polysubstance abuse, utilizing evidence-based assessment tools such as the ASAM Criteria.
  • Design and oversee medication-assisted treatment (MAT) plans, including prescriptions for buprenorphine, naltrexone, and extended-release injectables, while monitoring for drug interactions and adherence to DEA regulations.
  • Lead weekly case consultations with multidisciplinary teams (e.g., licensed clinical social workers, and peer support specialists) to address dual-diagnosis challenges in outpatient and crisis stabilization settings.
  • Serve as attending physician for Addiction Medicine Fellows, providing didactic training on topics such as motivational interviewing, relapse prevention strategies, and harm reduction models.
  • Conduct psychiatric evaluations for patients with substance use disorders.
  • Supervise Addiction Medicine Fellows, including curriculum development and trainee evaluations.
  • Prescribe and monitor medications (e.g., buprenorphine, naltrexone) via E-prescribe.

Greenlife Healthcare Staffing is a nationwide recruitment agency, matching both new grads and advanced practitioners to hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, multi-specialty groups, and private practices.

Requirements

Requirements of the Addiction Psychiatrist:

  • Must have an active California Medical License.
  • Requires participation as a supervising attending in the Addiction Fellowship Program.
  • Must have board certification or board eligibility in Addiction Psychiatry.
  • American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) certified.

Benefits

Benefits of the Addiction Psychiatrist:

  • The salary for this position is $230/hr.
  • Sick days
  • Health insurance
  • Matching 401k

Greenlife Healthcare Staffing logo

About Greenlife Healthcare Staffing

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Greenlife Healthcare Staffing is a nationwide recruitment agency, matching both new grads and advanced practitioners to hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, multi-specialty groups, and private practices.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

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