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Drug Addiction Counselor Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

All JobsDrug Addiction Counselor JobsDrug Addiction Counselor Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Drug Addiction Counselor information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$31.6K

$52.7K

$69K

How much do drug addiction counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for drug addiction counselor in Raleigh, NC is $52,712.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,200.00 and $59,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a drug addiction counselor do?

A Drug Addiction Counselor helps individuals struggling with substance abuse by providing guidance, support, and treatment planning. They conduct assessments, develop personalized recovery plans, and offer individual or group counseling sessions. Counselors also educate clients and their families about addiction, help them identify triggers, and teach coping strategies for long-term recovery. Additionally, they may coordinate with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drug addiction counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drug Addiction Counselor, you need a background in psychology, counseling, or social work, often supported by a relevant degree and state certification or licensure. Familiarity with assessment tools, treatment planning software, and evidence-based addiction intervention methods is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and resilience help counselors build trust and support clients through challenging situations. These skills and qualifications are crucial for effectively guiding individuals toward recovery and ensuring positive treatment outcomes.

What are some common challenges drug addiction counselors face when supporting clients through recovery?

Drug Addiction Counselors often encounter challenges such as clients experiencing setbacks or relapses, resistance to treatment, and navigating complex emotional or mental health issues. Building trust with clients can take time, and counselors must use motivational interviewing and empathy to encourage progress. Additionally, collaborating with families, healthcare providers, and support groups is essential to create a comprehensive recovery plan. Continuous professional development and self-care are important to manage the emotional demands of the role.

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

AspectDrug Addiction CounselorSubstance Abuse Counselor
CredentialsCertification (e.g., CADC), relevant degreesCertification (e.g., CAC, CADC), relevant degrees
Work EnvironmentClinics, rehab centers, hospitalsCommunity agencies, outpatient programs, rehab centers
Industry UsageHealthcare, mental health servicesBehavioral health, social services
Common Search IntentDrug Addiction Counselor vs Substance Abuse Counselor

Both roles involve helping individuals overcome substance-related issues, often requiring similar certifications and working in healthcare or community settings. The terms are frequently used interchangeably, but 'Drug Addiction Counselor' specifically emphasizes addiction to drugs, while 'Substance Abuse Counselor' covers a broader range of substances, including alcohol and drugs.

How much do drug addiction counselors make a year?

Drug addiction counselors typically earn a median annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, location, and work setting. Salaries can increase with additional certifications, advanced degrees, and specialized skills in counseling or therapy tools.

How to be a drug addiction counselor?

To become a drug addiction counselor, you typically need a relevant bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, along with specialized training in addiction counseling. Certification or licensure, such as the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), is often required and involves completing supervised clinical hours and passing an exam. Strong communication skills, empathy, 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, and offers opportunities in healthcare, mental health, and social services settings. The profession can be emotionally demanding but provides meaningful work and job stability due to ongoing demand for addiction treatment services.

What degree is best for a drug addiction counselor?

A drug addiction counselor typically benefits from a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field. Many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree in counseling or a similar discipline, along with relevant certification or licensure. Education combined with supervised experience and certification enhances job prospects in this field.

What are popular job titles related to Drug Addiction Counselor jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Drug Addiction Counselor jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drug Addiction Counselor jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Drug Addiction Counselor jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Drug Addiction Counselor jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Drug Addiction Counselor job openings:

Drug Addiction Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drug Addiction Counselor job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,712 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER COUNSELOR - 40010879

Durham County

Durham, NC • On-site

$21.50 - $29/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Durham County Government employs approximately 1,900 employees that work towards providing needed services throughout the community. With a wide array of services, Durham County Government is at the heart of a rapidly growing and diverse area offering residents, employees and visitors exciting opportunities to live, work, grow and play. For more information about Durham County Government, visit www.dconc.gov
DEPARTMENT:
JUSTICE SERVICES
DATE POSTED:
DECEMBER 5, 2025
CLOSING DATE:
OPEN UNTIL FILLED
HIRING RANGE:
$55,366.00 - $66,000.00
POSITION NUMBER:
40010879
JOB TYPE:
FULL-TIME, NONEXEMPT, PROVISIONAL
**THIS POSITION IS PROVISIONAL (GRANT) AND BENEFITS ELIGIBLE WITH POTENTIAL FUNDING UNTIL SEPTEMBER 29, 2028**
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The work performed is professional and provides counseling to clients to develop their cognitive, behavioral, and social skills related to the treatment plan for their substance use addiction(s) and behavioral health needs.
This position works under general supervision.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.
  • Assists clients develop their cognitive, behavioral, social, and vocational skills as those skills relate to the treatment plan for their substance abuse addiction(s).
  • Screens clients who are referred for addictive and/or psychological disorders. Uses standardized tools to screen clients and conduct intakes, orientations, and assessments (social, educational, cultural, psychological, physical, career, and familial histories).
  • Develops individual treatment plans (daily regimens, behavioral goals, and after care); conducting individual and group counseling sessions; performing crisis interventions; providing client education and making referrals.
  • Collaborates with community-based agencies to assist in providing enhanced services for clients in the community.
  • Performs case management including record-keeping and report submissions to the supervisor and the treatment team.
  • Develops and completes person-centered plan with intake or comprehensive clinical assessment. Provides and engages clients in individual counseling in accordance with their person-centered treatment plan.
  • Serves as a member of the facility's multidisciplinary team and provides an initial diagnosis, recommended treatment, and follow-up and discharge plans.
  • Uses discretion and judgment to determine a substance use diagnosis.
  • Conducts psycho-educational groups using evidenced based treatment models when assigned.
  • Works exclusively with the Justice Services involved populations who have diagnosable substance use disorders (and often co-occurring mental health conditions).
  • Performs related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Knowledge and application of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) for diagnosing substance use disorders.
  • Knowledge of addiction processes, including psychological and physical withdrawal.
  • Knowledge of psycho-pharmacy and drug interactions.
  • Knowledge and application of therapeutic approaches including group dynamics, crisis interventions, and family therapy.
  • Knowledge of community resources.
  • Skilled in evaluating and screening clients for appropriate treatment and referrals.
  • Skilled in formulating clear, goal-oriented treatment plans, and to concisely record documentation.
  • Skilled in developing and maintaining effective communication and rapport with clients, their families, and other health/therapy providers.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Requires credentials as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) or as a Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional (CCJP) with a minimum of two (2) years of clinical experience to practice under the provisions of the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Act.
Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS), Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist - Associate (LCAS-A), Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC or LCMHC-S), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW or LCSW-A) or Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA) with substance abuse work experience of two (2) years will be considered.
SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIREMENTS:
  • None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.
UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT):
  • None

Durham County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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