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Drug Addiction Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Summit BHC

$45K - $60K/yr

The Counselor Two provides treatment, counseling, and support to assist clients in their recovery from addictions, such as alcoholism, drug addiction, or mental health disorders, assists with ...

Renewing Me Solutions

PT Addiction Counselor

Parkville, MD · On-site

$43K - $57K/yr

Job Summary The Addiction Counselor plays a vital role in supporting individuals struggling with ... Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor in the state of Maryland and/or LCPC, LCSW-C ...

Tadiso Incorporated

Addiction Counselor

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$38K - $42K/yr

Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC), Certified Associate Addictions Counselor (CAAC), Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS), or relevant credential. * Licensure as an LPC, LSW, LCSW, ...

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Drug Addiction Counselor information

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$54.2K

$71K

How much do drug addiction counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for drug addiction counselor in the United States is $54,226.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $61,000.00 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.
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What states have the most Drug Addiction Counselor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Drug Addiction Counselor jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Drug Addiction Counselor jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Drug Addiction Counselor jobs are:

Drug Addiction Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drug Addiction Counselor job openings in the United States 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 $54,226 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Addiction Counselor

Sunshine Behavioral Health

Monument, CO • On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Role Summary:
The Addiction Counselor is responsible for assessing and monitoring client behavior while in treatment for substance use. In collaboration with the Clinical Director and Clinical Supervisor, the Addiction Counselor is responsible for case management services, facilitating group therapy, providing crisis management, AOD assessment treatment planning and counseling, and completing discharge planning. Please note: You will not be considered for this role unless you are a Certified Addiction Specialist.



Responsibilities:

  • Develop, recommend, and review AOD treatment plans and goals with clients and/or their families.
  • Initiate and facilitate individual and group therapy sessions and document all processes in the EMR platform.
  • Provide referrals and resources to support the client’s recovery while in treatment while collaborating with the Therapist.
  • Develop and implement appropriate discharge planning with client and/or their families.
  • Record client health information in the EMR platform and complete timely thorough documentation.
  • Support clients with case management services including FMLA/STD matters and submit them through the appropriate channel.
  • Participate in consultation and collaboration with other care team members and treatment professionals.
  • Respond to emergencies and initiate action as required.
  • Attend and participate in staff meetings and monthly trainings.


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Possess experience and/or education of chemical and alcohol dependency and abuse.
  • Possess experience and/or education in crisis management.
  • Ability to use motivational interviewing to reinforce client’s power to make change.
  • Possess knowledge of HIPAA.
  • The candidate will show skills and competency in working with clients, from undertaking clinical assessments, planning and delivery of care to review of effective methods of interventions, in order to shape continuing service provision which will meet the needs of individuals.
  • Preferred candidates should be able to work well within a team and independently, effective communication skills, time management, ability to problem solve, and strong professional boundaries.
  • Preferred candidate must be sensitive to religious, ethnic, and cultural differences.
  • Knowledge of CBT, DBT, 12-step recovery, and other evidence-based theories is a plus.


Minimum Requirements:

  • CAS ( Certified Addiction Specialist) Must be certified to be considered for this role.
  • Bachelors Degree
  • Valid Driver’s License
  • Current CPR and First Aid Certification
  • Must successfully complete Background Check, Drug Screen, and TB Test