How to Become an Addiction Counselor

Addiction is a complex and difficult issue that affects countless individuals and their loved ones, with more than 40 million people in the United States having a substance use disorder in 2020, according to the National Insitute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). However, only 6.5% of them received treatment.

Addiction counselors are an important tool to help individuals overcome substance use problems and achieve long-term recovery.

Requirements to become an addiction counselor vary by state. Most require at least a bachelor’s degree, clinical experience, exams, and certification by the state’s licensing board.

Learn more about addiction counseling, job requirements, and projected career outlook.

While certification and/or licensure requirements vary by state, most require addiction counselors to have at least a bachelor’s degree, obtain a certain amount of clinical experience, and pass a certification exam.

Understanding your state’s educational and licensure requirements is the first step in becoming an addiction counselor.

Requirements can vary significantly by state, so it’s important to research your state’s specific guidelines and standards to pursue a career in addiction counseling.

In many states, a bachelor’s degree in addiction counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field is the minimum requirement for working as an addiction counselor. However, other states require a master’s degree.

Certain states only require addiction counselors to have a high school diploma or equivalent or associate degree. However, those who have their bachelor’s or master’s degrees can qualify for more advanced positions and higher pay.

After earning your degree, you will be required to gain practical experience in the field through an internship or fieldwork under the supervision of a licensed addiction counselor. Each state has a different number of required hours.

Some states also require individuals to earn a master’s degree to pursue a career in addiction counseling. In states without this requirement, pursuing a master’s degree can unlock advanced roles and higher salary potential.

“A master’s degree may not be needed at all,” says Rayelle Davis, licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC). “Most states allow for undergraduate-level addiction counselors. You will need a master’s degree to provide counseling for mental health conditions or to have your own practice.”

After you have completed all educational and field training requirements, you can apply for state certification or licensure. Each state has different requirements, which may include a certain number of clinical hours and/or passing an exam.

Each state also has its own term for addiction counselors who have met all state requirements. Working as a counselor in one state may require a master’s degree, but in another state, you may qualify with a high school diploma.

Once you’ve achieved licensure or certification, you may need to periodically renew it by completing continuous education requirements to stay current with the latest developments in the field.

Addiction counselors help people address the underlying psychological causes of excessive drug and alcohol use by conducting one-on-one sessions and building trust with their clients.

They also support friends and family members of people living with addiction, helping them understand their loved one’s condition and offering guidance on providing support.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, addiction counselors have several roles, including:

“You want to consider what type of work environment is best for you,” says Davis. “Inpatient rehabilitation programs operate 24/7 compared to outpatient treatment centers that have traditional working hours.”

The median annual salary for addiction, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is $53,710 as of May 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), slightly exceeding the median annual salary of $48,060 for all U.S. jobs.

The Bureau projects employment for this group of professionals to grow by 19% between 2023 and 2033, far exceeding the 4% average for all occupations.

For better salaries in this field, consider Alaska, Utah, Washington, D.C., and New Jersey, whose salaries range from $77,430 to $67,750, according to the BLS. State, local, and private hospitals generally offer higher wages than health practitioners’ offices, substance use centers, and residential substance use facilities.

With any career, there are pros and cons to consider. Whether becoming an addiction counselor is a good idea will depend on your personal strengths, interests, and preferences.

For some, this role will be incredibly rewarding and engaging. Others may find addiction counseling emotionally exhausting and intimidating.