Community & Social Service
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
Also called: Addictions Counselor, CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor), Case Manager, Chemical Dependency Counselor (CD Counselor)
US median pay
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not published
Job growth 2025–35
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Openings a year (US)
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Typical entry education
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Preparation 5/5 · Extensive preparation
What this job is
Counsel and advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug, or other problems, such as gambling and eating disorders. May counsel individuals, families, or groups or engage in prevention programs.
What they do day to day
- Counsel clients or patients, individually or in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, or making changes.
- Attend training sessions to increase knowledge and skills.
- Develop client treatment plans based on research, clinical experience, and client histories.
- Complete and maintain accurate records or reports regarding the patients' histories and progress, services provided, or other required information.
- Review and evaluate clients' progress in relation to measurable goals described in treatment and care plans.
- Plan or implement follow-up or aftercare programs for clients to be discharged from treatment programs.
- Intervene as an advocate for clients or patients to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
- Coordinate counseling efforts with mental health professionals or other health professionals, such as doctors, nurses, or social workers.
- Interview clients, review records, and confer with other professionals to evaluate individuals' mental and physical condition and to determine their suitability for participation in a specific program.
- Participate in case conferences or staff meetings.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Social Perceptiveness4.2/5
- Service Orientation3.9/5
- Persuasion3.9/5
- Coordination3.9/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.8/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.8/5
- Systems Evaluation3.4/5
- Negotiation3.4/5
Knowledge
- Therapy and Counseling4.7/5
- Psychology4.7/5
- English Language4.3/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.0/5
- Sociology and Anthropology3.8/5
- Education and Training3.7/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 5 of 5 — Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree (master's, PhD, MD, JD) and extensive experience.
Who this job suits
Mostly Social
Helping, teaching and caring for people
Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.