Alcohol and drug counselor vs addictions counselor

The differences between alcohol and drug counselors and addictions counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both an alcohol and drug counselor and an addictions counselor. Additionally, an addictions counselor has an average salary of $47,226, which is higher than the $45,758 average annual salary of an alcohol and drug counselor.

The top three skills for an alcohol and drug counselor include patients, social work and crisis intervention. The most important skills for an addictions counselor are patients, social work, and chemical dependency.

Alcohol and drug counselor vs addictions counselor overview

	Alcohol And Drug Counselor	Addictions Counselor
Yearly salary	$45,758	$47,226
Hourly rate	$22.00	$22.70
Growth rate	-	12%
Number of jobs	77,461	79,459
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 53%	Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Average age	39	39
Years of experience	6	6

What does an alcohol and drug counselor do?

A drug & alcohol counselor treats addicts in either one-on-one or group settings. They help by educating and developing possible treatment plans for patients to support them in coping with their addictive personalities. A drug and alcohol counselor will evaluate to determine the progress has been successfully made towards recovery. They help patients better understand and overcome their addictions. Counselors help through offering support, rehabilitation, and guidance by using various techniques. Drug & alcohol counselors seek to help an addict find the source of their addiction.

What does an addictions counselor do?

An Addictions Counselor helps patients overcome personal addiction problems, such as dependence on drugs, alcohol, and other substances. They evaluate the condition of their client through examining, asking questions, and recommending the proper treatment options.

Alcohol and drug counselor vs addictions counselor salary

Alcohol and drug counselors and addictions counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Alcohol And Drug Counselor	Addictions Counselor
Average salary	$45,758	$47,226
Salary range	Between $30,000 And $68,000	Between $32,000 And $68,000
Highest paying City	Santa Rosa, CA	Philadelphia, PA
Highest paying state	California	Pennsylvania
Best paying company	Montage Health	Wellpath
Best paying industry	Professional	Non Profits

Differences between alcohol and drug counselor and addictions counselor education

There are a few differences between an alcohol and drug counselor and an addictions counselor in terms of educational background:

	Alcohol And Drug Counselor	Addictions Counselor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 53%	Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Most common major	Psychology	Psychology
Most common college	California State University - Long Beach	Hunter College of the City University of New York

Alcohol and drug counselor vs addictions counselor demographics

Here are the differences between alcohol and drug counselors' and addictions counselors' demographics:

	Alcohol And Drug Counselor	Addictions Counselor
Average age	39	39
Gender ratio	Male, 37.5% Female, 62.5%	Male, 35.4% Female, 64.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 4.6% White, 63.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%	Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 4.6% White, 63.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	12%	12%

Differences between alcohol and drug counselor and addictions counselor duties and responsibilities

Alcohol and drug counselor example responsibilities.

Plan and implement follow-up and aftercare programs for clients to be discharge from treatment programs.
Practice cognitive behavioral, motivational enhancement and structural family therapy.
front office, counseling and aftercare.
Administer UA test onsite and send out.
Improve IOP successful completion rate while facilitating seven groups per week.
Collect and organize statistical data as required by DASA, and NEWTA.

Addictions counselor example responsibilities.

Ensure and manage the compliance with Didi Hirsch policies and procedures, contracts and other regulatory agencies, HIPAA and DMH.
Develop treatment plans and recommend a level of care within ASAM and DSM-IV guidelines, and approve requirements.
Restore patients to productive roles by educating them about available community base organizations, and social and employment services.
Perform initial evaluations and intakes, make eligibility determinations, conduct rehabilitation planning and problem solving, and counseling.
Provide drug, alcohol, and rehabilitation counseling and education in a residential therapeutic community for female drug offenders.
Serve as an advocate for family with private/public school-relate agencies (IEP meetings/education plans).

Alcohol and drug counselor vs addictions counselor skills

Common alcohol and drug counselor skills

Patients, 15%
Social Work, 11%
Crisis Intervention, 8%
Rehabilitation, 7%
Substance Abuse Treatment, 6%
Treatment Services, 6%

Common addictions counselor skills

Patients, 18%
Social Work, 12%
Chemical Dependency, 6%
Crisis Intervention, 6%
Substance Abuse Treatment, 5%
Intake Assessments, 4%

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Alcohol And Drug Counselor
Alcohol And Drug Counselor vs Addictions Counselor

Updated January 8, 2025

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