Substance abuse counselor vs addictions counselor

The differences between substance abuse 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 a substance abuse counselor and an addictions counselor. Additionally, an addictions counselor has an average salary of $47,226, which is higher than the $43,069 average annual salary of a substance abuse counselor.

The top three skills for a substance abuse counselor include patients, substance abuse treatment and social work. The most important skills for an addictions counselor are patients, social work, and chemical dependency.

Substance abuse counselor vs addictions counselor overview

	Substance Abuse Counselor	Addictions Counselor
Yearly salary	$43,069	$47,226
Hourly rate	$20.71	$22.70
Growth rate	-	12%
Number of jobs	78,643	79,459
Job satisfaction	5	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 57%	Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Average age	39	39
Years of experience	6	6

What does a substance abuse counselor do?

Substance abuse counselors act as a support system for people with drug and alcohol problems and other behavioral issues. They help the patients control their behavior until they achieve a full recovery. The mental health counselors aid patients to overcome their chemical dependencies and become self-sufficient individuals. Part of their duty includes meeting clients to evaluate their health and substance issues while creating goals and treatment plans. They teach clients coping mechanisms, refer them to support groups, and engage them in group therapy sessions. Once the patient is stable, they help them re-establish their careers and give updates and reports of progress to the courts. Requirements for the job include a master's degree in counseling and social work.

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.

Substance abuse counselor vs addictions counselor salary

Substance abuse counselors and addictions counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Substance Abuse Counselor	Addictions Counselor
Average salary	$43,069	$47,226
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $67,000	Between $32,000 And $68,000
Highest paying City	Trenton, NJ	Philadelphia, PA
Highest paying state	New Hampshire	Pennsylvania
Best paying company	Erlanger Health System	Wellpath
Best paying industry	Non Profits	Non Profits

Differences between substance abuse counselor and addictions counselor education

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

	Substance Abuse Counselor	Addictions Counselor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 57%	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

Substance abuse counselor vs addictions counselor demographics

Here are the differences between substance abuse counselors' and addictions counselors' demographics:

	Substance Abuse Counselor	Addictions Counselor
Average age	39	39
Gender ratio	Male, 34.3% Female, 65.7%	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 substance abuse counselor and addictions counselor duties and responsibilities

Substance abuse counselor example responsibilities.

Ensure and manage the compliance with Didi Hirsch policies and procedures, contracts and other regulatory agencies, HIPAA and DMH.
Conduct group check-in and co-lead group psychotherapy sessions to help clients identify and manage problems associate with psychiatric conditions.
Perform assessment of patients using ASAM criteria and recommendation for appropriate level of programming.
Process detox patient admissions on computer system which include - conducting alcohol and drug assessment, taking psycho/social history.
Provide clinical services, patient care, education and opiate addiction counseling services to patients receiving methadone maintenance and detoxification treatment.
Certify for first aid and CPR.

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).

Substance abuse counselor vs addictions counselor skills

Common substance abuse counselor skills

Patients, 16%
Substance Abuse Treatment, 11%
Social Work, 8%
Crisis Intervention, 8%
Intake Assessments, 5%
Rehabilitation, 4%

Common addictions counselor skills

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

Substance Abuse Counselor vs. similar jobs

Substance Abuse Counselor related careers

Substance Abuse Counselor related jobs

Substance Abuse Counselor jobs by location

Zippia Careers
Community and Social Services Industry
Substance Abuse Counselor
Substance Abuse Counselor vs Addictions Counselor

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse community and social services jobs