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Salary and Benefits

Substance Abuse Counselor
$42K-$51K / yr. (est.)
$42K
$46,739 / year
$51K
Average base salary
The salary information provided is based on data collected from various reliable sources and may vary depending on individual qualifications and other factors.

About Substance Abuse Counselor

What does a Substance Abuse Counselor do?

As Substance Abuse Counselor, we are responsible for treating patients with addictions such as drug addiction and alcohol addiction. By asking the patient some questions, we identify the root causes of their addiction and the factors that make it difficult for them to get rid of addiction. After identifying the factors, we prepare treatment plans that will help the patient to overcome addiction of excessive intake of substances such as drug and alcohol. We briefly evaluate the behaviors and history of patients to check if any phobias or traumas are causing the substance abuse. We thoroughly track the progress the patient is making in terms of recovery and if needed, make appropriate changes to the treatment plan.

Core tasks:

  • understand the problems faced by the patient through brief interview
  • identify the root causes of substance abuse
  • develop a treatment plan for patients to prevent substance abuse in the future
  • track the progress of patients and make necessary changes to the treatment plan

Insights

How Many Years of Experience Do Professionals Need Before Becoming Substance Abuse Counselor?
On average, people work 3-5 years in other positions prior to becoming a Substance Abuse Counselor.
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Substance Abuse CounselorPhiladelphia, PA - A year ago
☹ It's disheartening to know that we'll be sitting in unrelated jobs while our passion waits in the wings.
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Substance Abuse CounselorPhoenix, AZ - A year ago
Look at us, wasting years of our lives just to do what we actually want to do. Who comes up with these rules? 😡
How Long Do Substance Abuse Counselor Employees Typically Stay in Their Roles?
On average, Substance Abuse Counselors works in this position for 3-5 years across multiple employers.
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NurseHouston, TX - A year ago
I've worked with Substance Abuse Counselors in the past and they are truly dedicated professionals. It's not just about the years of experience, it's about the quality of care they provide.
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Social WorkerPhiladelphia, PA - A year ago
👍 Agreed! Substance Abuse Counselors play a crucial role in helping individuals overcome addiction. We should appreciate the work they do rather than questioning their experience.
What Is the Job Hopper Score for Substance Abuse Counselor Employees?
Frequent job changes in Substance Abuse Counselor, indicating a willingness to change companies and roles more frequently.
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LawyerHouston, TX - A year ago
Job hopping could be seen as an indication that the counselor lacks the necessary expertise and experience to handle complex legal issues related to addiction.
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TeacherMiami, FL - A year ago
🙄 I've heard about the benefits of varied experience, but shouldn't such a crucial job require stability and trustworthiness?

Career path

Path to job

Discover a Substance Abuse Counselor's areas of knowledge sorted by their majors.
Explore the list of higher education institutions that a Substance Abuse Counselor typically studied at.
Capella University
Florida State University

Path after job

Community

Demographics

What Is the Age and Gender Ratio of Substance Abuse Counselor Employees?
Gender ratio in Substance Abuse Counselor position: 0.429712674543502 Male and 0.570287325456498 Female. Age ratio in Substance Abuse Counselor position: 16-20: 9%, 21-30: 65%, 31-40: 16%, 41-50: 7%, 51-60: 3%, 60+: 0%. Substance Abuse Counselor position is predominantly female (57.0%) with the largest age group being 21-30 years old, followed by 31-40 years old.
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Substance Abuse CounselorSan Diego, CA - A year ago
I actually wish there were more men in the substance abuse counseling industry. Different perspectives can only enrich the help we provide. 🙌
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Substance Abuse CounselorSan Francisco, CA - A year ago
Great point! The gender ratio might not matter as long as they are qualified and dedicated individuals helping others overcome addiction. 🌈

Workplaces

Who Are the Top Employers for Substance Abuse Counselor?
Top employers of Substance Abuse Counselor position: Crossroads Treatment Center, Gateway Foundation, New Season. People who work in Substance Abuse Counselor position most typically go on to work for the Crossroads Treatment Center.
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Substance Abuse CounselorMiami, FL - A year ago
Why isn't Serenity Acres in the top employers list? They have the best reputation and provide excellent resources for counselors!
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Substance Abuse CounselorPhoenix, AZ - A year ago
Honestly, the top employers here aren't that great. I persinally had a horrible experience working for Crossroads Treatment Center and wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
Crossroads Treatment Center
Gateway Foundation
New Season
What Industries Does Substance Abuse Counselor Typically Have Experience In?
Industry Background: The most typical industries of Substance Abuse Counselor: Health Care, Religious / Grantmaking / Civic, Public Administration, Education, Professional / Scientific / Technical. Substance Abuse Counselor employees most likely come from a Health Care industry background.
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Substance Abuse CounselorHouston, TX - A year ago
I find it disheartening that the stigma surrounding addiction often extends to the clients we work with. Society needs a shift in perspective, and we need to create a more compassionate and understanding environment for those seeking help.
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Substance Abuse CounselorMiami, FL - A year ago
Hey y'all, let's not forget that being a Substance Abuse Counselor is about hope and second chances! It may be tough, but seeing someone recover and rebuild their life is the most rewarding feeling ever! 🌟

Find your job as Substance Abuse Counselor

Discussion about Substance Abuse Counselor

Want to know more about Substance Abuse Counselor position?
Share your thoughts and ideas about Substance Abuse Counselor position with others in our community.
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What is the women/men ratio in the job of Substance Abuse Counselor?
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Isabella Holmes3 years ago
55% are women in this profession.
What is the typical age to work as a Substance Abuse Counselor?
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Liam Brown3 years ago
The typical age is 28 for a Substance Abuse Counselor.
Do I need a lot of experience to be a Substance Abuse Counselor?
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Benjamin Gardner3 years ago
You should work for 4 years on average to become a Substance Abuse Counselor.
Which industries should a Substance Abuse Counselor consider working in?
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Benjamin Gardner3 years ago
Health Care employs the most.
Is it encouraged to have a degree as a Substance Abuse Counselor?
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Liam Brown3 years ago
You should be fine with a Bachelor of Arts degree
As a Substance Abuse Counselor, which company should I definitely check out for jobs?
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Sophie Hayes3 years ago
If you are a Substance Abuse Counselor you should definitely apply for Crossroads Treatment Center, Gateway Foundation, New Season and Spectrum Health Systems
How many years of experience as a Substance Abuse Counselor is needed in average to switch to another position?
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Liam Brown3 years ago
A Substance Abuse Counselor typically moves on after 4 years
How common is it for a Substance Abuse Counselor to jump from company to company?
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Sophie Hayes3 years ago
Getting experience working for multiple companies is typical for a Substance Abuse Counselor.
From which job titles people come from to work as a Substance Abuse Counselor?
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Benjamin Gardner3 years ago
Counselor, Case Manager or Mental Health Counselor are the typical prior positions for a Substance Abuse Counselor
If I’m working as a Substance Abuse Counselor, what next position could I have?
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Sophie Hayes3 years ago
Changing from a Substance Abuse Counselor to Counselor, Case Manager or Therapist is a typical career path.
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