Entering into the profession of counseling brings with it many questions, one of which includes: How does a Drug and Alcohol Counselor Certification stack up against consultation credentials? It all comes down to the type of concentration, what type of training is required, and what type of job you are going to get with certification. A Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor focuses on addiction therapy, while credentials such as behavioral health counselor certification and general counseling licenses validate skills for a wider range of mental health jobs.
In this blog, we discuss how these certifications differ, what an Alcohol and Drug Counseling Certification offers that others do not, and how an Alcohol and Drug Counseling Certification compares to other credentials in order to help aspiring professionals make the right choice for the path they want to take.
What is Drug and Alcohol Counselor Certification?
A drug and alcohol counselor certification is a professional credential that focuses on the treatment of those who have substance abuse disorders. These counselors offer therapy and support and also relapse prevention to those clients who struggle with alcohol or drug dependency.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) describes employment growth of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors as “much faster than the average for all occupations” and estimates it will be 18% from 2022 to 2032. The certification is in high demand due to this ascertained need for specialization in addiction counseling.
How is Alcohol and Drug Counseling Certification different from Substance Abuse Counselor Certification?
Here is how:
Alcohol and Drug Counseling Certification: This is often more narrowly focused on counseling and clinical skills for alcohol and drug addiction.
Substance Abuse Counselor Certification: More expansive, and may involve working with behavioral addictions (such as gambling) along with substance-related issues.
Both programs prepare professionals to work with individuals, families, and affected communities to treat and/or prevent substance use disorders from a holistic perspective, which includes physical, psychological, and social realms, but the specific title you earn will depend on your state government regulations.
What other counseling credentials exist besides addiction-focused ones?
In addition to addiction-specific credentials, students interested in counseling can also complete:
Behavioral Health Counselor Certification: Covers a broad spectrum of mental health and behavioral conditions (not specific to substance use).
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC): A general mental health counselor, working with individuals, families, and groups on many issues.
Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT): Focuses on family dynamics and relationship therapy.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): Provides therapy, but also concerns for the social and community systems that support the person.
The training offered by these certifications, along with their career outcomes, also varies.
What are the training and educational requirements for each certification?
Generally, these involve a certain level of education, supervised experience, and passing an exam.
Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor: Typically, a high school diploma or associate degree, supervised clinical hours, and continuing education
LADC: Usually a bachelor’s or master’s degree, plus additional clinical hours and state licensing examinations
Behavioral Health Counselor Certification: Could require a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a similar field, in addition to state testing.
For most general(mental health) counseling licenses (LPC, LCSW, MFT): At least master’s level coursework, costly post-graduate supervised practice experiences, and board examinations.
How do career opportunities and salaries differ between certifications?
Specific certification leads to various career paths and salary ranges. Drug and alcohol counselor certification readies professionals to work in rehab centers, community clinics, and correctional programs. The median salary for these counselors is $49,710 (BLS, 2023), while experienced specialists are making $55,000+.
More general credentials, such as behavioral wellbeing counselor accreditation, widen pathways appropriate for hospitals, preaches, and plight eye, with academic degrees achieving $52,000–$58,000 a year, on average. But overall, the demand is high—there are an expected 71,000+ new counseling jobs available with job growth of 18% projected through 2032.
Which certification should you pursue based on your career goals?
The most straightforward and fulfilling way to do this is through a drug and alcohol counselor certification if you love to help people with addiction.
Consider behavioral health counselor certification or an LPC license if you are seeking to treat wider mental health issues.
But if your preference is working within healthcare systems or social programs, an LCSW might be the way to go.
Ultimately, which decision you choose is based upon your career goals, your education history, and who you are looking to work with.
Drug and Alcohol Counselor Certification vs. Other Counseling Credentials
| Credential Type | Education Level | Focus Area | Median Salary | Scope of Practice |
| Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor | HS diploma/Associate | Substance abuse treatment | $49,710 | Specializes in addiction counseling |
| Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor | Bachelor’s/Master’s | Addiction & recovery | $55,000+ | Broader addiction counseling, clinical authority |
| Substance Abuse Counselor Certification | Varies | Substance & behavioral addictions | $49,710 | Addiction & related behaviors |
| Behavioral Health Counselor Certification | Bachelor’s | Mental/behavioral disorders | $52,000 | Broader behavioral health focus |
| Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) | Master’s | General mental health | $56,570 | Wide range of mental health counseling |
| LCSW/MFT | Master’s+ | Social work/relationships | $60,000–$75,000 | Specialized therapy and clinical practice |
Key Takeaways
- Drug and Alcohol Counselor Certification provides a direct route into addiction treatment, a field with high demand.
- Other counseling credentials, like LPC or LCSW, require more education but often lead to higher salaries and broader practice.
- Employment for Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor is projected to grow 18% by 2032, highlighting strong career stability.
- Your career goals—whether focused on addiction recovery or broader mental health—should guide your choice of certification.
Conclusion
The answer to whether you need a certification for a drug and alcohol counselor or another counseling credential will depend on your career objectives. If your passion is helping people out of addiction, then a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor or an Alcohol and Drug Counseling Certification. If you are looking for a wider practice and more potential to earn more money, then you might consider something along the lines of a behavioral health counselor certification or a general counseling license.
Whether you walk this path or forge your own, do not forget that counseling IS a calling but also has opportunity for your own career growth. Professional training is the first step to successfully becoming a licensed drug and alcohol counselor, and you can make your start with programs such as the ones you can find at Laitinen Academy.