Addictions and Substance Abuse Counselor Requirements by State

The Education You Need to Become a Certified Substance Abuse and Addiction Counselor

Last Updated: January 2026 | Verified with state licensing boards as of Q4 2025

There’s a good chance you’re here because you’ve seen the weight of addiction—maybe you’ve carried it yourself, or watched someone you love struggle through it. Becoming licensed or certified is the first step to offering professional help at every level of care.

We’ll show you exactly what you need to get started in your state.

Everything you need to start your career: State-by-state requirements, degree program options, and clear pathways to certification—all verified against official licensing boards and updated quarterly.

Why We Created Addiction-Counselors.com

This site was born from personal experience. When our family faced a loved one’s struggle with alcohol addiction, we discovered how confusing and fragmented state licensing requirements were. We spent weeks trying to piece together information from different state boards, professional organizations, and schools—only to find conflicting or outdated guidance.

We created this comprehensive resource to help others navigate what we found so difficult. Every state page is verified against official licensing board requirements. We update content quarterly and whenever regulations change.

✓ Requirements verified with state licensing boards

✓ Updated quarterly

✓ No sponsored school rankings or paid placements

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Learn what it takes to become an addiction counselor.

Addiction Counselor Degree and Certificate Programs Deliver the Knowledge and Qualifications You Need

aspiring addiction counselor studying online degree program requirements on laptop

Education is your most powerful tool in the fight against addiction. Programs at the certificate, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels are widely available through accredited institutions to fuel that knowledge and qualify you for certification or licensure in substance abuse and addiction counseling.

Featured Programs:

Certificates in Addiction and Substance Abuse Counseling

Timeline: Less than one year

Designed for: Those pursuing entry-level credentials in states where a degree isn’t required, or for those with a degree in other majors who need coursework in addiction counseling.

Certificates are versatile, providing high school grads with the basic skills they need for initial certification in states with lower education requirements. Certificates can also be stacked on top of existing degrees to provide a powerful foundation of knowledge that can be used to advance in the field or pursue a higher-level credential.

Associate Degrees in Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling

Timeline: Two years

Designed for: High school graduates working toward a bachelor’s degree or looking for an entry-level counselor or support role certification.

A fast path to college training in addictions, these degrees are a quick, inexpensive first step toward becoming a professional addiction counselor.

Bachelor’s Degrees in Addictions and Substance Abuse Counseling

Timeline: Four years

Designed for: Career-focused professionals looking to enter the field with higher-level credentials and current counselors looking to move into more advanced roles.

A bachelor’s program can meet the education requirements for many addiction counseling licenses, though several states require a master’s degree for full independent clinical licensure. Bachelor’s degrees also provide a strong foundation for advanced master’s studies at the highest levels of practice.

Master’s Degrees in Addiction Counseling for Substance Abuse Treatment

Timeline: Two years

Designed for: Bachelor’s graduates interested in advanced credentials that cover clinical evaluation and treatment, supervisory roles, and independent practice.

Independent clinical practice typically requires a master’s degree in addiction counseling or a related field, depending on state laws. This level of education is necessary for advanced services like medication-assisted treatment and independent clinical assessment.

A Complete Directory of Substance Abuse Counseling Schools With Online Programs

Online addiction counseling degrees at every level are making it easier than ever to qualify as a counselor without putting your own life on hold.

Here, we provide a comprehensive list of accredited colleges and universities offering online degree and certificate options in substance use disorder and addiction counseling.

More Resources and Support for Addiction Counseling Students and Professionals

The day you get your degree in addiction treatment is a proud one, but it’s just the start.

Understanding the resources available to you is every bit as important as earning your initial qualifications. We’ve put together resource pages pointing you to the information and guidance you need every step of the way.

Deciphering Professional Titles and Job Roles in Addiction Counseling

Chemical dependency counselor? Alcohol and drug counselor? Addiction therapist? Substance Use Disorder Treatment Specialist? It’s easy to get confused by all the different titles in addiction treatment. We’ll explain the mystery and help you figure out which you’ll probably use.

Specializing in Gambling Addiction Counseling

Substance abuse gets all the press, but with around two percent of Americans gripped by gambling addictions, there’s a real need for counselors in this specialized role. Learn how to get your start in gambling addiction counseling today.

How to Become a Certified Peer Support Specialist in Addiction Counseling

The best guides on the path to recovery are often the people who’ve already walked it. With the proper training and experience, you can turn what might have been your darkest days into the brightest beacon for other people experiencing addiction. Learn what the role involves and how to become certified to work in your state.

Professional and Student Organizations for Addiction Counselors

Community effort is the key to effective substance abuse counseling. From group therapy to clinical supervision, counselors are strongest when working together. These professional organizations will help you build the network you need to succeed in a tough job.

Keeping Your Counseling Skills for Substance Abuse Sharp With Continuing Education

The learning doesn’t stop when you step into your role as an addiction counselor. It’s a dynamic field with no shortage of opportunities to advance and specialize. We offer a comprehensive set of resources to help you stay current and maintain your credentials through approved continuing education providers.

Following the Latest News and Events in Addiction Treatment Through Our Blog

From new therapy techniques to the latest controversies to the success stories that’ll keep you motivated, you’ll find yourself wanting to bookmark our blog. Focused on the high and low points of American addiction counseling today, it’s sure to give you food for thought and information to act on in your own practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a degree to become an addiction counselor?

Requirements vary significantly by state. In some states, you can start with just a certificate and around 300 hours of education for entry-level positions. However, most states require at least an associate degree for professional certification, and many require a bachelor’s or master’s degree for independent clinical practice.

How long does it take to become certified?

The timeline depends on your starting point and state requirements. A certificate program takes less than one year, an associate degree takes two years, a bachelor’s degree takes four years, and a master’s degree takes an additional two years. You’ll also need to complete supervised clinical hours, which vary by state and certification level.

What’s the difference between certification and licensure?

Professional organizations typically issue certification and demonstrate that you’ve met specific training standards. State regulatory boards issue licensure and are legally required to practice independently. Many states require both—you get certified through a professional body, then apply for state licensure.

Can I become a counselor if I’m in recovery myself?

Yes, absolutely. Many states explicitly welcome people in recovery into the profession, and personal experience with addiction can be a powerful asset in helping others. You’ll need to meet the same education and training requirements as anyone else, and most states require a period of stable recovery before certification.

How much do addiction counselors make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors is around $49,710 nationally, but this varies significantly by state, certification level, and work setting. Entry-level counselors typically earn less, while those with master’s degrees and independent licenses can earn $60,000-$80,000 or more.

Are online programs accepted for certification?

Yes, most states accept online degree and certificate programs offered by regionally accredited institutions that meet specific state licensing curriculum standards. The key is ensuring the program is appropriately accredited and meets your state’s specific educational requirements. Clinical supervision hours must typically be completed in person, but the classroom education can often be done online.

What if requirements change in my state?

We update this site quarterly and whenever we’re notified of regulatory changes. However, you should always verify current requirements with your state’s licensing board before making educational decisions. We provide direct links to official state boards on every state requirements page.

Why should I trust this site?

This site was created by someone who experienced the confusion of navigating addiction counseling requirements firsthand when a family member struggled with alcohol addiction. Every state page is verified against official licensing board requirements; we don’t rank or promote specific schools for payment, and we update content quarterly to ensure accuracy.

Featured Programs:

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Become a Certified Addiction Counselor

Addiction is powerful enough to take control right out of the hands of those experiencing it. With the right education in addiction counseling, you can offer the help people need to regain their independence, their families, and their lives.