Occupation
Addictions counsellor
Addictions counsellors work with people using substances or struggling with behavioural addictions, through assessment, individual sessions, and group programmes. The work follows structured approaches such as motivational interviewing and relapse-prevention planning, alongside coordination with medical, housing, and justice services. Relapse is a normal part of the caseload rather than a failure of the work.
Also known as: Substance use counsellor · Drug and alcohol counsellor · Addiction and mental health counsellor · Substance misuse practitioner
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Occupation content
Part of Community, social and public services
A visual day in the work
What the work involves
Assess substance use, risk, mental health, and readiness to change at intake
Run individual counselling sessions and structured group programmes
Write treatment plans, progress notes, and discharge summaries
Coordinate with physicians, withdrawal management, housing, and probation services
Respond to relapse, overdose risk, and crisis situations using service protocols
Take part in clinical supervision and case reviews with the treatment team
Entry-route stepper
How people commonly enter
A college diploma or degree in addictions, counselling, social work, or psychology
A graduate qualification in counselling or clinical social work for roles carrying a protected title
Certification through an addictions counsellor certifying body, which is common in the field and required by some employers
Entry as a support or outreach worker in a treatment service, then qualifying while employed
Typical training: Varies by employer or jurisdiction
Licensing: Regulated in some jurisdictions. Confirm the current requirement with the regulator in your province, state, or country.
Work-context map
Typical work context
- Public facing
- Team based
- High responsibility
- Quiet focus
- Varied work
Public facing · Team based · High responsibility · Quiet focus · Varied work
Related interests
- Social (helping)
- Investigative (analytical)
Social (helping) · Investigative (analytical)
Related aptitude preparation
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Skills to practise
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Labour-market context (not part of exploration match)
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Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
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Some roles in Community, social and public services may be regulated. Confirm whether the specific role requires registration, certification, or a jurisdiction-specific licence.
Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Community, social and public services: licensing
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