Community, Social & Government Services training

Substance Abuse Counselor Training

Learn what substance abuse counselors do and how they do it: a semi-in-depth, practical course covering the role, vocabulary, common procedures, safety and career launch.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Enroll nowView syllabus
What you’ll learn in Substance Abuse Counselor training

A practical, general introduction to the substance abuse counselor job: what the role involves, 15+ key terms, how to perform common tasks such as use motivational interviewing and lead a recovery group, safety essentials and how to launch your career. Online, self-paced, about 12 hours, $109.99.

  • Tuition
    $109.99
    Volume pricing from 2 seats
  • Length
    12 hours
    10 modules
  • Format
    Online
    Self-paced, any device
  • Access
    12 months
    LMS access
  • Level
    Beginner
    To intermediate
  • You receive
    Certificate
    Of completion

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course you will be able to:

  • Explain what a substance abuse counselor does day to day, where they work and how the role fits into the team
  • Use 15+ essential substance abuse counselor terms correctly
  • Walk through use motivational interviewing, lead a recovery group, and build a relapse prevention plan step by step
  • Identify the tools, equipment and technology used on the job
  • Apply core safety, compliance and professional standards
  • Map your path into the field, including credentials such as Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC/LMHC)

Course syllabus

10 modules, about 12 hours in total.

MODULE 01Introduction to the Substance Abuse Counselor Role1 hr
  • What substance abuse counselors do and why the role matters
  • Where they work: settings, employers and teams
  • Pay, job outlook and the career ladder
  • Professional and ethical expectations
MODULE 02A Day on the Job45 min
  • A realistic shift, start to finish
  • Schedules, shifts and workload
  • Working with supervisors, coworkers and customers
  • The best and hardest parts of the job
MODULE 03Essential Substance Abuse Counselor Vocabulary1 hr 10 min
  • Key term: SUD
  • Key term: Co-occurring disorders
  • Key term: Motivational interviewing
  • Key term: Relapse
  • Key term: Relapse prevention
  • Plus 10 more terms with practice drills
MODULE 04Core Duties and Responsibilities1 hr 10 min
  • Assess clients’ substance use and mental health
  • Develop treatment plans
  • Lead individual and group counseling
  • Teach coping and relapse prevention skills
  • Work with families
MODULE 05Common Tasks, Step by Step2 hr 40 min
  • How to use motivational interviewing
  • How to lead a recovery group
  • How to build a relapse prevention plan
  • Common mistakes and how to avoid them
MODULE 06Tools, Equipment and Technology1 hr
  • Electronic health records
  • Assessment tools (ASAM, AUDIT)
  • Telehealth platforms
  • Group curricula
  • Treatment planning software
MODULE 07Safety, Compliance and Professional Standards1 hr 25 min
  • Use de-escalation skills
  • Know overdose response and naloxone
  • Follow confidentiality rules
  • Seek supervision and practice self-care
MODULE 08Skills Employers Look For1 hr
  • Assessment
  • Treatment planning
  • Group facilitation
  • Empathy
  • Patience
MODULE 09Launching Your Substance Abuse Counselor Career1 hr
  • Education and training pathways
  • Credential overview: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC/LMHC)
  • Credential overview: Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)
  • Resume and interview preparation
  • Your first 90 days on the job
MODULE 10Final Knowledge Check1 hr
  • Comprehensive practice exam with explanations
  • Certificate of completion on passing

Who this training is for

  • Students: find out what the substance abuse counselor job is really like before choosing a program or major.
  • Career changers: test-drive the field and build vocabulary and confidence before investing in formal training.
  • New hires and employers: shorten ramp-up time with a consistent foundation for every new substance abuse counselor.

Pricing

$109.99 per learner. Buying for a team? Volume pricing applies automatically from 2 learners.

SeatsDiscount
2 to 101% off
11 to 202% off
21 to 503% off
51 to 1005% off
101 to 2507% off
251 to 5008% off
501 to 1,00010% off

Free preview lessons

Sample the course material for free:

Why train for this career

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors counsel people with addictions, mental health conditions and behavioral issues, in individual and group settings. BLS reports a median wage of $59,350 (May 2025) and about 50,500 openings per year. Read the full substance abuse counselor career profile or see salary details.

Enroll in Substance Abuse Counselor Training

Fill this out and press the button: your email app will open with a pre-filled message to our enrollment team (info@hazwoper-osha.com). We reply with a payment link or invoice and your learning-platform login. Nothing you type is stored on this website.

Course Substance Abuse Counselor Training · 12 hours · $109.99 per learner

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Substance Abuse Counselor training FAQ
How long is the Substance Abuse Counselor training?
About 12 hours, online, self-paced. You get 12 months of LMS access, so you can learn around work or school.
How much does the Substance Abuse Counselor training cost?
$109.99 per learner. Volume pricing applies automatically from 2 learners, up to 10% off for large groups.
Is the course online?
Yes. The course runs on our online learning platform (LMS). After you enroll, we email your login details.
Will this course make me a licensed or certified substance abuse counselor?
No. This is a general career-preparation course. It does not by itself grant a state license, national certification or academic credit. States license mental health counselors and credential addiction counselors, with education, supervised hours and exams. It is designed to help you understand the job and prepare for the formal training, exams and interviews that follow.
Who is this course for?
Students exploring careers, adults changing careers, new hires who want a faster ramp-up, and employers onboarding substance abuse counselors.
How do I enroll?
Use the enrollment form on this page. It opens a pre-filled email to our team, and we reply with your payment link or invoice and your LMS access. You can also call 1-866-429-6742.
Do you offer group or employer pricing?
Volume pricing from 2 seats. Choose “My team or employees” on the form or visit our employer training page.
What do I receive when I finish?
Certificate of completion from Career Education Institute after you pass the final knowledge check.


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