Addiction Counsellor
Support people through alcohol, drug or behavioural addictions in 1:1 and group settings.
This UK addiction counsellor career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £25,000 - £30,000
- Mid-career salary
- £32,000 - £38,000
- Senior salary
- £42,000 - £55,000
- Work environment
- Charity, NHS, private rehab
- Time to entry
- 1 - 3 years (diploma + accreditation)
- Degree required
- Preferred - accredited diploma sufficient for many roles
- Category
- Mental Health and Therapy
What a Addiction Counsellor does
Support people through alcohol, drug or behavioural addictions in 1:1 and group settings.
How to become a Addiction Counsellor
- Look up Addiction Counsellor roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Addiction Counsellor - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- Motivational interviewing
- Active listening
- Group facilitation
- Safeguarding