An addiction counsellor helps people who are struggling with drug, alcohol, or behavioural addictions. The role involves providing one-to-one or group therapy sessions, supporting clients as they work through their problems, and helping them find ways to cope and recover. Counsellors often work in settings such as the NHS, charities, rehabilitation centres, or community organisations. They assess clients' needs, develop treatment plans, and offer practical advice and emotional support. Training usually involves a relevant degree or diploma in counselling, alongside specialised training in addiction. Good communication skills, empathy, and patience are essential for this profession.
Addiction counsellors in the UK typically earn between £22,000 and £35,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
In 2023, there were approximately 4,000 addiction counselling positions advertised across the UK, with demand expected to rise.
Most addiction counsellors work 37 to 40 hours per week, with some roles requiring evening or weekend shifts.
Works specifically with individuals struggling with alcohol dependency, providing guidance, support, and strategies for recovery.
Supports clients through their recovery from drug addiction by coordinating care plans, referrals, and ongoing support in rehabilitation settings.
Focuses on helping young people who are experiencing problems with drugs or alcohol, providing tailored advice and counselling to meet their specific needs.
Achieve at least five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, including English and Maths.
Having a solid educational foundation is important. Good grades in subjects like English, Biology or Psychology can be particularly useful. Consider taking A Levels or equivalent qualifications related to Health and Social Care or Psychology if possible.
Study for a diploma, degree or relevant qualification in counselling, psychology, social work or a related field.
Many addiction counsellors have a degree in counselling, psychology, social work, or health and social care. You could also consider a Level 3 or 4 Diploma in Counselling or a foundation degree. Some roles require a degree, while others accept relevant diplomas combined with experience.
Get experience working with people affected by addiction through volunteering or support worker roles.
Look for opportunities with charities, helplines, or community groups that support those with addiction. This hands-on experience helps you develop empathy, communication skills, and an understanding of addiction issues. It also strengthens your CV for future applications.
Undertake supervised counselling placements as part of your training.
Most counselling qualifications require you to complete a minimum number of supervised practice hours. This could be within a rehabilitation centre, NHS service, or charity setting. It’s a vital step for building trust, confidentiality, and practical counselling skills.
Apply for accreditation with a professional body such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or Addiction Professionals UK.
Accreditation shows employers and clients that you meet recognised professional standards. It often requires a combination of education, supervised practice, and ongoing professional development. Being accredited can also open up more job opportunities and improve earning potential.
Search and apply for roles in NHS, charities, private clinics or community organisations.
Look for vacancies on NHS Jobs, charity job boards, or specialist addiction treatment providers. Make sure your CV reflects your qualifications, practical experience, and commitment to supporting people in recovery.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Addiction Counsellor. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
An Addiction Counsellor is most similar to a general Counsellor because both professions involve providing emotional support, guidance, and therapy to individuals facing personal challenges. They typically have similar qualifications and skills centred around mental health, communication, and counselling techniques.
You can get into this job through:
You could do a diploma, degree or postgraduate course in counselling or psychotherapy.
You might be able to study counselling alongside another subject like psychology, sociology or criminology.
You should look for a course that includes practical skills training and supervised work placements.
You'll usually need:
You could start by doing an introduction to counselling course. This can last up to 3 months and can help you decide if counselling is the right career for you.
After that, you can do further training and complete courses like:
You can find out more about the recommended training to become a counsellor from the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
You'll find it useful to have paid or unpaid work experience in counselling. You can find counselling volunteering opportunities through Do IT and the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO).
You can volunteer and do training courses with counselling organisations, such as Relate, Samaritans and Cruse.
This can be useful experience before you take up professional counselling training.
There's a lot of competition for paid work. Many counsellors do a mix of part time, voluntary and private work.
Counselling is often a second or additional career, and life experience is highly valued.
You may be expected to undergo counselling yourself as part of your training and reflect on it with your course supervisor. This might be needed to become accredited.
You could become a member of an organisation listed on the Professional Standards Authority's counselling register. This may be helpful when looking for work, and for many jobs it is essential.
You can find out more about careers in counselling from:
You can also explore other careers in the psychological professions.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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