How to become an Alcohol and Other Drugs Counsellor

Also called: Alcohol and Other Drugs Clinician, Drug and Alcohol Counsellor

Provides support and treatment for people struggling with substance abuse and addiction, identifies underlying causes of addiction, develops coping strategies to manage change, and provides community education.

Main tasks

• Assesses substance abuse and alcohol consumption history
• Provides individual and group counselling sessions to help the individual understand the underlying causes of addiction and overcome the addiction
• Provides education and resources to individuals about the risks and consequences of substance abuse
• Facilitates referrals to Health Professionals or community resources, such as detoxification programs and support groups
• Monitors progress and supports individuals to stay on track with their treatment plans

Ways in

• University: Social Work & Community degrees, Offered by 34 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs (CHC53215); Diploma of Counselling (CHC51015); Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs (CHC43215); Certificate IV in Community Services (CHC42021); Certificate IV in Mental Health (CHC43315); Diploma of Mental Health (CHC53315)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $112,008 a year
• About 34,000 people work in this job group now, and about 42,000 are projected by 2035. (+23.4%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Related jobs

• Counsellor (General)
• Family and Relationship Counsellor
• Psychotherapist
• Rehabilitation Counsellor
• School Counsellor

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Questions people ask

How do I become an Alcohol and Other Drugs Counsellor?

Ways in include: Social Work & Community degrees; Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs; Diploma of Counselling.

How much does an Alcohol and Other Drugs Counsellor earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $112,008 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is an Alcohol and Other Drugs Counsellor a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 23% by 2035, from about 34,000 to about 42,000 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become an Alcohol and Other Drugs Counsellor?

Not always. 50% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Social Work & Community degrees; Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs; Diploma of Counselling.

Will AI change the work of an Alcohol and Other Drugs Counsellor?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04