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How to Become a Drug and Alcohol Counsellor: Australian Careers in Counselling

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What is a Drug and Alcohol Counsellor?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Drug and Alcohol Counsellor?

A Drug and Alcohol Counsellor helps people beat substance use and addiction. They give support, therapy, and care to clients working toward recovery. This role creates real, lasting change in people’s lives.

Counsellors run one-on-one sessions and group therapy. They look at each client’s needs and build a plan that fits their life. Plans cover health, work, and social goals. Counsellors use methods like CBT to help clients make positive changes.

Day-to-day work includes client talks, group sessions, and case notes. Counsellors work with doctors, social workers, and local services. They also help families learn about addiction and support their loved one through recovery.

Demand for AOD counselling is growing in Australia. Jobs exist in hospitals, rehab centres, community health, and private practice. For people who want to help others, this career offers real purpose and good job security.

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Career snapshots For Drug and Alcohol Counsellors

Around 2,500 Drug and Alcohol Counsellors are employed across Australia (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Future demand is rated as very strong, driven by growing recognition of addiction as a health issue (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). The average salary is around $76,800 a year, or $1,477 a week (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025).

Most counsellors (58%) work full-time, with average hours of 39 per week (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). The median age is 45 years, and 66% of workers are female. The main industries are health care and social assistance, and other community services.

What will I do?

Drug and Alcohol Counsellors guide clients through the challenges of substance use and addiction recovery. They deliver both individual and group therapy, assess needs, and build personalised plans for each client. This work takes empathy, clinical skill, and a genuine drive to help others.

  • Conducting client interviews – speaking with individuals, couples, and families to understand their substance use and its impact.
  • Assessing client needs – reviewing each client’s situation to inform their drug and alcohol treatment plan.
  • Developing rehabilitation plans – building recovery plans that address each client’s health, work, and social needs.
  • Running group therapy – leading group sessions to build peer support and shared coping skills.
  • Providing resources – giving clients information on job-seeking, life skills, and services that support recovery.
  • Working with families – helping family members understand addiction and how to support their loved one.
  • Presenting alternative approaches – discussing strategies for attitude and behaviour change with clients.
  • Working with other professionals – partnering with GPs, social workers, and health services for whole-person care.
  • Keeping case notes – maintaining accurate records of sessions, progress, and treatment plans.
  • Continuing education – taking part in training to stay current with best practice in AOD counselling.

What skills do I need?

Drug and Alcohol Counsellors need strong communication skills to build trust with clients. Empathy and active listening are at the core of this work. These skills help clients feel safe enough to open up and engage in recovery.

Problem-solving skills help counsellors design care plans that suit each client’s life. A solid grasp of therapeutic methods, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, is also key. Organisational skills keep caseloads on track and records up to date. Cultural awareness ensures counsellors can work well with people from all walks of life.

Skills/attributes

  • Active listening
  • Empathy and compassion
  • Strong verbal communication
  • Problem-solving
  • Knowledge of addiction and recovery
  • Ability to develop treatment plans
  • Group facilitation
  • Understanding of mental health issues
  • Patience and resilience
  • Cultural awareness and sensitivity
  • Ethical and confidential practice
  • Case documentation
  • Teamwork with other health professionals
  • Flexibility and adaptability
  • Motivational interviewing techniques

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.