How to Become a Substance Use Disorder Counselor

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, a data reporting branch of the CDC, an estimated 100,306 people lost their lives to drug overdoses through April 2021, an increase of 28.5% from the previous year. This underscores the growing need for professionals who support individuals experiencing substance use challenges ( known as substance use counselors). But what does it take to become one?

What is a Substance Use Counselor?

It's estimated that more than half of substance use disorder counselors are also in recovery. Their ability to empathize and share their experiences can be a powerful way to connect with clients, though personal experience is by no means required to be a counselor.

Take, for example, Erika Ho, a graduate of the UC San Diego Extended Studies' Substance Use Disorder Counseling program. She is now a Substance Use Counselor specializing in dual diagnosis (when someone experiences both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition). Erika decided to become a substance use disorder counselor after suddenly becoming a single mother of four. With a busy, active family, she wanted a career that "inspired and supported both [her] passions and lifestyle."

Another graduate, Deborah Bishop, works as a Behavioral Health Technician.. She knew she wanted to help others, so while completing the UCSD Extended Studies program and earning her practicum hours, she worked as a house manager for a residential recovery center supporting people with mental health and substance use challenges.

Deborah spoke about her journey in long-term recovery from a substance use disorder and mental health condition while pursuing her educational goals.

"Anyone who has endured this battle knows how hard such a fight can be," she says. "I have been fortunate enough to have surrounded myself with like-minded individuals who have 'gone before me' and have taught me how to be victorious in my disease. It's a day-by-day war to be fought but is a battle that can be overcome. To be on the other side feels surreal at times, but like I always say, 'if freedom can happen for me, it can happen for anybody.'"

John de Miranda, a Harvard-educated counselor and program instructor, describes his teaching philosophy as "… not to expect mastery; rather, I try to expose students to a great deal of historical and contemporary information that builds an intellectual foundation for their career." 

Like many in the field, de Miranda was drawn to counseling through his own lived experiences., "My work record was spotty and working in treatment allowed me to be open about my past.” he explains. “ I have been involved in this work since my personal recovery from an alcohol use disorder in the early 70s. [I] am always excited to share my experiences with those entering the profession."

At the same time, de Miranda advises aspiring counselors to be prepared for the demands of the certificate program while juggling family and work. He also notes that students need to be aware that the skills required to become a professional counselor differ from the personal tools used in one’s own recovery.

How to Become a Substance Use Counselor in California

The first key step is to register with a California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)-approved certifying organization, such as the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP), the California Association for Alcohol and Drug Educators (CAADE), or the California Association of DUI Treatment Programs (CADTP), to begin working as a registered counselor.

If you register on or after July 1, 2025, you will be required to complete an 80-hour training program covering the core competencies defined in Assembly Bill 2473 (AB 2473) within six months of registration, with some exceptions. UC San Diego Extended Studies and DHCS have partnered together to offer the ASCEND Program, which is an 80-hour core competency, entry-level program free to Californians. The program equips participants with essential knowledge about counseling practices, ethics, and cultural competence, and provides a foundation for professional practice. Other approved providers may also offer 80-hour programs that address AB 2473 requirements. It is important to work with your certifying organization to identify coursework that fulfills the AB 2473 mandate. 

Registered counselors have five years from registration to become fully certified. To achieve full certification, you must meet your certifying organization’s requirements, which may include:

• Additional educational coursework
• Supervised field or clinical experience hours
• Passing a certification exam

Once certified, you may use the credential to work as a fully credentialed substance use counselor in California. Requirements vary by certification level, certifying organization, and credential, so it is important to confirm specific requirements with your certifying body.

Take the Next Step