Substance abuse technicians are entry-level professionals who support licensed counselors by monitoring patient treatment compliance, conducting supervised counseling sessions, performing intake evaluations, and handling day-to-day case management in addiction treatment facilities. This role is licensed or recognized in 31 states as of 2024.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Substance Abuse Technician?
- What Do Substance Use Disorder Technicians Do?
- Where Substance Use Disorder Technicians Work
- Addiction Counseling Technician Salary
- Building Your Qualifications
- Does My State Require Certification?
- How Technicians Compare to Other Entry-Level Roles
- Your Path Beyond the Technician Level
- Frequently Asked Questions
You probably don’t need anyone to tell you that beating addiction is one of the hardest things a person can do. While it’s true that no one can do it for them, it’s also true that they can’t do it alone.
That process of recovery takes place out in the real world. It involves numerous challenging yet critically important steps. There’s a lot more than 12 when you start adding them all up—basic things like remembering to engage in self-care, scheduling appointments, taking medications, and performing therapy activities.
These are all things that patients can get help with. For even the most mundane of recovery steps, substance abuse assistants are there to be that help and light the beacon of hope that comes with it.
What Is a Substance Abuse Technician?
An addiction treatment assistant, alcohol and drug counseling aide, or licensed substance abuse technician is a role licensed or recognized in 31 states as of 2024 to take some of the load off of certified addiction counselors.
Technicians aren’t expected to have high-level knowledge of the mechanisms of addiction or the psychological elements of treatment. Instead, they are the individuals most closely involved in the mechanics of the process, working directly with patients to implement treatment and recovery plans.
Alcohol and drug counseling technicians help grease the gears to allow addiction therapy to run smoothly. While they don’t take on significant responsibility for diagnosis, planning, or treatment, they make sure that patients stay on track with the plans that Substance Use Disorder (SUD) counselors have made for them.
What Do Substance Use Disorder Technicians Do?
According to SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, there are eight common categories of practice associated with substance use disorder treatment. But while SUD counselors have some responsibilities in each of those categories, they can delegate only a few of them to technicians.
Technicians are commonly asked to:
- Perform pre-screening and initial evaluation of potential patients
- Monitor treatment plan compliance for patients currently under care
- Engage in supervised counseling work in both individual and group settings
- Suggest treatment plan steps
- Document treatment and patient status
That isn’t a very long list, but it does include some of the most intensive and personal parts of the job. Technicians keep patients on track. They work more closely and more frequently with them than counselors themselves do at times, and can be more attuned to what is happening and how to handle crises when they arise.
Still, the training you get as a SUD technician isn’t nearly as intensive as what substance abuse counselors go through. So while techs make strong connections and develop intuitive understandings of addiction therapy, they are only allowed to practice under the clinical or administrative supervision of SUD counselors above the associate level. They’re also only allowed to practice through a fully licensed facility.
A Day on the Job as an Addiction Therapy Assistant Offers a Lot of Patient Interaction
If you’re looking for a job in substance abuse counseling that is heavy on patient contact and getting to know clients, then this is the spot for you.
SUD technicians may be the first person that potential patients meet. You will often be the one conducting initial intake interviews and making notes toward a complete diagnosis. You’ll explain the process for your program, handle initial orientation, and answer questions.
Substance use disorder technicians are one of the foundational bricks in the support structure that every recovering patient needs.
SUD techs are typically the individuals responsible for overseeing most of the day-to-day operations and management in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs. They organize activities and schedule sessions, keep records up to date, escort patients to appointments, and resolve conflicts that arise. Everything from making bed assignments to helping patients fill out assistance forms gives you a ground-level view of what patients are going through every day.
It’s not all process, though. Part of that close contact with patients includes conducting therapy as directed by senior SUD counselors. In line with the treatment program, you offer education, give advice, and generally help create the supportive structure that patients need to beat their addiction.
Where Substance Use Disorder Technicians Work Affects What Their Job Experience Is Like
While the general job duties of substance abuse technicians align with the description above, the daily activities and experiences from one job to another can vary significantly.
Because techs can only work at licensed treatment facilities or agencies, much of their daily experience is shaped by the kind of work that the organization provides. Most treatment centers have a specialization focus:
- By culture or population, as with facilities that only handle women or teenagers
- By substance, as with groups that only deal with opioid or alcohol addictions
- By environment, as with agencies that do homeless SUD outreach or work within the criminal justice system
Clearly, your day is going to be a lot different if you’re working in a controlled prison environment than if you’re working in an outpatient juvenile addiction therapy program.
While patient contact and monitoring are always high on the list of things that substance abuse techs handle, your day will also usually include tasks like:
- Record-keeping and documentation of behaviors, treatments provided, and medications distributed
- Talking with SUD counselors to get instruction and deliver information about patient diagnosis and treatments, like discussing relapses or dealing with mental health crises
- Coordinating with other healthcare and service providers to access suitable resources to support patients, including arranging doctors’ appointments and connecting patients with social services for housing vouchers, may be considered.e
Addiction Counseling Technician Salary: How Much Do Substance Abuse Technicians Usually Make?
With very little required in the way of education or other qualifications, you can expect entry-level salaries for addiction counseling technician jobs. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) categorizes SUD techs in a completely different category than other substance abuse counseling jobs. They fall instead into the classification of Psychiatric Technicians and Aides, which includes a range of psychiatric care duties beyond just substance abuse treatment contexts.
For 2024, the median salary for all psychiatric technician positions across the country came to $42,590 per year. This figure reflects the broader psychiatric technician category, which substance abuse technicians fall under in BLS data.
Demand in the profession is high, with overall job growth projected to be 9 percent between 2022 and 2032. Between your growing experience and any additional education you achieve in the field, you can work your way toward the top salary available in the role, which ranges from $ 60,150 to more.
Naturally, the challenges of the job will vary in different settings, so you will also see different averages for the job from industry to industry. Working in psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals typically offers higher compensation than residential treatment facilities, where the focus is often on long-term recovery support. Outpatient care centers fall somewhere in the middle, offering competitive wages for flexible scheduling options.
As with any job, there are numerous impacts from local supply, demand, and economic conditions. There will also be regional variations in the typical salary range. Some of the average salaries for different cities around the country show the potential:
- New York: $59,150
- Los Angeles: $46,690
- Seattle: $55,020
- Chicago: $47,890
- St. Louis: $46,510
- Atlanta: $44,180
- Dallas: $41,110
- Miami: $40,160
For more detailed salary information across different counseling roles, you can explore compensation trends and regional variations that affect earning potential in the addiction counseling field.
Building Your Qualifications To Become Licensed as a Substance Use Disorder Technician
College degrees are rarely a requirement when becoming licensed as a SUD technician. A couple of states require an associate’s degree, but in most cases, there is no specified level of educational attainment, and a high school diploma or GED will be sufficient.
That doesn’t mean you can jump in without any education. Every state specifies a certain number of formal education hours covering substance abuse treatment topics like:
- Crisis intervention
- Counseling diverse populations
- Trauma-focused counseling
- Human services systems
- Group management
- Privacy and ethics considerations
Certificate programs are the most common way to get those hours. Many are offered by community colleges, where they may be a subset of a full associate’s degree in substance abuse counseling. In other cases, private training companies and industry organizations offer classes that focus on specific state license requirements.
It’s never a bad idea to go with a full Associate of Arts in Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counseling to qualify for SUD technician roles if you can manage a two-year program.
In many cases, you’re also required to build a certain number of practice hours before being licensed. This typically falls within the 300-hour range, but may exceed 1,000 hours in certain states. Some states also require a certain number of supervision hours, during which you are directly mentored and guided by senior counselors. This rarely exceeds 100 hours.
A very few states use a test as part of their credentialing process, but there is little consistency between them. Some use a unique, homegrown exam. Others require one of the more advanced exams, such as the Alcohol and Drug Counselor examination from the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium or the National Certified Addiction Counselor Level I (NCAC I) from NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals.
Does the Addiction Technician Role Even Require Certification in My State?
While SAMHSA shows that 31 states offer licensing at the technician level, that’s not really the whole story. In some cases, this is a license level used for preliminary licensing, allowing students aiming for a full SUD counselor or higher-level license to practice legally while building up their clinical hours. It’s usually pretty easy to tell from the name of the credential what it’s intended for.
In both cases, it’s critical to arrive at the required level of educational attainment to meet credentialing requirements.
We’ve compiled a list of every state that offers a technician-level license. NA in the Titles column means the role doesn’t require any credentialing in the state. Even in those cases, you can be certain that employers hire people to fill this essential role; they don’t need to undergo the process of becoming certified.
| State | Titles |
|---|---|
| Alaska | Counselor Technician |
| Alabama | Association of Addiction Professionals |
| Arkansas | Certified Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Technician |
| Arizona | Licensed Substance Abuse Technician |
| California | Registered Alcohol Drug Technician |
| Colorado | Certified Addiction Counselor I |
| Connecticut | NA |
| Washington DC | NA |
| Delaware | NA |
| Florida | Certified Behavioral Health Technician |
| Georgia | Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor Trainee/Counselor-in-Training |
| Hawaii | NA |
| Iowa | Certified Treatment Assistant |
| Idaho | Idaho Student of Addiction Studies |
| Illinois | Certified Associate Addictions Professional |
| Indiana | Addiction Counselor/Professional in Training |
| Kansas | NA |
| Kentucky | NA |
| Louisiana | Addiction Treatment Assistant |
| Massachusetts | Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor Assistant |
| Maryland | NA |
| Maine | Alcohol & Drug Counselor Aide |
| Michigan | NA |
| Minnesota | NA |
| Missouri | NA |
| Mississippi | Intern Counselor |
| Montana | NA |
| North Carolina | NA |
| North Dakota | NA |
| Nebraska | NA |
| New Hampshire | NA |
| New Jersey | NA |
| New Mexico | NA |
| Nevada | Certified Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselor Intern |
| New York | Credentialed Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee |
| Ohio | Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant Preliminary |
| Oklahoma | NA |
| Oregon | NA |
| Pennsylvania | Certified Allied Addiction Practitioner/Certified Intervention Professional |
| Rhode Island | NA |
| South Carolina | NA |
| South Dakota | NA |
| Tennessee | NA |
| Texas | Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Intern |
| Utah | Certified Substance Use Disorder Counselor Intern |
| Virginia | NA |
| Vermont | NA |
| Washington | NA |
| Wisconsin | NA |
| West Virginia | NA |
| Wyoming | NA |
Of course, the type of work that techs perform still needs to be done even in states that don’t have a formal license for the position. In cases of organizations that only hire credentialed professionals, it may be that the same functions are performed by licensed associate or assistant substance use disorder counselors instead.
In other cases, it may be that under careful supervision, these roles can be performed without any formal license or certification. And in some states, they fall into more general licensing categories as behavioral, mental health, or psychiatric aides or technicians.
How Technicians Compare to Other Entry-Level Roles
If you’re exploring entry-level positions in addiction counseling, you might wonder how the technician role stacks up against similar positions. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right path for your goals.
| Role | Education Required | Typical Median Salary | Supervision Required | Primary Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Substance Abuse Technician | HS Diploma + Certificate (varies by state) | $42,590 | Yes, by a licensed counselor | Treatment monitoring, intake, supervised counseling |
| Assistant Counselor | Associate degree or equivalent | $38,000-$45,000 | Yes, by a senior counselor | Group facilitation, case management, and treatment planning support |
| Peer Support Specialist | HS Diploma + lived experience + training | $37,000-$42,000 | Varies by setting | Recovery support, mentoring, community connection |
The technician role offers a unique middle ground. It requires less education than an assistant counselor position but typically pays better than peer support roles. The emphasis on clinical supervision and treatment monitoring makes it ideal for those seeking hands-on patient care experience while pursuing higher credentials.
Becoming a Substance Abuse Counseling Technician Is Often Just a First Step in an Addiction Counseling Career
Even in states where technician licenses are not designed entirely as part of the gradual ascent to full SUD counselor status, it’s very common for people to get their start in counseling as a tech. Therefore, it’s pretty likely that you’re not meeting the minimum education requirements, or at this license level. It’s a fast path into SUD counseling work without having a high level of educational attainment. But it’s not necessarily the step on the career ladder where you will hit the stop button.
That’s important because individuals who have worked as SUD technicians before advancing to more high-level positions in substance abuse counseling bring something extra with them. The kind of direct interactions you’ll have as a tech will give you a feel for the job that you can never get through routine internship placements alone.
It’s that very thing that will make you a better counselor, and better counselors are the key to building a better future for substance use disorder patients everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions About Substance Abuse Technicians
Do I need a college degree to become a substance abuse technician?
In most states, no. The majority of states only require a high school diploma or GED plus completion of specific substance abuse education hours through a certificate program. A few states require an associate degree, but this is the exception rather than the rule. Check your state’s specific requirements in the table above.
How long does it take to get certified as an addiction technician?
The timeline varies by state but typically ranges from three to twelve months. This includes completing the required education hours (normally 100-300 hours of coursework) and accumulating supervised practice hours (300-1,000 hours, depending on your state). If you pursue a complete associate degree program, expect a two-year timeline.
Can substance abuse technicians work independently?
No. Technicians must always work under the clinical or administrative supervision of a licensed substance abuse counselor at the associate level or higher. You’re also required to work through a fully licensed treatment facility or agency. This supervision ensures the delivery of quality care and enables you to develop skills under the guidance of experienced professionals.
What’s the difference between a substance abuse technician and an assistant counselor?
While both are entry-level positions, assistant counselors typically require an associate degree and may have more involvement in treatment planning and group facilitation. Technicians focus more on treatment monitoring, intake evaluations, and implementing plans that counselors have already created. In some states, these titles are used interchangeably.
Do all states require technician certification?
No. Only about 31 states offer formal licensing at the technician level. In states without formal certification, the work is still performed. Still, it may be carried out under different job titles, such as behavioral health aide, psychiatric technician, or may be done by assistant counselors. Refer to the state table above to determine if your state offers this credential.
Is the substance abuse technician role a good stepping stone to becoming a licensed counselor?
Absolutely. Many counselors start as technicians because it provides invaluable hands-on experience with patients while allowing them to work in the field and earn an income. The supervised hours you gain as a tech often count toward requirements for higher-level licenses, and the patient interactions give you insights that classroom learning can’t match.
Key Takeaways
- Substance abuse technicians provide essential support in addiction treatment by monitoring patient compliance, conducting intake evaluations, and assisting with supervised counseling under licensed supervision.n
- Entry requirements are accessible in most states, requiring only a high school diploma or GED, along with completion of certificate training, making this an achievable career path for those seeking to enter the addiction counseling field quickly.
- The 2024 national median salary is $42,590, with substantial regional variations ranging from $40,160 in Miami to $59,150 in New York, and 9 percent job growth expected through 2032
- Only 31 states offer formal technician licensing, but the essential functions of this role are performed in all states, sometimes under different titles or by assistant counselors.
- Working as a technician provides hands-on patient experience that serves as excellent preparation for advancing to licensed counselor positions, with many professionals using this role as a stepping ston for their careerse.e
Ready to Start Your Career as a Substance Abuse Technician?
Explore certificate programs and associate degrees that can prepare you for this rewarding entry-level role in addiction counseling.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Psychiatric Technicians and Aides (proxy for Substance Use Disorder Technicians) reflect national and metropolitan area data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2025.
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