A well-crafted substance abuse counselor resume is essential for standing out in a competitive job market.

Whether you're just starting your career or looking to advance, showcasing your skills, qualifications, and experience effectively can make a significant difference.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key components of an impressive application and provide actionable resume writing tips to ensure you catch the eye of hiring managers.

Substance abuse counselor resume examples

Drug and alcohol counselor resume sample

Drug and alcohol counselor resume template

Drug and Alcohol Counselor Resume
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Resume for drug and alcohol counselor | Plain text

Lora Richardson
Denver, CO | lora.richardson@email.com | (303) 555-7890 | linkedin.com/in/lorarichardson

Professional Summary

Compassionate Drug and Alcohol Counselor with experience assisting individuals in overcoming substance dependency. Skilled in group therapy, crisis intervention, and relapse prevention strategies. Committed to providing personalized treatment plans and fostering long-term recovery.

Skills

  • Individual and Group Counseling
  • Addiction Recovery Strategies
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Relapse Prevention Planning
  • Case Management
  • Substance Use Assessments
  • Client Progress Monitoring
  • Community Outreach

Work Experience

Drug and Alcohol Counselor

Aspen Recovery Center – Denver, CO | 2019 – Present

  • Conduct individual and group counseling sessions, using evidence-based approaches to help clients navigate substance use recovery.
  • Develop and implement personalized treatment plans, adjusting strategies based on each client's progress and challenges.
  • Facilitate relapse prevention workshops, equipping clients with coping mechanisms to maintain sobriety in high-risk situations.
  • Collaborate with psychiatrists, case managers, and social workers to coordinate comprehensive care and ensure client needs are met.

Substance Abuse Counselor

Rocky Mountain Behavioral Health – Colorado Springs, CO | 2015 – 2019

  • Provided one-on-one counseling for individuals struggling with alcohol and drug addiction, tailoring interventions to each client's needs.
  • Conducted intake assessments to determine the severity of addiction and recommend the most effective treatment plans.
  • Led group therapy sessions, fostering peer support and open discussions about addiction and recovery challenges.
  • Educated family members on addiction’s impact, teaching communication techniques and strategies for supporting their loved ones.

Education

Master’s in Counseling Psychology

University of Colorado, Denver – 2015

Certifications

  • Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (2015)
  • Trauma-Informed Care Certification (2022)

Professional Affiliations

  • Member, National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC)
  • Member, Colorado Counseling Association

Strong sides of this drug and alcohol counselor resume examples:

  • The document effectively highlights a mix of clinical expertise and collaborative care, demonstrating the candidate’s ability to work with multidisciplinary teams.
  • It presents a clear career progression with increasing responsibilities, showing a strong trajectory in the field.
  • The inclusion of professional affiliations and certifications reinforces credibility and dedication to ongoing development.
How to properly format a resume for a substance abuse counselor?
  • Font: Choose a clean option like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Set the size between 10-12 points for the main text and slightly larger (14-16) for your name and headings.
  • Length: Keep your resume brief. For most cases, 1-2 pages are sufficient. Even if you have extensive experience, refrain from making it longer unless necessary.
  • Margins: Add standard ones (1 inch on all sides) to maintain a neat layout and provide adequate white space.
  • Spacing: Use single space within sections and leave extra (about 1.15 or 1.5) between different blocks to create clarity.
  • Consistency: Keep the look uniform throughout. Align all text properly, such as dates and job titles, to maintain visual structure.
  • Headers: Bold your section headings to clearly separate each area (e.g., Experience, Education, Skills).

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Adolescent substance abuse counselor resume example

Sample adolescent substance abuse counselor resume

Samantha Hayes
Chicago, IL | samantha.hayes@email.com | (312) 555-4321 | linkedin.com/in/samanthahayes

Professional Summary

Dedicated Adolescent Substance Abuse Counselor with experience guiding teens toward sobriety and mental wellness. Skilled in behavioral therapy, crisis intervention, and youth mentorship. Passionate about creating safe environments where young individuals can heal and thrive.

Skills

  • Adolescent Counseling
  • Family Therapy Integration
  • Trauma-Informed Care
  • Behavioral Therapy Techniques
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • School-Based Prevention Programs
  • Peer Support Group Facilitation
  • Risk Assessment
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Advocacy & Community Outreach

Work Experience

Adolescent Substance Abuse Counselor

Chicago Youth Recovery Center – Chicago, IL | 2020 – Present

  • Provide individual and group therapy to adolescents struggling with substance abuse, focusing on trauma-informed interventions.
  • Develop customized treatment plans that address addiction triggers, mental health concerns, and family dynamics.
  • Partner with school counselors, social workers, and juvenile justice professionals to monitor each teen’s academic and behavioral progress.
  • Lead relapse prevention education programs to help adolescents recognize early warning signs and implement coping strategies.

Youth Addiction Counselor

New Horizons Rehab – Naperville, IL | 2017 – 2020

  • Conducted intake evaluations, identifying behavioral and emotional factors contributing to substance use in teens.
  • Designed peer mentorship programs, pairing teens with positive role models who have successfully maintained sobriety.
  • Led weekly family therapy sessions, helping parents understand addiction, set boundaries, and support their child’s recovery.
  • Organized substance abuse awareness events in collaboration with local schools and community organizations.

Education

Master’s in Social Work (MSW)

Loyola University Chicago – 2017

Certifications

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (2018)
  • Certified Adolescent Mental Health Specialist (2021)

Community Outreach

  • Developed and facilitated school-based prevention programs in high-risk neighborhoods.
  • Conducted educational workshops for parents and teachers on recognizing signs of substance abuse.

Here are a few reasons why this example of a resume will impress recruiters:

  • The application emphasizes specialized experience working with youth, making it highly relevant for roles focused on teen rehabilitation.
  • It showcases community outreach and prevention program development, which adds value beyond traditional counseling duties.
  • The school collaboration component highlights the ability to integrate services into educational environments.
Should I choose a substance abuse counselor resume objective or summary?

Resume summary

  • Ideal for those with substantial experience in the field.
  • This concise section (2-4 lines) highlights your core competencies and achievements.

Substance abuse counselor resume summary sample:

Seasoned substance abuse counselor with over a decade of hands-on work in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Skilled in CBT, group therapy, and patient rehabilitation strategies.

Resume objective

  • Best suited for newcomers or individuals transitioning to this career.
  • This brief statement (1-2 lines) highlights your aspirations and what you aim to contribute to the role.

Substance abuse counselor resume objective example:

Dedicated and compassionate recent graduate seeking a position as a substance abuse counselor to support individuals in overcoming addiction and building healthier futures.

How to showcase your substance abuse counselor resume skills?

The skills section is crucial as it reflects the competencies you bring to the table.

  • Hard skills are technical abilities you can acquire through education, training, or hands-on work. They are essential to performing specific tasks in the field of counseling.
  • Soft skills refer to personal attributes that help you engage with clients and colleagues effectively. Often shaped through experience, these enable you to navigate complex situations and build meaningful relationships.

Substance abuse counselor hard skills examples:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Addiction Treatment Planning
  • Group Therapy Facilitation
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Case Management
  • Relapse Prevention Strategies
  • Drug and Alcohol Assessments
  • Family Counseling Techniques
  • Client Progress Monitoring

Sample of soft skills for substance abuse counselor:

  • Empathy
  • Active Listening
  • Patience
  • Communication Skills
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Emotional Regulation
  • Adaptability
  • Teamwork
  • Leadership
  • Problem-Solving

Substance abuse family counselor resume template

Substance abuse family counselor resume sample

Substance Abuse Family Counselor Resume
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Resume for substance abuse family counselor | Text version

Michael Thompson
Philadelphia, PA | michael.thompson@email.com | (215) 555-6789 | linkedin.com/in/michaelthompson

Professional Summary

Empathetic Substance Abuse Family Counselor with experience helping families navigate addiction recovery. Experienced in family therapy, intervention planning, and relapse prevention education. Passionate about rebuilding relationships affected by substance dependency.

Skills

  • Family & Couples Therapy
  • Addiction Intervention Strategies
  • Co-Dependency Counseling
  • Trauma-Informed Care
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Relapse Prevention Planning
  • Psychoeducation Workshops
  • Parent & Caregiver Coaching
  • Community Resource Referrals
  • Case Documentation

Work Experience

Substance Abuse Family Counselor

Philadelphia Family Recovery Center – Philadelphia, PA | 2018 – Present

  • Conduct structured therapy sessions to help families understand addiction’s impact and develop healthier communication patterns.
  • Guide intervention processes, assisting loved ones in creating a nonjudgmental and supportive environment for recovery.
  • Educate family members on relapse prevention techniques and coping strategies tailored to their specific situation.
  • Act as a liaison between families, rehabilitation facilities, and legal professionals to ensure comprehensive support for clients.

Family Addiction Specialist

Hope Haven Counseling – Camden, NJ | 2014 – 2018

  • Designed and implemented support groups specifically for spouses and children of individuals struggling with addiction.
  • Assisted families in navigating the complexities of addiction-related legal and financial challenges.
  • Delivered workshops on establishing boundaries and fostering accountability without enabling destructive behaviors.
  • Partnered with addiction treatment centers to integrate family therapy into rehabilitation programs.

Education

Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy

Temple University – 2014

Certifications

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (2015)
  • Certified Substance Abuse Family Counselor (2020)

Training & Workshops

  • Facilitator, Family Recovery Strategies Workshop, Pennsylvania Recovery Coalition
  • Speaker, The Role of Family in Substance Abuse Treatment, National Family Therapy Conference

This sample counselor resume is effective for several reasons:

  • The document stands out by focusing on family therapy and intervention strategies, demonstrating a holistic approach to addiction recovery.
  • It highlights experience with workshops and training, positioning the candidate as both a counselor and an educator.
  • The inclusion of legal and financial guidance for families adds a unique and valuable perspective to the role.
What academic credentials should I add to my resume?

Your education section proves that you have the foundation needed for the role.

  • Include the institution’s name, your degree(s), and graduation year.
  • Add any relevant certifications or licensure (e.g., Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Licensed Professional).
  • If applicable, mention specialized coursework or internships that align with the responsibilities of a substance abuse counselor.
How to organize the experience section in a resume?
  • List jobs in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position.
  • Focus on volunteer experience, internships, or any hands-on work related to addiction counseling.
  • Use bullet points to describe key duties and notable achievements.
  • Quantify your impact where possible, such as “Guided 30+ clients through recovery programs.”
  • Tailor this block to match the employer’s needs. Highlight skills and achievements that directly align with the job description.

Conclusion

Creating a substance abuse counselor resume that highlights your relevant roles and qualifications can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview.

By focusing on your specialized skills, certifications, and real-world experience, you can show potential employers that you’re the right fit for their team.

Make sure your document is tailored to each job, and remember that attention to detail is key to creating a lasting impression.

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