Most states require that you become licensed or certified. Usually you are required to have specific training in addiction counseling plus a bachelor's degree and supervised contact with patients. You must also pass a written exam.

Some addiction counseling programs require that you pass an exam and submit a videotape of yourself interviewing a "mock" patient before you can begin your clinical experience.

Many people with associate degrees in addiction counseling go on to get bachelor's degrees in psychology, social work, or nursing.

Most addiction counseling programs at the bachelor's and master's degree levels include in-depth training in psychology.