Creating an impactful drug and alcohol counselor resume can make all the difference in securing your next role. This field demands not only clinical knowledge and communication skills but also a deep empathy for clients struggling with addiction.

A well-structured application can highlight your strengths, showcase your experience, and demonstrate your dedication to helping others.

By examining substance abuse counselor resume examples, you can gain insights into what makes it effective and see how to best present your qualifications.

Drug and alcohol prevention program specialist resume examples

Entry-level substance abuse counselor resume sample

Beginner substance abuse counselor resume template

Beginner substance abuse counselor resume template
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Resume for substance abuse counselor | Plain text

Johnathan Miller

Email: johnathan.miller@email.com | Phone: (555) 123-4567
Location: Chicago, IL

Objective

Compassionate and dedicated individual with a recent certification in Substance Abuse Counseling seeking an entry-level position. Strong interpersonal skills, empathetic listening abilities, and a commitment to supporting clients through their recovery journey.

Education

Certified Substance Abuse Counselor

Chicago Community College, Chicago, IL | Graduated: June 2024

Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology

University of Illinois, Chicago, IL | Graduated: May 2024

Skills

  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Substance Use Assessments
  • Group Counseling Support
  • Case Management

Experience

Internship, Recovery Assistant

Healing Hands Treatment Center, Chicago, IL | May 2024 - August 2024

  • Provided support to licensed counselors in individual and group counseling sessions.
  • Assisted in intake assessments and documented client progress under supervision.
  • Facilitated weekly support groups, encouraging peer-to-peer support and community building.
  • Conducted follow-up calls to ensure clients were receiving appropriate resources and support.

Volunteer

Second Chance Shelter, Chicago, IL | January 2022 - April 2024

  • Participated in workshops to educate clients on coping skills and healthy lifestyle choices.
  • Assisted in organizing events aimed at building resilience and life skills for individuals in recovery.

Additional Training

Certified in Mental Health First Aid

National Council for Mental Wellbeing | Certified: December 2024

  • Completed a comprehensive training on recognizing mental health issues and providing initial help.
  • Gained skills in handling mental health crises, understanding the recovery process, and connecting individuals with appropriate resources.

Strong sides of this drug and alcohol counselor resume example:

  • It includes both an internship and volunteer role, showing diverse exposure to different facets of counseling and a commitment to the field.
  • The objective is direct and focused, clearly stating career goals and alignment with the position.
  • The "Certified in Mental Health First Aid" section enhances the resume by showing extra relevant training beyond the main qualifications, a standout feature for an entry-level candidate.
How to properly format a drug and alcohol prevention program specialist resume?
  • Choose a professional, legible font such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
  • Use font sizes between 10 and 12 points for body text, and make your name and section headers slightly larger (14–16 points) for readability.
  • Aim for a one-page resume if you are entry-level or early-career. Experienced counselors with extensive work histories can use two pages.
  • Include clear sections for Contact Information, Summary or Objective, Skills, Education, Experience, and Certifications.
  • Add one-inch margins and consistent spacing between sections of the drug and alcohol counselor resume. This creates a balanced, uncluttered look.
  • Save your application as a PDF to preserve the layout across devices and prevent any issues.

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Behavioral addiction counselor resume example

Sample behavioral addiction counselor resume

Rebecca Flores, MS, CAC

Email: rebecca.flores@email.com | Phone: (555) 987-6543
Location: San Diego, CA

Professional Summary

Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) with 7+ years of experience specializing in behavioral addictions, including gambling, internet, and gaming. Proven track record in relapse prevention, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and individualized treatment planning. Seeking to bring my expertise to the Addiction Recovery Network in San Diego.

Education

Master’s in Counseling Psychology

San Diego State University, San Diego, CA | Graduated: May 2018

Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC)

California Board of Behavioral Sciences | Certified: September 2019

Core Skills

  • CBT and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)
  • Behavioral Addiction Assessment
  • Relapse Prevention Strategies
  • Family Counseling and Support
  • Individualized Treatment Plans

Professional Experience

Behavioral Addiction Counselor

Coastal Recovery Services, San Diego, CA | August 2019 - Present

  • Develop and implement personalized treatment plans for clients struggling with non-substance addictions.
  • Conduct individual and group therapy sessions, focusing on cognitive restructuring and skill development.
  • Collaborate with family members to address the impact of behavioral addiction on loved ones and support systems.
  • Provide training to junior counselors on best practices in managing behavioral addictions.

Counselor (Intern)

San Diego Addiction Center, San Diego, CA | June 2018 - August 2019

  • Assisted in CBT-based interventions for clients with co-occurring behavioral and substance use disorders.
  • Conducted intake assessments and helped create treatment plans alongside senior counselors.
  • Led support groups for individuals struggling with technology and internet dependency.

Certifications

  • Certified Addiction Counselor (2018), California Board of Behavioral Sciences

Published Articles

  1. "Understanding Behavioral Addiction: An Emerging Challenge" – Journal of Counseling Psychology, January 2023
  2. "Interventions for Technology Addiction in Youth" – California Counseling Review, May 2021
    • Authored articles addressing approaches to behavioral addiction, including preventive measures and therapeutic strategies.

Here are a few reasons why this example of a drug and alcohol counselor resume will impress recruiters:

  • The summary effectively highlights the candidate's specialized focus on behavioral addiction, making it clear they have niche expertise within the broader field of counseling.
  • Skills like “CBT and DBT” and “Relapse Prevention Strategies” are highly specific to the role, showcasing relevant competencies right away.
  • Including a “Published Articles” section is a strong move, as it demonstrates thought leadership and expertise, making this resume stand out among others that may lack such contributions.
Should I choose a drug and alcohol counselor resume objective or summary?

Resume summary is ideal for experienced counselors.

It highlights specific qualifications, skills, and years of experience.

Drug and alcohol counselor resume summary sample:

Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor with over five years of experience in outpatient and residential settings. Skilled in motivational interviewing, relapse prevention, and family counseling to support long-term recovery outcomes.

Resume objective is suitable for entry-level candidates or those changing careers.

Drug and alcohol counselor resume objective example:

Recent graduate with a certification in Substance Abuse Counseling, seeking an entry-level position at Pathways Recovery Center. Dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based support to clients on their recovery journey.

How to showcase your substance abuse counselor resume skills?

Employers want to see that you have the specific skill set to support clients, assess addiction severity, and deliver treatment.

  • Hard skills are teachable, measurable abilities.
  • Soft skills are personal attributes and interpersonal traits.

Hard skills:

  • Motivational interviewing
  • Substance use assessments
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Crisis intervention techniques
  • Treatment planning
  • Familiarity with DSM-5
  • Case management software
  • Family systems counseling
  • Relapse prevention strategies
  • Client progress documentation

Soft skills:

  • Active listening
  • Empathy and compassion
  • Patience
  • Problem-solving
  • Communication
  • Adaptability
  • Nonjudgmental attitude
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Conflict resolution
  • Team collaboration

Youth drug and alcohol counselor resume template

Youth drug and alcohol counselor resume sample

Youth drug and alcohol counselor resume sample
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Resume for youth drug and alcohol counselor | Text version

Emily Chen, LMHC

Email: emily.chen@email.com | Phone: (555) 246-1357
Location: Seattle, WA

Objective

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with over 8 years of experience working with adolescents facing substance abuse challenges. Specializing in trauma-informed care and family dynamics to support youth in overcoming addiction.

Education

Master’s in Clinical Psychology

University of Washington, Seattle, WA | Graduated: May 2016

Bachelor’s in Social Work

Washington State University, Pullman, WA | Graduated: May 2014

Key Skills

  • Trauma-Informed Counseling
  • Youth Substance Use Counseling
  • Group and Individual Therapy
  • Family Therapy and Mediation
  • Crisis Intervention

Work Experience

Youth Substance Abuse Counselor

Pathways Youth Recovery Center, Seattle, WA | June 2018 - Present

  • Develop tailored treatment plans for adolescents with substance abuse and mental health disorders.
  • Provide one-on-one counseling and led group therapy sessions for teens ages 13-18.
  • Collaborate with families to provide education on addiction and ways to support their children.
  • Engage with community partners to establish additional resources for youth in recovery.

Mental Health Counselor

Seattle Teen Health, Seattle, WA | September 2016 - June 2018

  • Conducted assessments to diagnose substance abuse and mental health issues in adolescents.
  • Offered crisis intervention services and developed safety plans for at-risk youth.
  • Led weekly workshops on coping mechanisms and resilience-building for young people.

Certifications

  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor (2016), Washington State

Community Outreach Experience

Youth Advocate Volunteer

Seattle Youth Outreach Program, Seattle, WA | January 2017 - Present

  • Coordinate community events focused on drug education, addiction prevention, and mental health awareness for adolescents.
  • Deliver workshops at local schools, engaging youth in discussions about the dangers of substance abuse.
  • Collaborate with local police, healthcare providers, and educators to build a strong network of support for at-risk youth.

This sample drug and alcohol counselor resume is effective for several reasons:

  • The opening statement is targeted, detailing the candidate’s experience with adolescents and their expertise in trauma-informed care, which are critical for a youth counselor role.
  • The work experience provides a clear picture of responsibilities, showing a high level of involvement with youth and family counseling, which is crucial for this job.
  • Skills like “Family Therapy and Mediation” and “Crisis Intervention” are particularly relevant to adolescents, showcasing a thoughtful selection that aligns with the demands of the position.
What educational credentials should I add to my drug and alcohol counselor resume?

The education section is essential as it establishes your foundational knowledge and qualifications. Many counseling positions require specific certifications or degrees in psychology or social work.

  • Write your highest degree first, followed by other relevant degrees.
  • Include relevant certifications, such as Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
  • Any relevant workshops, continuing education, or specialized training sessions can be listed here as well.
How to organize the work history in a drug and alcohol counselor resume?

The experience section is a vital component of your application, allowing you to demonstrate hands-on skills, accomplishments, and growth. This part should be organized in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position.

For each entry, include:

  • Job title: Be specific (e.g., “Outpatient Drug Counselor” instead of just “Counselor”).
  • Employer’s name and location: Including the city and state.
  • Dates of employment: Specify the month and year.
  • Key responsibilities: Use bullet points to describe your major duties and any measurable achievements.

Conclusion

Writing a strong drug and alcohol counselor resume requires emphasizing your clinical expertise, empathy, and dedication to client recovery.

Tailor your document by showcasing relevant certifications, experience, and measurable achievements to create a compelling profile that stands out to hiring managers.

By investing time in crafting a polished and relevant application, you’re one step closer to making a meaningful impact in your field.

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