Substance Abuse Counselor AA

What is a Substance Abuse Counselor?

Substance Abuse Counselors help individuals, families, and communities overcome the challenges of alcohol and drug addiction. They provide assessment, counseling, treatment planning, education, and recovery support while working alongside healthcare providers and community organizations to help clients achieve lasting recovery and improve their quality of life.

Why Substance Abuse Counseling at Northern?

Northern prepares students for rewarding careers that make a real difference in the lives of others. Our program combines a strong foundation in psychology, counseling, and human services with hands-on learning through internship opportunities. Students receive personalized support from experienced faculty while completing the educational requirements for the Licensed Substance Abuse Associate (LSAA) credential in New Mexico. With small class sizes, individualized mentoring, and a commitment to serving diverse communities, Northern is an excellent place to begin a career in behavioral health.

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Program Links

BAIS Psychology Catalog Arts & Human Sciences department Meet with your advisor

Resources

2025-2026 Academic Catalog Schedule of Classes Academic Calendar

More about the program:

The Substance Abuse AA provides students with the academic foundation and practical experience needed to begin a career in addiction counseling or continue their education in behavioral health. Through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on learning, students will:

Develop the knowledge, practical skills, and professional self-awareness needed to support individuals affected by substance use disorders.
Explore the psychological, social, and family dynamics of addiction.
Learn evidence-based counseling practices, assessment, treatment planning, ethics, and recovery support.
Gain valuable real-world experience through internship or practicum opportunities.
Meet the educational requirements to pursue the Licensed Substance Abuse Associate (LSAA) credential in New Mexico.
Build a strong foundation for transferring into bachelor's degree programs in psychology, social work, criminal justice, and related fields.

Career Pathways

Substance Abuse Counselors are in high demand as communities continue to expand behavioral health and addiction recovery services. Graduates of Northern's program are prepared for entry-level opportunities in a variety of settings, including:

Community behavioral health agencies
Substance abuse treatment and recovery centers
Hospitals and healthcare systems
Correctional facilities
Tribal health programs
Schools and educational settings
Human service agencies

Continue Your Education

Graduates can seamlessly transfer into bachelor's degree programs, including Northern's Bachelor of Integrated Studies (BAIS) with an emphasis in Psychology, or pursue degrees in social work, criminal justice, counseling, and other behavioral health disciplines.