Substance abuse counselors are not able to prescribe medicine or give medical or psychological therapy. Rather they work with the client in an advocacy and mentoring capacity. The substance abuse counselor becomes a key figure in the life of the addict. From helping the client to see clearly the emotional underpinnings of their dependency to helping with more mundane tasks such as helping the client find or maintain employment, the substance abuse counselor works with the client to help them become self-sufficient in life.

Some of the duties of a substance abuse counselor might include:

• Working with the client to gain or maintain employment
• Helping the client understand the nature of their addiction
• Helping the client to have the support networks they need to break free of addiction
• Helping the client create concrete plans to improve their life
• Working with the clients family to help them heal from the trauma inflicted by addiction