Careers

Here are some of the many reasons why people get involved in this rewarding area of work:

Making a difference. Working with people experiencing addiction issues can be highly rewarding – supporting people to make significant positive changes in their lives is extremely fulfilling. Addiction treatment has a good evidence base with guidance from the Department of Health and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for drug misuse and alcohol misuse. NICE guidance on harmful gambling is also in development.

Working in a sector shaped by lived experience. The addiction sector excels in employing people with lived experience, whether of their own addiction or that of family and friends. While many people working in the field do not have lived experience of addictions, the opportunity to work in a sector shaped by people with lived experience can be very rewarding for everyone involved.

Addressing a range of issues. Addictions are complex and frequently co-exist with a wide range of other issues including mental health problems, physical health problems and social issues including offending, housing, relationships and employment. People employed in the addiction field have the opportunity to work with and build experience over a broad scope of issues across their careers.

Varied roles and responsibilities. Work with addictions involves a range of roles including support to explore issues that have led to addictions, support to find routes out of addictions, practical support with housing and employment, pharmacological interventions, and support for family members and loved ones. You can work in areas that include physical and mental health, employment, housing, education, building links with communities, improving relationships and self-esteem, and navigating the criminal justice system. Often you will be working with a wide range of issues at the same time, and the range of roles provides a varied and stimulating work experience and progression that lasts throughout your entire career.

Inter-agency collaboration. Working with addictions often involves collaboration with a range of different professionals, leading to increased understanding and professional growth. If you like working in teams, it can be a great career choice.

Diverse work settings. There are a range of work settings in the addiction sector including community treatment, criminal justice-based interventions, inpatient and hospital-based services, and residential rehabilitation. Treatment can be funded by local government and health services, charities, and the private sector. This provides a rich variety of experience, and many practitioners gain knowledge and skills moving between settings during their careers. It also offers many practitioners the opportunity to work for themselves. 

High demand for professionals.  Addictions cause significant problems for individuals, communities and society and there is firm evidence that treatment works. The addiction sector and wider society needs professionals who can make significant positive changes to the lives of individuals, their families and communities.                                                                                             

Career progression opportunities.  The addiction sector offers a wide range of opportunities for progression. Career progression is about moving forward in your work role and can take many forms – a promotion, being given more responsibility within the role you already have, moving to a different role or setting in the sector, taking on new challenges, or increasing your skillset through training and development opportunities. The processes underpinning career progression can include using supervision/appraisals/mentoring at work, making career plans, keeping up-to-date with developments in the field. 

People enter the addiction sector through a variety of routes and for a range of reasons. A common question we are asked is: What are the pathways into this field, and how do you progress once you’re there?

Some individuals choose to pursue qualifications in a specific professional role from the outset (e.g. nursing) to build a career in the sector. Others transition into the field after starting their careers in different settings—for example, a social worker might move from a safeguarding role within a local authority to a community drug and alcohol team. Some enter mid-career, retraining to work in this rewarding sector without prior experience in health or care roles.

If you’re interested in joining this field, explore the common roles and pathways listed below to discover how you can get involved.

How We Can Support You

• Free Membership: Join us for free to receive regular news and updates about the sector.
• Premium CPD Membership: Sign up to access continuing professional development opportunities.
• Voluntary Register: Once you begin volunteering or working in the sector, we encourage you to join our voluntary register as a Practitioner/Advanced Practitioner to demonstrate your commitment to good practice and standards.

While each role and profession within the addictions sector has different remit and requirements, there are some common skills and values required to work across the field.

Core skills and values

Awareness of people and behaviour: A keen ability to observe, understand, and respond to others' behaviour.

Empathy and relationship-building: The capacity to empathise with others and establish positive, trusting relationships.

Strong communication skills: The ability to communicate effectively and relate to people from diverse backgrounds.

Professionalism and confidentiality: A responsible, non-judgmental approach that respects the confidentiality of clients or patients.

Emotional resilience and maturity: The ability to manage emotional challenges and maintain composure in difficult situations.

Criminal record disclosures  

Many individuals with a history of addiction have criminal records. Employers in the sector typically require an enhanced criminal record disclosure, such as a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. However, having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from volunteering or working in this area.

Most employers will assess the nature of the offence and the time elapsed since it occurred before making a decision. For practitioners running their own businesses, such as private counsellors, a criminal disclosure check may not be legally required. However, it is considered good practice to make a criminal record disclosure check available to clients upon request.

Volunteering is a common way to start working in the addictions sector. For many people their experience in mutual aid groups motivate them to go on to volunteer within these organisations and/or in other roles. Other people become interested having accessed services such as rehab, counselling and other addiction treatment services. Some become interested as a result of a family member or friend experiencing addiction problems, and some are just interest in working with people with addictions. 

What are the entry requirements?

Most volunteer roles will not require qualifications, although many services will ask volunteers to complete in-house training. Some services may ask for training qualifications/membership of a professional body for specific roles (for example volunteer counsellors).

Career development

Volunteering allows you to gain valuable work experience, which helps if you want to gain qualifications or employment in the addictions field. Most voluteers will be provided with supervision, which will include advice and support on career progression. Some organisations support volunteers by providing training and development opportunities in specific areas of interest, allowing volunteers to specialise, for example in peer support or supporting people into employment.

Where to find volunteering opportunities

Volunteering opportunities are often available through local peer support services and treatment organisations. These roles typically involve an interview process and may include a variety of activities such as:

• Facilitating group activities, including support groups and recreational sessions.
• Supporting local treatment agencies in delivering their services.

Volunteering is highly rewarding and offers a chance to gain hands-on experience. It can help you decide if you’d like to work in the field and explore which role best suits your interests.

As well as jobsites and the press, your local service may advertise opportunities. Take a look at your local services websites, to find them:

For Alcohol and Other Drugs

• In England, visit the Talk to Frank website and the NHS Helpline. 
• In Scotland, explore the Scottish Drugs Services Directory and Know the Score.
• In Wales, visit DAN 24/7.
• In Northern Ireland, access resources at Drugs and Alcohol Northern Ireland.
• Check Drink and Drug News and NHS Jobs for volunteering opportunities, they also advertise regularly.

For Gambling

• Visit the GambleAware website to explore a directory of services.
• NHS Jobs also advertises volunteering roles in addictions.

The term keyworker encompasses a variety of roles with different job titles, such as drug and alcohol worker. The primary function of a keyworker is to serve as the main point of contact for individuals seeking support with addictions, who often have needs spanning multiple areas.

Keyworkers operate in diverse settings, including:

• Community addiction services
• Criminal justice environments
• Healthcare settings
• Residential rehabilitation centres
• Lived experience organisations
• Private sector organisations.

The keyworker's role is to build a strong, trusting relationship, which forms the foundation for a successful treatment journey. They help individuals explore the development of their addiction and create a tailored plan to support their recovery. Keyworkers collaborate with individuals to develop an appropriate care plan and often liaise with professionals across other services to address issues such as housing, health, family relationships, leisure activities, community involvement, and employment.

There are specialised keyworker roles that focus on specific areas, such as:

• Working with families and young people
• Peer support workers (a paid role), who used their lived experience to support people through treatment
• Supporting individuals within the criminal justice system.

Entry requirements

There are no nationally standardised training requirements for keyworker jobs, and some keyworkers begin employment with no formal qualifications, although others hold professional credentials in fields such as social work, nursing, counselling, youth work, or probation. Many employers provide training once employment begins. Some services may specify a minimum necessary level of educational achievement. For example:

• Community addiction services: An Educational Level 3 Health/Social Care Diploma may be required
• Residential rehabilitation: A Care Certificate may be requested.

Career progression

Keyworkers have numerous opportunities for career development:

• Employers may support staff in pursuing vocational courses such as diplomas, apprenticeships, or degrees. 
• Progression into leadership or management roles is often available.
• Specialisation opportunities include working with families, developing counselling skills, or engaging in research.

There are also a wide range of settings and roles that keyworkers can develop specialisms in, for example working with families, developing counselling skills, or supporting research. Addiction Professionals provide keyworker accreditation for Drug and Alcohol Professionals which helps standardise and recognise expertise in this field.

The experience and training gained as a keyworker in the addictions sector can also open pathways to roles in related fields such as mental health, teaching, or training across the public sector, charities and the private sector.

Where can I find keyworker roles?

As well as jobsites and the press, your local service may advertise opportunities. Take a look at your local services websites, to find them:

For Alcohol and Other Drugs

• In England, visit the Talk to Frank website and the NHS Helpline. 
• In Scotland, explore the Scottish Drugs Services Directory and Know the Score.
• In Wales, visit DAN 24/7.
• In Northern Ireland, access resources at Drugs and Alcohol Northern Ireland.
• Check Drink and Drug News and NHS Jobs for opportunities, they also advertise regularly.

For Gambling

• Visit the GambleAware website to explore a directory of services.
• NHS Jobs also advertises roles in addictions.

Counselling is a type of talking therapy that helps individuals address emotional issues, problems, and concerns by fostering a better understanding of themselves and others. It also helps individuals find positive ways to manage and resolve their issues. There are various counselling approaches, including:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Psychoanalytic Therapy
• Humanistic Therapy

Counsellors specialising in addictions work in diverse settings, such as community drug and alcohol services, gambling clinics, residential rehabilitation centres, and private practice.

Entry requirements

Counselling is an unregulated profession in the UK, meaning practitioners are not legally required to hold a qualification or belong to a professional body to advertise their services. However, the UK government encourages voluntary registration for counsellors, therapists, and psychotherapists.

There are several voluntary registers in the UK, including Addiction Professionals that counsellors can join. Most voluntary registers require practitioners to:

• Complete a degree-level course that includes specified hours of supervised practice and learning.
• Adhere to professional standards and disciplinary procedures.

Career development

Counsellors in the addictions field can pursue various career paths across settings, including the NHS, charities and private practice in a range of settings including residential rehabilitation centres, community services and criminal justice settings.

Addiction Professionals is the only regulatory body that offers accreditation in addictions for counsellors. Specialising in addictions can broaden opportunities and enrich a counsellor's career, as addiction is a common theme for individuals seeking counselling.

Some counsellors choose to:

• Pursue advanced study, such as a Master's degree in addictions or specialisation in areas like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or research.
• Take on leadership roles within organisations.
• Focus on teaching or supervising other counsellors and practitioners
• Set up in private practice/work for the private sector.

Where can I find counsellor roles?

As well as jobsites and the press, your local service may advertise opportunities. Take a look at your local services websites, to find them:

For Alcohol and Other Drugs

• In England, visit the Talk to Frank website and the NHS Helpline. 
• In Scotland, explore the Scottish Drugs Services Directory and Know the Score.
• In Wales, visit DAN 24/7.
• In Northern Ireland, access resources at Drugs and Alcohol Northern Ireland.
• Check Drink and Drug News and NHS Jobs for opportunities, they also advertise regularly.

For Gambling

• Visit the GambleAware website to explore a directory of services.
• NHS Jobs also advertises roles in addictions.

Nurses play a vital role in addiction services, offering support in areas such as physical health, mental health, and harm prevention. Some nurses working in the sector are non-medical prescribers (NMPs), prescribing medications for individuals requiring medical interventions. The NMP role is expanding within the drug and alcohol sector and includes responsibilities such as prescribing treatments and overseeing detoxifications in, community, criminal justice and inpatient settings.

Entry requirements

To practise as a nurse in the UK, you must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Registration requires a nursing degree or equivalent qualification.

• Some addiction services specifically seek nurses with non-medical prescribing qualifications, though many employers support nurses in obtaining this qualification after they begin employment.
• Services may offer placements for pre- and post-registered nurses, providing an opportunity to learn about the sector and explore a potential specialty or career change.

Career development

Nurses working in addiction services have a variety of career development opportunities:

• Postgraduate Study: Nurses can pursue MSc courses in areas such as leadership or mental health, often with employer support. While there are no nurse-specific MSc courses in addictions, postgraduate courses focusing on addictions are available to nurses in the sector.
• Non-Medical Prescribing (NMP): Nurses with at least one year of post-registration experience can study to become independent or supplementary prescribers, taking on a key role in prescribing medication to individuals with addiction issues.
• Leadership Roles: Nurses can progress into leadership positions such as nurse consultant, clinical lead, manager, or teacher roles.

Although there is currently no externally recognised addiction-specific accreditation for nurses, the skills and expertise gained in addiction services can significantly enhance career prospects and broaden opportunities within the field and beyond. 

There are a wide range of settings and roles that nurses can develop specialisms in, and the experience and training gained as a nurse in the addictions sector can also open pathways to roles in related fields such as mental health, teaching, or training across the public sector, charities and the private sector.

Where can I find nurse roles?

As well as jobsites and the press, your local service may advertise opportunities. Take a look at your local services websites, to find them:

For Alcohol and Other Drugs

• In England, visit the Talk to Frank website and the NHS Helpline. 
• In Scotland, explore the Scottish Drugs Services Directory and Know the Score.
• In Wales, visit DAN 24/7.
• In Northern Ireland, access resources at Drugs and Alcohol Northern Ireland.
• Check Drink and Drug News and NHS Jobs for opportunities, they also advertise regularly.

For Gambling

• Visit the GambleAware website to explore a directory of services.
• NHS Jobs also advertises roles in addictions.

Pharmacists play a vital role in the drug and alcohol sector, where dispensing medications is a key component of service provision. Those who are qualified as non-medical prescribers (NMPs) play a critical role in prescribing interventions, including detoxification treatments.

Pharmacists are an integral part of multidisciplinary teams in both community and inpatient services. They work across various settings, including community services, criminal justice settings and primary care.

Their expertise in prescribing, supervision of other prescribers, and contribution to policy development makes them invaluable within the sector.

Entry requirements

In order to practice, pharmacists in the UK must have a degree in pharmacy recognised by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and also be registered with the GPhC.  Many pharmacists working in the sector also complete additional training to become non-medical prescribers.

Non-Medical Prescribing Roles:

• Supplementary prescribers: Prescribe medicines in partnership with a doctor, following an agreed plan.
• Independent prescribers: Prescribe autonomously within their area of expertise.

Both roles require meeting the the GPhC competency framework, supported by a practice-based portfolio.

The training landscape is evolving. Pharmacy degree programmes are being updated to include independent prescribing learning outcomes, enabling all graduates to prepare for prescribing training and assessment during their foundation year.

Career development

Pharmacists in the addiction sector have various opportunities for career development, including:

• Leadership roles: Progressing to positions such as consultant pharmacist or clinical lead, where they can shape service delivery and guide multidisciplinary teams.
• Specialist areas: Focusing on areas such as research, education, and policy development to influence the broader field of addiction care.

There are a wide range of settings and roles that pharmacists can develop specialisms in, and the experience and training gained in the addictions sector can also open pathways to roles in related fields such as mental health, teaching, or training across the public sector, charities and the private sector.

Where can I find pharmacist roles?

As well as jobsites and the press, your local service may advertise opportunities. Take a look at your local services websites, to find them:

For Alcohol and Other Drugs

• In England, visit the Talk to Frank website and the NHS Helpline. 
• In Scotland, explore the Scottish Drugs Services Directory and Know the Score.
• In Wales, visit DAN 24/7.
• In Northern Ireland, access resources at Drugs and Alcohol Northern Ireland.
• Check Drink and Drug News and NHS Jobs for opportunities, they also advertise regularly.

For Gambling

• Visit the GambleAware website to explore a directory of services.
• NHS Jobs also advertises roles in addictions.

Psychologists play an essential role in the addictions sector. Their skills in assessment, formulation in order to plan, and their ability to work with diverse mental health presentations, including the consequences of trauma that are often seen in people with addictions, together with delivering psychological therapies make their role important in the  addictions field. They can also play an essential role in clinical supervision of other staff, and contribution to a multi disciplinary team approach.

Entry requirements

In order to practice as a psychologist in the UK you must be registered with the HCPC as a practitioner psychologist. Practitioner psychologists (including clinical, counselling and forensic psychologists) must complete a recognised degree and meet the HCPC standards in order to practice. Some services support training placements to doctoral programme trainees (clinical and counselling). 

Further development

Working in addictions offers rich opportunities for development for psycholgists. Some psychologists are supported by workplaces, or choose to study at masters level and/or are supported at work to specialise in an area of special interest, for example working with trauma, research or teaching. Many psychologists have leadership roles within the addictions field, including psychologist consultants.  Some addiction services offer training placements to doctoral programme trainees (clinical and counselling). There is currently no formal accreditation for psychologists working in addictions.

There are a wide range of settings and roles that phsycologists can develop specialisms in, and the experience and training gained in the addictions sector can also open pathways to roles in related fields such as mental health, teaching, or training across the public sector, charities and the private sector.

Where can I find psychologist roles?

As well as jobsites and local publications, treatment services will often advertise locally, with a range of different job titles and job descriptions. 

For alcohol and other drugs

To find your local services in England which are also free to access, visit the Talk to Frank website and the NHS Helpline.

For Scotland see NHS focus the Scottish Drugs Services Directory and Know the Score

For Wales visit DAN 24/7 

For Northern Ireland visit Drugs and Alcohol Northern Ireland

Drink and Drug News advertise opportunities in the drug and alcohol sector, as does NHS Jobs.

For gambling

You can find a directory of services on the GambleAware website and and NHS Jobs also advertise volunteering opportunities.

Doctors play an important role in the addictions offering expertise in the assessment and treatment of people with complex physical, mental and social needs. They play an essential role in clinical governance structures, supervision and the development of a multi-disciplinary team approach.  Addiction Psychiatrists provide expertise in psychiatric assessments and interventions, and General Practitioners have a important role in terms of understanding the general health conditions which is often impacted by people with addictions. Both Addiction Psychiatrists and General Practitioners provide leadership roles within services. Other doctors also work in the sector. Some GPs provide treatment for alcohol and other drugs directly from their surgeries.

Entry requirements

Doctors are required to be registered with the GMC in order to practice in the UK. There are different registrations on the GMC for doctors working in addictions, either GP registration and Specialist Registration in General Psychiatry. Doctors are required to have medical degree which is accepted by the GMC. 

Career development 

There are a range of roles and leadership opportunities within the addictions sector. There is no recognised accreditation pathway for doctors wishing to specialise in addictions in the UK, however there is guidance developed by the Royal College of General Practitioners and the Royal College of Psychiatrists that identifies the roles and competencies for doctors working in the drug and alcohol treatment sector. 

There are a wide range of settings and roles that doctors can develop specialisms in, and the experience and training gained in the addiction sector can also open pathways to roles in related fields such as mental health, teaching, or training across the public sector, charities and the private sector.

Where do I find doctor roles?

As well as jobsites and local publications, treatment services will often advertise locally, with a range of different job titles and job descriptions. 

For alcohol and other drugs

To find your local services in England which are also free to access, visit the Talk to Frank website and the NHS Helpline.

For Scotland see NHS focus the Scottish Drugs Services Directory and Know the Score

For Wales visit DAN 24/7 

For Northern Ireland visit Drugs and Alcohol Northern Ireland

Drink and Drug News advertise opportunities in the drug and alcohol sector, as does NHS Jobs.

For gambling

You can find a directory of services on the GambleAware website and and NHS Jobs also advertise opportunities.

Social workers have an important role to play in addictions, having in depth understanding of health and social care systems, an understanding of assessment, planning care, supervision and reflective practice. Models of social work practice include an understanding of the individual, the family and society which compliments addictions treatment approaches. Social workers also offer expertise in safeguarding, reflective practice and can play an important role within multi disciplinary teams. 

Entry requirements

Social workers must be registered with the relevant professional bodies in England  Scotland Northern Ireland and Wales in order to practice. Social workers are required to have a social work degree or equivalent. 

Further development

There are many ways to develop within the addictions sector as a social worker. Some social workers choose to study addictions at masters level and/or are supported in work to develop specialisms or are supported at work to specialise in an area of special interest. They may also develop into leadership roles. There is no formal accreditation for social workers working in addictions. 

There are a wide range of settings and roles that social workers can develop specialisms in, and the experience and training gained in the addictions sector can also open pathways to roles in related fields such as mental health, teaching, or training across the public sector, charities and the private sector.

Addiction can take its toll on family members, and it is important that they have support which is distinct from any support the person with addictions is receiving. The main function of the family worker role is to be the primary point of contact for family members of people with addictions, who often have needs across a range of issues. Family workers work in a variety of settings including community addiction services, criminal justice settings, health settings, residential rehabilitation centres, lived experience organisations, and peer support services. Their role is to build a strong and trusting relationship to formulate the right plan of care, and will often liaise with a range of other professionals across services to try to secure the best possible outcomes on issues including housing, health, family relationships, leisure time, community involvement and employment.

Training requirements

There are no nationally recognised training requirements for keyworker jobs, although some services may specify a minimum necessary level of educational achievement. In treatment settings this might be an Educational Level 3 Health/Social care Diploma, while in residential rehab settings employers may ask for a care certificate. Some keyworkers have no formal qualifications while others may already have professional qualifications from other disciplines such as social work, nursing, counselling, youth work or probation. While there’s no formally recognised accreditation system for the keyworker role, employers often require people to complete training once they are in employment. Addiction Professionals have developed accreditation for family workers in partnership with Adfam.

Career progression

Family workers have numerous opportunities for career development:

• Employers may support staff in pursuing vocational courses such as diplomas, apprenticeships, or degrees. 
• Progression into leadership or management roles is often available.
• Specialisation opportunities include working with families, developing counselling skills, or engaging in research.

There are also a wide range of settings and roles that k can develop specialisms in, for example developing counselling skills, or supporting research. Addiction Professionals have developed  accreditation for family workers in partnership with Adfam.

The experience and training gained as a family worker in the addictions sector gains can also open pathways to roles in related fields such as mental health, teaching, or training across the public sector, charities and the private sector.

Where can I find family worker roles?

Treatment services will often advertise locally, under a range of different job titles and job descriptions. 

For alcohol and other drugs

To find your local public sector services in England which are also free to access, visit the Talk to Frank website and the NHS Helpline.

For Scotland see NHS focus the Scottish Drugs Services Directory and Know the Score

For Wales visit DAN 24/7 

For Northern Ireland visit Drugs and Alcohol Northern Ireland

Drink and Drug News also advertises volunteering opportunities.

For gambling

You can find a directory of services on the GambleAware website.