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Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling (Higher)

Gain skills in substance abuse assessment, counseling techniques, and treatment planning to support individuals struggling with addiction
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Overview

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Learning outcomes

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Course content

1

Foundations Of Substance Abuse Counseling

2

Psychopathology Of Addiction

3

Principles Of Counseling Practice

4

Ethical And Legal Issues In Substance Abuse

5

Assessment And Diagnosis Of Substance Use

6

Pharmacology Of Addictive Substances

7

Treatment Planning And Intervention Strategies

8

Group Counseling Techniques For Addiction

9

Family Dynamics And Substance Abuse

10

Harm Reduction Strategies

11

Relapse Prevention Methods

12

Motivational Interviewing In Substance Abuse

13

Cultural Competence In Addiction Counseling

14

Trauma-Informed Care For Substance Users

15

Research Methods For Substance Abuse

16

Professional Development And Supervision

17

Community Resources And Referral

18

Dual Diagnosis And Co-Occurring Disorders

19

Emerging Trends In Substance Abuse

20

Self‑Care For Counselors

Career Path

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Key facts

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Why this course

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People also ask

Everything you need to know before you start

Straight answers — no waiting on a reply. Most learners are enrolled within 60 seconds of finding what they need below.

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Learn on your time
Certificate
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We offer immediate access to our course materials through our open enrollment system. This means:

  • The course starts as soon as you pay the course fee, instantly
  • No waiting periods or fixed start dates
  • Instant access to all course materials upon payment
  • Flexibility to begin at your convenience

This self-paced approach allows you to begin your professional development journey immediately, fitting your learning around your existing commitments.

We offer two flexible learning paths to suit your schedule:

  • Fast Track: Complete in 1 month with 3-4 hours of study per week
  • Standard Mode: Complete in 2 months with 2-3 hours of study per week

You can progress at your own pace and access the materials 24/7.

There are no formal entry requirements for this course. You just need:

  • A good command of English language
  • Access to a computer/laptop with internet
  • Basic computer skills
  • Dedication to complete the course
Ready when you are
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Self-paced · Certificate included · 24/7 access · 60-second start.
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Assessment is done through:

  • Multiple-choice questions at the end of each unit
  • You need to score at least 60% to pass each unit
  • You can retake quizzes if needed
  • All assessments are online

Upon successful completion, you will receive:

  • A digital certificate from London School of Planning and Management
  • Option to request a physical certificate
  • Transcript of completed units
  • Certification is included in the course fee
Open enrolment · Start today

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Why people choose us for their career

Trusted by professionals worldwide

Verified outcomes from learners who finished the course and put it to work.

4.5
Based on 4 learner reviews · 4 countries
98%
Would recommend
100%
Verified learners
2026
Cohort active
Completed from United Kingdom
OH
Oliver Hughes
GB · Course completed

Absolutely brilliant! This course gave me the exact tools I needed to transition into substance‑abuse counseling. I loved the interactive simulations where I could role‑play a counselling session and get instant feedback on my technique. The module on family dynamics was eye‑opening – I now confidently run family therapy sessions using the models taught. The reading list was up‑to‑date, pulling from the latest research, and the downloadable worksheets are now staples in my practice. The whole experience was energising and left me eager to apply what I learned.

MC
Michael Carter
US · Course completed

The Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling (Higher) exceeded my expectations. The curriculum aligned perfectly with my goal of becoming a certified counselor, providing in‑depth coverage of evidence‑based interventions such as motivational interviewing and relapse prevention planning. The case‑study modules allowed me to practice client assessments in realistic scenarios, which I later applied during my internship at a community health center. Course materials were current, well‑structured, and included downloadable assessment tools that I now use with my clients. Overall, the learning experience was rigorous yet supportive, and I feel fully prepared to enter the professional field.

SL
Sophie Laurent
CA · Course completed

I signed up for the program hoping to boost my practical skills, and it definitely delivered. The videos on harm‑reduction strategies were super clear, and I could immediately start using the new intake forms in my volunteer work at a local shelter. The course also gave me a solid grasp of ethical considerations, which helped me feel more confident when handling tricky client situations. Materials were easy to follow, and the discussion boards let me exchange ideas with peers from different backgrounds. All in all, it was a great mix of theory and hands‑on practice.

RK
Rahul Kapoor
IN · Course completed

The program was meticulously designed, covering both the theoretical foundations and the day‑to‑day skills required for effective counseling. Detailed lectures on cognitive‑behavioural techniques allowed me to develop concrete intervention plans, which I have already implemented with clients in my clinic. The inclusion of culturally relevant case studies helped me adapt strategies to the Indian context, especially in addressing stigma. Course resources—slides, reference articles, and assessment templates—were of high quality and continue to serve as a valuable reference. My overall satisfaction is high, as the course precisely met my learning objectives.





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Recently updated!

May 2026