My Colorado Journey
Back to pathway map
Behavioral HealthTop JobColorado Talent Pipeline Report-aligned occupation with strong annual openings, growth, and wage signals.

Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS)

Counsel and advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco or drug abuse or use disorders. May counsel individuals, families, or groups or engage in prevention programs. A Certified Addiction Specialist has the authority to practice independently and assume clinical supervision duties.

Annual openings

1,676

Median wage

n/a

Typical education

A Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Behavioral Health is required, plus completion of required [Certified Addiction Counselor education](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1892z4b5A0gz-fy8pP271f8iCoiLg3n7r/view).

Growth 2024–2034

+26%

Interactive walkthrough

Explore My Colorado Journey Careers

See where to compare pay, job demand, locations, skills, education, and training for a Colorado career.

Open in a new tab

Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

A Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Behavioral Health is required, plus completion of required Certified Addiction Counselor education.

Credential requirement

A Certified Addiction Specialist certification is required. You will need to pass Colorado’s Mental Health Professions Jurisprudence Exam and a National Association for Addiction Professionals exam to obtain a certification.

Work experience

To become certified as a Certified Addiction Specialist, 5,000 hours of work experience is required.

You can obtain a job directly as a Certified Addiction Specialist, or you can add an addiction certification while working as a Counselor or Social Worker.
Significant work experience as an addiction counselor is required to become a Certified Addiction Specialist. It can be appropriate to work as a Certified Addiction Technician prior to completing your Bachelor’s degree.
A 2020 Colorado law prompted changes affecting the titles and licensure requirements for this job. As training is developed for the CAT and CAS credentials, the Colorado Board will continue to process pending applications for Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) Is, CAC IIs, and CAC IIIs under the previous requirements through March 31, 2021 when new rules and training will be in place.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

A typical day

  1. Assess individuals' degree of drug dependency by collecting and analyzing urine samples.
  2. Review and evaluate clients' progress in relation to measurable goals described in treatment and care plans.
  3. Develop client treatment plans based on research, clinical experience, and client histories.
  4. Modify treatment plans to comply with changes in client status.
  5. Intervene as an advocate for clients or patients to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
  6. Attend training sessions to increase knowledge and skills.
Feedback