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Community & Health

Alcohol & Other Drugs Courses

Upskilled provides a selection of online Alcohol and Other Drugs courses, equipping you with the skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact. Earn industry-recognised qualifications and gain practical experience.

$82K+
Annual Salary, Full-time
15.8%
Employment growth over the next 5 years
76.2%
Female share among the employed workforce

Join over 42,000 Aussies who have had success with Upskilled

Great Course. Great Support.

Recently started the Diploma of Counselling. Can't thank Upskilled and all staff enough. I was hesitant.at first but it was always something i have wanted to do. Have been involved in education and it has been a part of the job but have always wanted to do it as a profession. The education staff have been so supportive and instructional creating a great learning and interactive environment. Looking forward to studying more and making mistakes as thats how I learn and progress.

Special thank you to Jo one of the Education Consultants. He was informative. friendly, knowledgeable about the course and study. Didn't feel pressured just helped me navigate options and left it up to me to decide. So glad he rang after I expressed interest in commencing studies again after a long time.

Highly recommend!

Better than the classroom! It’s been a fantastic experience. The student support team and our trainer are incredible. Always willing to help our investgate my queries. Our trainer is always generous with his time and feedback. 

My experience with Upskilled's Ronnie

My Experience with upskilled's coordinator Mr Ronnie, is absolutely amazing, his such a great teacher and his explanation in regarding the course are very clear and very helpful. Since I started he was always there when needed help with the course. Mr Ronnie makes you understand how to reach your goal of understanding of each session and the progress is very successful. Keep up with the good work Ronnie, and i recommend Upskilled's and Ronnie to every student and do not hesitate to contact all staff there as there a very grateful and will attend helping you straight away. One more think, I wouldn't be able to do this with out you (Ronnie) helping and supporting me, overall his fantastic. I look forward to the next meeting.

I really enjoyed studying the diploma

I really enjoyed studying the Diploma in Counselling this was such a great course. I loved the interaction with people and learning new aspects of counselling. I have learnt so much that going onto the next faze of my studying will help me tremendously after doing this course.
My trainer Ronnie was very supportive and helpful and was always available when needed, he offered great feedback and encouraged role playing as much as possible.

Why Study Alcohol & Other Drugs Courses?


In today’s ever-changing world, pursuing Alcohol and Other Drugs courses offers a range of valuable benefits. From acquiring in-demand skills to making a positive impact on individuals and communities, exploring online courses in this field can lead to fulfilling and rewarding career opportunities.

Help Fill Australia’s Skills Shortage

Australia is experiencing a significant skills shortage in the Alcohol and Other Drugs sector. By enrolling in online courses, learners can gain essential knowledge in substance abuse counselling, addiction support, and intervention strategies, helping to meet the urgent needs of communities and support those struggling with addiction.

15.8% Market Growth!

The Alcohol and Other Drugs support industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, with a projected employment increase of 15.8% over the next five years. By 2026, an estimated 88,500 professionals are expected to be employed in this field, highlighting the expanding demand for skilled practitioners who can address the evolving needs of substance abuse and addiction services.

Meaningful and Rewarding Careers

A career in Alcohol and Other Drugs support can be deeply rewarding, offering the chance to make a real difference in people's lives. Whether supporting individuals facing addiction challenges or working on broader community health initiatives, these roles provide a strong sense of fulfilment and purpose.

Is Alcohol and Other Drugs a Good Career?

If you have a passion for helping others and a desire to create a positive impact, a career in Alcohol and Other Drugs support could be highly rewarding. This field offers opportunities for meaningful work that makes the most of your strengths and compassion.

If you enjoy working with others, can relate to people easily, and prefer hands-on roles, working in this sector might be a natural fit for you.

Why is it Important to Study Alcohol and Other Drugs Courses?

Studying Alcohol and Other Drugs courses equips you with the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in this critical industry. Courses like the CHC43215 - Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs help you develop a relevant skill set to broaden your career options and prepare for the challenges you may encounter in the field.

Many individuals choose to study these courses to change careers, enhance their current skills, or advance to higher-level roles in related areas such as social work, mental health, or community support.

Upskilled has online courses to help you pursue specialised areas in the community services industry. These include:

What skills can you gain from a community services course?

An Alcohol and Other Drugs course can equip you with the essential skills needed for a rewarding career in this vital industry. You’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by supporting individuals and communities affected by substance abuse.

Some of the core skills you can gain from an Alcohol and Other Drugs course include:

  • Strong communication skills
  • Empathy and interpersonal skills
  • Crisis intervention techniques
  • Understanding of addiction and recovery processes
  • Ability to perform admin and organisational tasks

Most of the online Alcohol and Other Drugs courses offered through Upskilled include work placements, where you’ll gain hands-on experience in a real-world setting. This exposure to practical scenarios prepares you for employment and helps you build professional connections within the industry.

Additionally, Upskilled’s courses incorporate role-playing activities, allowing you to work with colleagues, family, or friends during assessments. This approach helps assess your understanding of the course content and provides practical training alongside the theory-based units.


How do I enrol in this course?

To enrol in an alcohol and other drugs course with Upskilled, the first step is to fill out an enquiry form for any of the courses you're interested in. You'll be required to provide the following details:

  • Your Name
  • Email
  • Phone

You'll also be required to answer the question, 'What best describes you?', which indicates your specific intentions regarding your career. This could mean:

  • Changing careers
  • Looking for a promotion
  • Returning to work
  • Starting your career 
  • Expanding your skill set 

This will help our education consultants ask the relevant questions before they start the enrolment process. Once you submit an enquiry form, they should be in touch within 48 hours. 

During your course consultation, education consultants will happily assist if you have questions on:

  • Payment options
  • If you're eligible for the course
  • Community services jobs you can pursue after course completion

Once you're happy with everything, your education consultant will send you through an enrolment form via email. 

What are Alcohol and Other Drugs courses?

These courses provide training on supporting individuals dealing with substance use issues, covering topics like intervention strategies, harm minimisation, and counselling techniques.

What topics are covered in Alcohol and Other Drugs courses?

Courses typically cover topics like addiction theories, assessment and case management, ethical practices, harm reduction strategies, mental health considerations, and community support services.

What formats are available for these courses (e.g., video, text, interactive)?

Courses are delivered through a mix of video lectures, reading materials, interactive activities, and discussion forums, offering a comprehensive and flexible learning experience.

Is it possible to transfer credits from these courses to a degree program?

Some credits may be transferable, especially if you pursue further studies in community services, counselling, or a related field. Check with the course provider and potential degree programs for eligibility.

Can I take these courses at my own pace, or is there a strict schedule?

Most courses are self-paced, allowing you to study at your convenience. However, some assessments may have deadlines to ensure steady progress.

How can I best prepare for an online Alcohol and Other Drugs course?

Familiarise yourself with basic counselling skills, read up on addiction theories, and set up a dedicated study space with reliable internet access to enhance your learning experience.

Can these courses lead to higher-paying job opportunities?

Yes, completing these courses can qualify you for roles like caseworker or support officer in substance use programs, potentially leading to higher-paying positions in the healthcare or community services sector.

What types of assessments can I expect during the course?

Assessments may include case studies, written assignments, quizzes, and practical exercises that test your understanding of intervention strategies and client support.