Addictions counselors need knowledge in the following areas:

• Therapy and Counseling: The mental or physical problems and methods for treatment.
• Psychology: People, their actions, and mental processes and how to treat problems.
• Education and Training: The methods of teaching and learning.
• English Language: The meaning and use of the English language.
• Customer and Personal Service: Providing special services to customers based on their needs.
• Clerical: General office work such as filling and storing information.
• Administration and Management: How to run a business or group.
• Sociology and Anthropology: Where people come from and how they behave.
• Philosophy and Theology: The impact of values and ethics on people.
• Computers and Electronics: Computer hardware and software.
• Medicine and Dentistry: Injuries and illnesses and plans for treatment.
• Public Safety and Security: How to protect people and property.