Salaries range from $30,000 per year up to $60,000 per year for more experienced counselors. Given the number of people affected by drug and alcohol abuse, it is easy to understand why demand for counselors is so high. With more people choosing to seek treatment each year, demand is expected to increase. Additionally, city and state governments are also choosing to send drug offenders to treatment instead of prison. As a result, salaries for drug & abuse counselors are expected to increase in the next few years.