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Get the Skills to Become an Addiction and Recovery Support Worker

An Addiction and Recovery Support Worker speaking to a young client.
Get the skills, training, and confidence needed to provide support services to those in need

15-Week* Addiction and Recovery Support Worker Training Program in British Columbia

Addiction and Recovery Support Workers work with clients from diverse backgrounds who have addiction disorders such as drug, alcohol and gambling addictions. As an Addiction and Recovery Support Worker, your everyday activities include providing counseling, support, and crisis identification among other important tasks.

If you’re interested in playing an important role in a person’s recovery process, training to become an Addiction and Recovery Support Worker could be an excellent opportunity for you.

The best way to see if Cambria College is the right fit for you is to come in and visit the school. You can tour our facilities, and meet with both students and instructors. Book an Appointment Now or Get more info.

Addiction and Recovery Support Worker Overview

15-Week* Diploma | $52,140 median annual salary**

  • Expected Job Openings in BC (2023-2033): 14,930**
  • Graduates hired by hospitals, treatment centres & overnight shelters
  • Advance into Social Work, Counselling, Addictions Support and much more!


**https://www.workbc.ca/career-profiles/social-and-community-service-workers visited on May 30, 2024. Salary source for social and community service workers in British Columbia with lowest 10% earning $40,684 to the highest 10% of workers earning $65,000.

Training to Become a Qualified Addiction Support Worker

Upon completion of this program, students will seek employment with family social service agencies, community mental health centres, facilities for the physically and developmentally disabled, group homes, drop-in centres, life skill programs, outreach services, and supported housing initiatives.

This program is eligible for up to $3,000 in scholarships.

Is a Career as an Addiction and Recovery Support Worker Right for You? Take the Cambria College “Addiction and Recovery Support Worker Career Training Readiness Quiz”

This fun, online quiz takes 3-minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for. Get Your Addiction and Recovery Support Worker Career Training Readiness Score Now >>

Course Breakdown
Course No.Course NameHours
ARSW100Relapse Prevention80
ARSW101Pharmacology Fundamentals80
ARSW102Intake & Discharge Planning20
ARSW103Indigenous People & Addiction80
ARSW104Addiction Treatment Options40
Total300

Program Duration

Total Program Hours300
Total Program Weeks15*

Admissions Requirements

  1. High School Graduate or equivalent OR mature student status (19 years or older prior to starting the program)
  2. Meet one of the following English Language Proficiency requirements:
    • Minimum Grade 12 English (Domestic Students)
    • For English as second language students; Overall IELTS 5.0 or equivalent.
    • Pass the College’s English Admission test.
  3. Clear Criminal Record Check Completion under the Criminal Record Review Program (CRRP)
  4. Complete ‘Student Declaration’ form.
  5. 6 months’ work experience in the social services OR completion of the Social Service Community Support Worker program or equivalent.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of the program, you will be able to:

  • Basic familiarity with motivational interviewing and the trans-theoretical model of change.
  • Relapse prevention strategies
  • Explain the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of drugs of abuse
  • Review intake and discharge practices across a variety of treatment options
  • Explore the social and historical contents for Indigenous people struggling with addiction
  • Learn culturally relevant ways to be of service to Indigenous people in addiction and in recovery
  • Explore the multitude of treatment options and learn how to match client to the correct form of treatment.

Program Fees

Domestic Students:

  • Application Fee: $250
  • Assessment Fee: $100
  • Tuition: $3,925
  • Textbooks: $325
  • Others: $50

Total: $4,650

International Students:

  • Application Fee: $500
  • Assessment Fee: $250
  • Tuition: $5,175
  • Textbooks: $325
  • Others: $50

Total: $6,300

Career Opportunities in Addiction Recovery

Upon completion of your Addiction and Recovery certification, students will seek career opportunities as:

  • Family social service worker
  • Community mental health worker
  • Resident support worker
  • Addiction and counselling support worker
  • Women shelter worker

Designed to prepare graduates for NOC 4212. This program is approved by the Private Training Institution Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.

Rewarding Career as an Addiction and Recovery Support Worker

If you’re interested in learning more about a career as an Addiction and Recovery Support Worker and exploring whether Cambria College is right for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information.

For immediate questions, call your nearest Cambria College location today.

Richmond: (604) 242-4000
Surrey: (604) 416-5522
Vancouver: (604) 428-7500
Victoria: (778) 265-7547

*Program length when completed in normal time