Online Alcohol and Other Drugs Courses

Unlock your potential to support recovery and make a real impact in communities. At Hader Institute of Education, our nationally recognised online addiction qualifications equip you with the practical skills, clinical knowledge, and real-world experience needed to begin or advance your career in addiction and community services.

About our Alcohol and Other Drugs Courses

Alcohol and other drug work is a vital part of Australia’s community services and public health. From supporting recovery to delivering inclusive programs, professionals in this field are changing lives every day.

At Hader Institute of Education, our nationally recognised AOD programs equip you with the confidence and tools to make a real impact. You’ll learn how to provide evidence-based support, respond to complex needs, and advocate for individuals and families. Whether you’re starting out or upskilling, we offer three flexible, accredited options to suit your goals: a Short Course, a Certificate IV, and a Diploma.

Alcohol and Other Drugs Short Course

This twelve-week online program is ideal for beginners wanting a practical introduction to the AOD sector, covering core skills in communication, advocacy, and cultural safety to explore pathways or further study.

Alcohol and Other Drugs Short Course

Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs Online

Over twelve months, this online course with live Zoom classes and simulated practicals equips students with the skills to support people affected by substance misuse through ethical, person-centred care.

CHC43215 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs Online

Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs Online

This twelve-month program delivers workplace-ready training and mentoring for current or aspiring AOD professionals, focusing on client intervention strategies and applied online learning.

CHC53215 Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What impact does alcohol and other drugs support have on people and communities?

It involves supporting people affected by substance‑use challenges. It offers counselling, education, and intervention that promote wellbeing and long term change. This work not only supports individuals but also strengthens families and communities affected by addiction. The focus is on empowering people through recovery focused care.

The role requires emotional resilience, empathy, and a deep understanding of harm minimisation, trauma informed care, and person centred practice.

Are your Alcohol and Other Drugs qualifications nationally recognised?

Yes! All Alcohol and Other Drugs qualifications offered by Hader Institute of Education, including the Short Course, Certificate IV (CHC43215), and Diploma (CHC53215), are nationally recognised and accredited under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

Can I study alcohol and other drugs online in Australia?

Absolutely. All programs are delivered online using a flexible model that includes:

  • Self-paced study modules
  • Weekly Zoom classes
  • Pre-recorded learning sessions
  • Trainer support and real-world case studies

What are the entry requirements for your AOD courses?

To enrol, you must be at least 18 years old, have completed Year 12 or successfully completed a literacy and numeracy quiz, have basic computer skills, and have reliable internet access.

What job opportunities are available after course completion?

Graduates may work in roles such as:

  • Alcohol and Other Drugs Support Worker
  • Community Support Worker
  • Case Worker
  • Outreach Worker
  • Crisis Intervention Worker

Typical work settings

  • Alcohol and other drugs treatment services
  • Not-for-profit and charity organisations
  • Community-based mental health programs
  • Residential rehabilitation centres
  • Crisis support and outreach teams

Does the course include any practical work placement?

No work placement is required for our Online Alcohol and Other Drugs Courses.

How much does a Drug and Alcohol Counsellor earn in Australia?

Entry-level roles typically offer $65,000 to $75,000 per year.

Experienced professionals can earn up to $80,000 to $90,000 annually depending on the role, employer, and location.

Source: Talent.com –Alcohol other drugs worker: Average Salary in Australia, 2025 | SEEK Career Advice – Mental Health Support Worker Salary

How long does it take to finish Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Courses?

At Hader Institute of Education, this depends on which particular program you choose.

The following courses take around 12 weeks to complete:

  • Mental Health Short Course
  • Alcohol and Other Drugs Short Courses

Meanwhile, these courses take approximately 12 months to complete:

  • CHC43315 Certificate IV in Mental Health
  • CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health
  • CHC43215 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs
  • CHC53215 Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs

Can you get Mental Health Drug and Alcohol qualifications online?

Yes, you can complete nationally recognised qualifications entirely online through Hader Institute of Education. We offer a flexible learning format that allows you to study from anywhere in Australia. This makes it easier to manage study alongside daily life. Learning remotely means you can progress without travel or rigid schedules, while still accessing quality training, resources, and support.

Are Certificate IV qualifications the same as a Bachelor’s degree?

No, they are not the same, but courses like Cert IV Alcohol and Other Drugs online (CHC43215 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs) and CHC43315 Certificate IV in Mental Health still offer strong practical value.

While not equivalent to a full university degree, these courses can help you land roles in the sector and can contribute credits towards further study if you decide to advance later.

They’re a solid step forward if you’re exploring community addiction course options or aiming for drug and alcohol support worker certification.

Ready to make a difference?

Start your journey in Alcohol and Other Drugs with Hader Institute of Education, trusted by thousands of students across Australia. Gain practical experience, build real skills, and become part of Australia’s growing AOD workforce.

Find Out More About Opportunities After Mental Health Drug And Alcohol Courses

Mental health drug and alcohol courses help people turn care and compassion into practical support. These programs are for anyone who wants to be part of the solution, especially when it comes to understanding mental health and substance use challenges in real-life settings.

Through mental health or alcohol and other drugs education, you can gain a deeper understanding of how to provide care that is both respectful and informed. Many students are also drawn to study a mental health or alcohol and drug support course to strengthen their ability to contribute to the community.

If you’re wondering how to become a mental health worker or start your career in addiction work, our courses at Hader Institute of Education can be the beginning of that journey.

Every graduate steps into a community where care makes a difference.

Every graduate walks away with more than just knowledge. They carry the ability to support others and make a meaningful difference. At Hader Institute of Education, we celebrate each step forward, knowing your growth can positively shape lives. After all, our mental health drug and alcohol courses meet national standards and form the foundation for recognised qualifications.

We have a variety of courses available under our Mental Health and Drugs and Alcohol areas of study, so you can find something that fits you, whether you need a Cert IV in mental health or want to earn an online mental health diploma. We offer programs like:

When you choose to study drug and alcohol support work or go through mental health training, you prepare for roles where compassion and professional insight come together. With the right training, many go on to become a Drug and Alcohol Support Worker, Mental Health Support Worker, Crisis Intervention Worker, or something similar.

Our graduates typically go on to work in residential rehabilitation centres, not-for-profit organisations, and mental health outreach programs. With accredited mental health and AOD training, you’ll gain the capabilities and confidence to provide support that truly matters.

When you have the right mental health and drug and alcohol worker qualifications, you’re stepping into a role that brings hope, understanding, and recovery into people’s lives.

Real-world learning means you’re prepared to provide real care.

Learning is most impactful when it prepares you for real life. At Hader Institute of Education, we make sure the skills you gain through mental health drug and alcohol courses are not just learned but lived.

For instance, our CHC43315 Certificate IV in Mental Health and CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health courses come with a work placement requirement. Students in these courses can gain real-world experience that makes a genuine impact in community settings through our partnership with SkilTrak, a portal for tracking your hours, progress, and upcoming requirements.

So, if you’re looking for practical community health training and mental health courses online that ease the transition from classroom learning to real career experience, turn to Hader Institute of Education. Students can also access our Job-Ready Program, which offers resume and cover letter writing assistance, job search support, and more insights and tools for your transition into the workforce.

Your willingness to study and the skills you’ll build matter, too.

It’s not always about having all the technical skills. Empathy, patience, and adaptability matter just as much. As you build emotional resilience and learn to navigate real-life challenges, you’ll gain the confidence to support others when it matters most.

We facilitate this by fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Whether you just want to learn more about how to become a Drug and Alcohol Support Worker, are returning to study, or are shifting your career, Hader Institute of Education welcomes you.

Our flexible learning options make it easier to stay on track, too. With weekly Zoom sessions that are recorded in case you miss them live, self-paced modules, and one-on-one support, your study can fit around your life. And we even have a Learner Support Team that offers technical help, answers admin questions, and provides study guidance.

If you’re exploring mental health drug and alcohol courses or looking into mental health peer worker training, this is the right place to begin.

We believe learning should be accessible and straightforward.

We believe everyone deserves an accessible path into education. That’s why we offer flexible payment options for our programs, including mental health drug and alcohol courses, to ease the pressure. These include:

  • Interest-free Study Now, Pay Later plans through PayRight or Elevant
  • Upfront payments via EFT or credit card
  • Weekly or fortnightly plans through Student Pay or Debit Success

So, if you’re looking for drug and alcohol or mental health short courses, Certificate IV courses, or diploma courses, you can turn to us to start your education with less financial strain.

Grow your capacity to make a difference.

At Hader Institute of Education, we believe education should be practical, inclusive, and life-changing. Our nationally recognised mental health drug and alcohol courses help you gain the tools to offer meaningful support. With us, you can gain the confidence and knowledge to contribute to your community and take the next step in your career.

Study online with us and apply today.

Not sure which course is for you?

Take this short quiz for a course guide.

What our students say about us

"Shira who is a Student Recruiter working at Hader Institute of Education was extremely helpful in assisting me pick the right course that I could see myself completing and starting my carer in Youth Work. Great experience, I highly recommend Hader Institute of Education."

Steven Dodman

"Trish has been a fantastic resource and support so far in my learning journey, always offering help when needed. She is very detailed and clear with explaining topics and is very much appreciated."

Kara Galea

"I was in two minds whether to go with TAFE or Hader Institute for my cert IV in youth work and after talking with Eric it was a very easy decision to choose Hader."

Kimmi Ryan

"It was a pleasure to enrol at Hader today. Thankyou Bernard for making the process pleasant and easy.! Excited to start my studies ☺️."

Beebree Shilling

"Very professional experience so far. Great communication and a nice friendly approach is refreshing and helps put you at ease when making such a big decision and change."

Kayleen Clayton

"The course has been thorough and very informative. I encourage all people looking to study youth work to consider the shader Institute."

Daine Spencer

"I love all my teachers but you were so engaging and really catered to my learning style. Thank you!!!"

Tide martino

"They were welcoming from get go, great customer service, very aware and understanding, straight forward with guidance, reassurance and polite with all of the above. I felt no pressure at all, all my questions were answered with optional paths."

RAINA. T

Contact Us

Study online with us today!

info@haderinstitute.edu.au
(03) 8362 3113
G03, 615 Dandenong Road, Armadale 3144 VIC
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