This is one of those roles where people need you to show up fully, not just with the right training, but with patience, calm, and the ability to sit with someone when they’re at their lowest. If that sounds like something you can do, working as an addiction therapist might be a good fit.

At Cucumber Recruitment, we work with services that support people in recovery. Some roles are in rehab centres, others in the community. What they all need is someone who gets it, someone who knows this isn’t a quick-fix kind of job.

What the Work Looks Like

You’ll be helping people who are trying to get out of patterns that are harming them, usually drugs, alcohol, or both. Some are early in recovery, some are on their tenth restart. The job’s about helping people keep going, even when it’s hard.

Most roles involve a mix of one-to-one and group work. You might be helping clients set goals, talk through setbacks, or figure out what’s underneath the addiction. Some services use set models or tools, others are more flexible. Either way, it’s about building trust and sticking with people as they work through it.

Who This Suits

This role isn’t for everyone. The work can be heavy at times, and progress isn’t always clear-cut. But if you’re steady, respectful, and don’t take things personally, you’ll probably find the work meaningful.

You’ll likely do well in this kind of role if:

• You listen more than you talk
• You know how to handle difficult conversations
• You don’t flinch when people are angry, upset, or scared
• You’ve got some experience in support work, therapy, or mental health
• You understand that relapse is part of the process for a lot of people
• You don’t have to have all the answers — just be present, honest, and consistent.

How We Help

We work with addiction services around the UK. Some are small teams, some are larger. Some roles are short-term, others lead to long-term work. We’ll speak with you about what kind of setup you’re after and help you find a match.

We don’t make it complicated. If you’re the right fit, we’ll move quickly and support you through the process.

Want to Know More?

If you’re thinking about therapist roles in addiction support, have a look at what our live roles now.