Substance Abuse Counselor
Welcome to Substance Abuse Counselor HeadQuarters! We have everything you need to help make it easier to begin your career as a substance abuse counselor! Follow the links on the site to find out more information on what a substance abuse counselor does, the requirements to become a substance abuse counselor, education and training, job opportunities and more!
Do you have patience, compassion, and a strong desire to help others? If so, you may be interested in a career as a substance abuse counselor.
Although substance abuse counselors are one of the fastest growing careers in the United States, many people are unsure of what a substance abuse counselor actually is. A substance abuse counselor is a rare breed of counselor, and it takes a person with a strong backbone and personality.
What is a Substance Abuse Counselor?
A substance abuse counselor will work with clients on their addiction to things like alcohol, marijuana, opiates, methamphetamine, or any other substance. Substance abuse counselors are commonly referred to as chemical dependency counselors or addictions counselors, too. A substance abuse counselor often works with clients on other addictions like sex and gambling, as well.
A substance abuse counselor is someone who has a bachelor’s degree or above in a related social services field such as psychology, counseling, or social work and works directly with clients suffering from substance abuse or dependence. A substance abuse counselor may also be required to have certification or licensure, depending on your state’s laws.
A substance abuse counselor is used to help guide addicts through their recovery by leading groups, having individual sessions, and intensive case management. A substance abuse counselor will teach clients about early recovery skills, relapse prevention, the trigger cycle, and ways to live a more positive life while abstaining from drugs and alcohol.
A large part of being a substance abuse counselor is crisis intervention because oftentimes, a client will seek substance abuse counseling in the midst of active addiction when his or her life is in ruins. A substance abuse counselor will often encounter addicts who are homeless and unemployed, or in the middle of a divorce or criminal case. It is important for the substance abuse counselor to remember that these clients may need guidance in other areas outside of addiction such as mental health counseling or legal advice.
Something to keep in mind if you are looking into becoming a substance abuse counselor is that you will likely meet clients who do not want your help. Clients may be ordered into substance abuse counseling by the court, by a social services agency, or by the pleas of a loved one. Substance abuse counselors should be prepared to work with these clients and help lead them toward recovery just as they would any other client.
Substance Abuse Counselor: Serving Society
Not only will a substance abuse counselor help guide those toward recovery, but one can also be used for prevention of substance abuse. Because adolescents are the fastest growing population of addicts, school systems often bring in a substance abuse counselor to teach young people the hazards of using drugs and alcohol.
A substance abuse counselor must be willing to work with all sorts of populations, as addiction is an illness that knows no bounds. Depending on where you find employment as a substance abuse counselor, you may work with clients who are convicted felons or are currently incarcerated. A substance abuse counselor can specialize in working with adolescents or women, or have no specialization. This all depends on place of employment and what your goal as a substance abuse counselor is.