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With effective advertising from organizations like the National Youth Anti-Drug Ad Campaign and the Ad Council, the dangers of addiction are being communicated more and more clearly to the general public. As a result, more people are seeking out treatment, and substance abuse counseling is—according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics—one of the fastest-growing areas of mental health service. It's a good time to think about a career as a substance abuse counselor—if you have ample amounts of patience, persistence and compassion.  What Is a Substance Abuse Counselor? A substance abuse counselor helps people recover from a range of addictions, including alcohol, drugs and gambling, through medical and behavioral therapies and the development of healthy coping strategies. They work in a variety of settings, but most substance abuse counselor jobs are located in these facility types: - Outpatient care centers
- Residential facilities
- Individual or family service providers
- Government services
- Hospitals
Besides clinical duties, the job usually includes administrative tasks such as meetings, phone calls, communication with case managers, and supervision of other staff members. Working with Youth as a Substance Abuse Counselor Substance abuse counselors work with teens and young adults in state-sponsored, private and nonprofit settings ranging from schools to residential facilities to detention centers. A substance abuse counselor who works for a nonprofit mental health agency may be called upon to fill a number of different roles, depending on the specific programs the agency offers. Substance abuse counselors may work with students, families and teachers in the following ways: - Through on-site school counseling
- Providing therapy to teens recovering in a residential treatment center
- Leading 12-step group meetings
- Holding one-on-one counseling sessions with youth recovering from drug or alcohol abuse
In contrast, certified substance abuse counselors working in the area of youth corrections may work at detention centers or other facilities overseeing the cases of youthful offenders. This usually includes individual or group counseling sessions to address not only their addiction, but also any underlying problems, such as emotional disturbance or physical abuse that may hinder recovery. Role of Substance Abuse Counselors in Residential Treatment Whether residential treatment takes place over the long term—as in a therapeutic community—or the short term, a substance abuse counselor plays a critical role in guiding the patient's treatment program. In the structured environment of the treatment facility, counselors administer individual and group therapy, supervise group activities, and provide education on drug, alcohol or gambling dependence. The goal is to help patients change their destructive patterns of thought and behavior in order to lead more productive and harmonious lives after they complete the program. Residential facilities include hospitals, private treatment centers, nonprofit facilities and halfway houses. Outpatient Substance Abuse Counseling A substance abuse counselor who provides outpatient care may be employed anywhere such services are needed: community clinics, hospitals, private mental health offices. They offer services that range from drug abuse education to 12-step group therapy to intensive all-day treatment, depending on the nature of the facility and the expertise of the counseling staff. Many outpatient practitioners provide one-on-one drug counseling, which helps individuals develop coping strategies for avoiding future drug abuse and improving their family relationships and job situation. Become a Substance Abuse Counselor Unlike other areas of counseling, a substance abuse counselor may only need certification and a high school diploma to gain entry-level work. Usually, however, jobs in this area require at least an associate's degree or bachelor's degree, depending on the type of employment. Senior positions in substance abuse counseling—group leaders, program directors and the like—often demand a master's degree in counseling. Be aware that some government agencies at the federal or state level require you to be a certified substance abuse counselor as a prerequisite for the job. Other employers, such as private treatment centers or community agencies, may not require certification. Make sure to check the requirements for the job you plan to apply for, as well as any guidelines your state may have for practicing counselors. Research degree and certification programs in substance abuse counseling today, or read about other careers in counseling on All Psychology Schools. Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010; Phelpshospital.org; Nida.nih.gov; Scccc.org  |
