Author: Alex Thompson
What Is a Substance Abuse Counselor?
While this trust takes time to develop, patients should eventually feel comfortable speaking freely during sessions, feel relief after an appointment and feel a desire to go back. In addition to working with the individual with a substance use problem, counselors also work with couples, families, and others who may be affected by an individual’s substance use. John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine. For over 20 years Dr. Umhau was a senior clinical investigator at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This may be the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium’s (IC&RC) Alcohol and Drug Counselor Examination or Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor Examination. Or it could be an exam through the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCCAP).
A career as a substance abuse counselor requires compassion, empathy and determination. They may feel vulnerable or ashamed, since many cultures and communities view addiction as a moral failing rather than a disease. For treatment to succeed, substance abuse counselors must create a strong bond with their patients, known as a therapeutic alliance. Students who want to effect social change in their community and help individuals heal from addiction should explore master’s in counseling programs that can provide a strong foundation in addiction counseling.
How do I become an addiction counselor?
Professionals in private practice must be licensed by the state where they work. These professionals work with individuals who experience a range of substance use issues. This may involve working with people with alcohol use disorders, but they may also work with clients with substance use disorders involving drugs such as cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and prescription medications. Recovering from addiction is difficult, as many individuals with alcohol or drug dependency fail to recognize their own patterns of abuse, or have ambivalent feelings about seeking treatment. In substance abuse treatment, the patient’s motivation to change can be a source of frustration, as counselors have little control over a patient’s desire to change. Professionals who work in substance abuse counseling also work to educate people about the effects and risks of drug and alcohol misuse.
- The role of the counselor in addiction treatment involves far more than just talking an addict through treatment.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, the lowest 10% of wage earners make less than $30,870, while the highest 10% earn more than $77,980.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of substance abuse counselors is projected to grow 23 percent from 2020 to 2030.
- Graduate degree holders also tend to have more job prospects and career advancement opportunities.
- Tragically, hundreds of thousands of people also lose their lives each year due to drug and alcohol abuse.
As a licensed counselor with a master’s degree, you can look forward to a strong job market and reliable employment. Trained substance abuse counselors are experts at understanding the underlying causes of addiction and helping patients learn coping strategies and recognize their unique triggers. Ongoing counseling also helps to prevent relapse or a reoccurrence of symptoms.
Our Graduate School
Fortunately, there are a wide variety of substance abuse counselor degree programs that can help you meet these requirements. With the expected increase in substance abuse counselor jobs in the coming years, the outlook for future counselors is bright. Qualifications for these jobs will vary by state, employer, and geographic area, but will typically require state-level license or certification. You can learn more about drug and alcohol counselor licensure through our counselor licensing guide. Addiction presents different issues that vary from person to person, so counselors need to tailor their treatment plans to address a variety of needs.
Although the educational requirements to work as an addiction counselor vary based on the job description and state licensing agency, most states require candidates to possess at least a bachelor’s degree. Professionals who have an interest in helping people cope with and overcome addiction may be drawn to a career as a substance abuse counselor. Completing an advanced education, such as an online master’s in counseling, can provide the skills and acumen needed to be successful in this field. To become a certified addiction counselor, you must meet the licensure requirements of your state. This typically involves completing a degree or certificate in alcohol and drug counseling, earning supervised experience, and passing a qualifying exam.
News and World Report recently ranked substance abuse counselor as #3 in Best Social Services Jobs and #34 in 100 Best Jobs, based on criteria including median salary, unemployment rate, growth and future job prospects. If you’re thinking about a counseling career, read on to learn more about what addiction counselors do and how they help to make a difference in peoples’ lives. A variety of outside resources are available to those recovering from addiction, which can be beneficial when combined with counseling treatment.
What does it take to become a certified addiction counselor?
Since recovery is a lifelong journey, having supportive family members who understand the process is of profound importance. Family members who are informed about addiction recovery can help keep their loved ones accountable and greatly increase their chances of success. Substance abuse counselors can help families understand the complex road to recovery, and offer support for the difficult journey ahead. However, individual requirements can vary depending on the state and the employer.
Developing a comprehensive relapse prevention plan is an essential function of the counselor’s role in addiction recovery. Counselors also work with families to help them better understand their loved one’s illness and guide their interactions with them. Their role may also encompass community outreach such as working with job placement services, support groups and schools, all to support their patients’ goals of living healthier lives. The median annual salary for substance abuse counselors was $48,520 in May 2021.
Around 48% of people working in the addictions field hold a master’s or doctorate. For example, some addiction counseling clients may need to avoid social situations where other people might be using. Counselors may also need to help clients to identify and to mitigate possible relapse triggers, such as stress, depression and social isolation.
Professionals wanting to find out more about what a substance abuse counselor is may be interested to learn that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment of substance abuse counselors to grow by 22% from 2018 to 2028, which is much faster than the average projected growth for all other occupations. The BLS further reports that the median annual wage for substance abuse counselors was $44,630 in 2018, although earners in the top 10th percentile reported annual earnings of more than $72,990. Substance abuse counselors work in various environments, including government and private sector agencies, community clinics, inpatient care facilities, and private practice. Some work with clients one-on-one, while others work with clients in a group setting.
How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor
In many states, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree to practice alcohol and drug counseling. Even if your state doesn’t, earning a master’s degree in addiction counseling will increase your job opportunities and grant you more clinical experience. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of substance abuse counselors is projected to grow 23 percent from 2020 to 2030.
Substance Abuse Counselor Skills, Job Growth and Salary
Recovering from addiction is difficult, but when therapeutic alliances develop, clients are more likely to discuss their hardships, which can help them on their path to recovery. Consequently, professionals who pursue this career path play an important role in the field of clinical mental health counseling. Drug and alcohol counselors provide treatment and guidance on behavior to clients who are living with addictions or want to maintain sobriety. An addiction counselor may choose to focus on the treatment of one particular addiction, a related group of addictions, or the spectrum of addiction disorders. There are a variety of treatment approaches for counseling those with addictions, and addiction counselors will typically specialize in certain approaches to therapy. Specific job duties often vary depending on where professionals work and the type of support they offer.
When you see someone you’ve counseled who has made it to recovery and turned their lives around, the sense of fulfillment is truly incredible. Your path to becoming an addiction counselor will vary depending on the requirements of the state where you intend to practice. As a first step, it’s a good idea to look up the licensure or certification requirements of your state and use this information to help plan your education. Find information about salary ranges and earning potential for substance abuse counselors. But there are evidence-based therapies that can help people manage the disease and live a happier, healthier life. For many people affected by addiction, addiction counselors are the vital link to recovery.