This particular experience criterion stems from the tenet of the original 12-Step Program for alcoholics that only an alcoholic in sobriety can assist another alcoholic in sobriety. Counselors for drug addiction may assist people in dealing with these issues by guiding clients away from substance abuse. People can overcome their addictions with the aid of experts in this profession, start making better decisions, and live healthier lives. Substance addiction therapy is a type of counseling that can be used to assist individuals in overcoming substance dependencies, including those involving alcohol and drugs. Substance abuse professionals who have earned a master’s degree, have professional and field experience, and have earned specialized accreditation or certification have the best job prospects in this field. The APA only accredits doctoral degree programs, internship, or postdoctoral residency programs.
Career Opportunities as a Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counselor
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for substance abuse counselors is $47,660.
- Many addicts cannot cope with their feelings healthily and may do this by self-destructing.
- The Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School educates future leaders in addiction counseling who provide evidence-based integrated care for substance use and co-occurring disorders.
- However, in other cases, affected persons could be compelled to visit a counselor by family members or by police or government authorities.
- Click on your appropriate educational level to jump to that section of the guide.
For more information on relevant examinations, it’s advised that you contact your state government. Teachers, ministers and healthcare aides often cross over into counseling careers. Many who hold bachelor’s degrees substance abuse counseling in the liberal arts, philosophy, religion, humanities or social science go on to earn a master’s in counseling. Consider enrolling in an online substance abuse course to kick off your career transition.
Substance Abuse Counselor Job Description
Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as Top Executives nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career.
Clinical Trials
I understand that consent is not a condition to purchase any goods, services or property, and that I may withdraw my consent at any time by sending an email to [email protected]. Please review our privacy policy for more details or contact us at [email protected]. These numbers from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health may be startling, and they aren’t figures anyone wants to see. However, these statistics demonstrate the dire need — perhaps more than ever — for qualified professionals to help others with their addiction. We asked Dr. Kevin Doyle to answer the most common questions related to the licensure and certification process.
- Certificate programs often meet the training and education requirements to become certified by the State Department of Health, but it is recommended that you verify the eligibility requirements of the state before enrolling in a program.
- Although most substance abusers may find that they are seemingly blessed with a number of positive side effects of these substances, the reality is that these substances are ultimately very harmful.
- In some states, you can begin counseling with only this undergraduate degree.
- Experience and education can help you move up the substance abuse counselor salary scale.
Counseling as a career is ideal for someone interested in working with individuals and groups to improve mental, behavioral, and emotional concerns. Professionals passionate about working with complex patients who struggle with impulse control, substance use, emotion regulation, and goal achievement may be interested in schooling for drug and alcohol counseling. During drug counseling, a careful analysis of the thoughts, feelings, circumstances, and set-up behaviours leading up to the slip is conducted. The first goal of this debriefing is to help the client recognize and accept the role of personal choice and responsibility in determining drug-using behaviour. An abstinence plan is developed that employs specific decision-making strategies, problem-solving techniques, and behavioral avoidance techniques for drug counseling. The variable-length treatment protocol stipulates that each slip increases a client’s length of stay in the program by 2 to 4 weeks.
Addiction Counselor Graduate Programs
- A family might contact a drug addiction counselor for assistance in behavioral intervention, such as when a person’s loved ones confront them about the consequences of their substance abuse.
- BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience.
- 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.
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- After earning your substance abuse counseling degree, you will probably need to earn clinical hours at substance abuse centers or other related facilities before you can become credentialed by your state.
The NBCC also offers specialty counseling certifications and training in areas of addictions and clinical mental health. Counselors still need to seek out the specified regulations of their state counseling boards in order to acquire licensure to practice in their state. Most states require counselors to take state board licensing exams like the National Counseling Exam (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) to become a licensed professional counselor. You must also complete a certain number of counseling hours (supervised by a licensed psychologist) and pass written and oral exams. You might be an undergraduate student thinking about a career in counseling. There are many different master’s degrees and counseling programs to fit your goals.
Why Pursue CADC Certification?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects substance abuse counselor jobs will grow by 25% through the year 2029— a much faster rate than the average for all occupations. Explore requirements for the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) credential in your state. The Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) credential is appropriate for counselors looking to specialize in family therapy. Self-care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health.
- Without licensure or certification, people in need of mental health services, like drug and alcohol treatment, would have no way of knowing that a practitioner is qualified, ethical and safe.
- It’s advisable to contact the certifying body in the state to which you are moving for specific details.
- You can contact your state licensure or certification board directly with any questions.
- Graduate studies can prepare you for clinical counseling licensure and the opportunity to work in private practice.
New York licensure exam requirements include a passing score on the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE) given by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). During the recovery process, a substance abuse counselor will typically offer encouragement and guidance. He will also usually help a substance abuser set up a support network, consisting of caring individuals that will help the substance abuser work toward recovery. Counselors may also help substance abusers repair existing relationships as much as possible, if necessary. Once you’ve earned the required amount of education and experience, you can take a certification exam.
There are more and more drugs being created each and every day, not just in large cities, but also in smaller outlying suburbs. The boundaries of substance abuse have been dissolved, and no one is safe from its negative effects. NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals is an organization for people who work in substance abuse treatment.
