Is Substance Abuse Counseling the Right Career for You?
Did you know that one in 10 Americans will struggle with substance abuse at some point in their lives?
Perhaps you’ve seen the devastating effects of abuse with a family member or close friend. Perhaps you’ve even overcome addiction yourself with the help of a substance abuse counselor.
Either way, you might be considering a career in abuse counseling. Keep reading to see if this is the right career path for you!
What Does a Substance Abuse Counselor Do?
The goal of a substance abuse counseling program is to prompt self-motivated changes in patients. A counselor focuses on healthy behavioral changes and developing long-term skills for recovery.
Counselors may work in a variety of settings, from hospitals to private clinics to community services. A typical workday could include:
- Evaluating mental and physical behaviors and symptoms
- Developing individual treatment and recovery plans
- Leading individual or group therapy sessions
- Working with doctors, psychiatrists, social workers, and/or correctional officers
- Assisting family members and caregivers to navigate the addiction recovery process
A counselor understands that the patient needs short-term help to maintain abstinence as well as long-term solutions for a healthier lifestyle.
Am I the Right Type of Person for Abuse Counseling?
A true desire to help others is fundamental for counselors, but that’s not the only skill you’ll need. It’s also helpful if you:
- Have excellent communication skills
- Are open-minded and non-judgmental
- Are flexible and empathetic
- Have strong problem-solving abilities
- Have multicultural competency
It’s also important to enter the world of abuse counseling with a realistic view of its pros and cons. For example, you may need to work long hours or be “on-call” 24/7 to handle emergencies. You have to be prepared for how mentally and emotionally draining it can be to listen to patients’ problems all day.
You also need to remember that not everyone can be (or wants to be) helped and how you’ll feel about patients who don’t recover.
Education & Certification Requirements
Before you can start your career in substance abuse counseling, you’ll need to research the requirements for your locale.
In most states, you’ll need your high school diploma as well as a bachelor’s degree in psychology, mental health, human services, or a related field. In some cases, you’ll also need a master’s degree to get a job in abuse counseling.
With these basic requirements in place, you can enter a substance abuse counseling program for certification in your state. In California, for example, you’ll need a CCAPP certification. Each state has different licensing requirements, so do some research to find out what you’ll need in your area.
How to Become a Counselor: Now You Know
A substance abuse counselor can make a huge difference in the lives of those who really need them. Abuse counseling is a rewarding career, but it’s not without its challenges.
If you think you’re up for it, find a substance abuse counseling program in your area today and get started!
Would you like to read more articles about self-improvement and good health? Keep browsing our blog for other interesting reads.