Substance Abuse Counselor Career Guide How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor

what is substance abuse counseling

A degree from the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School will allow you to impact vulnerable individuals, families, and communities positively. You might be an undergraduate student thinking about a career in counseling. There are many different master's degrees substance abuse counseling and counseling programs to fit your goals. The median annual salary for substance abuse counselors was $48,520 in May 2021. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the lowest 10% of wage earners make less than $30,870, while the highest 10% earn more than $77,980.

Resources for Substance Use & Mental Health Professionals

what is substance abuse counseling

Courses and internship experiences offered at the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School are designed for substance use and mental health licensure. Opioid abuse plays a huge role in the opioid crisis, as dependence is likely after use. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates over 77,000 opioid deaths in 2024.

Important Skills for Substance Abuse Counselors

However, individual requirements can vary depending on the state and the employer. An individual's specific educational background and experience will determine the type of services they can provide. Addiction in teens can derail otherwise promising lives and doom them to mediocrity. As such, it is vital that you act swiftly once you realize that your teenage child is hooked on drugs. Reach out to one of the numerous addiction centers in Louisiana and get nuanced professional help. Support groups and resources can help teens stay sober once treatment ends.

Learn about the different types of treatment available to you or a loved one

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. In order to maintain licensure and certification, substance abuse counselors generally must participate in professional development and continuing education. Substance abuse can affect your mental and physical health, your relationships, your performance at school or work, and your ability to take care of yourself and keep yourself safe. Addiction counseling is a professional field that promotes lifelong education and personal growth—not only for patients but also for practitioners.

Resources for Further Information and Support

Check with your state below for more licensure information and to learn about substance abuse counselor programs offered by schools in your state. Medications are also available to help treat addiction to alcohol and nicotine. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of substance abuse counselors is projected to grow 23 percent from 2020 to 2030. As a licensed counselor with a master's degree, you can look forward to a strong job market and reliable employment. 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.

Substance Abuse Counselor: Your Addiction & Substance Abuse Therapist

what is substance abuse counseling

Or ask for a referral to a specialist in drug addiction, such as a licensed alcohol and drug counselor, or a psychiatrist or psychologist. Finding support can be difficult, especially when there may not be others around who understand your situations and experiences. Addiction counseling is beneficial for anyone struggling with a substance use disorder and who may feel alone or lost in their struggles. Having a direct line of support who can help provide care and offer potential options to assist in reducing the stress of early recovery can be essential in maintaining long-term recovery.

b) Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA)

The private nature of these sessions allows the patient to address topics that are private in nature and which they may not want to openly discuss in a group setting. It is during individual counseling that patients will receive the one-on-one support that they need to work through their problems and learn how to prevent relapse. Another benefit of entering this field of work is that it is projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to experience very rapid growth over the next few years. In fact, the BLS predicts a 22 percent increase in jobs in substance abuse counseling, so there will be ample opportunities for employment throughout the country in this field of work.

what is substance abuse counseling

Behavioral therapy can help teens address psychological issues that lead to drinking or drug use. It is the goal of CLEARSTART, LLC to provide safe, competent and professional services to those suffering from addictive disorders, including those significant others in their lives. Next, for clients with substances in their system, detox https://ecosoberhouse.com/ is the first step of rehab. It generally spans between 4-8 days, during which you receive 24/7 medical support to ensure comfort and safety. After detox, you reach a base level of sobriety free from toxins in your body. Alcohol abuse can start from a young age and spiral throughout one’s lifetime if they don’t receive care.

Recovery options

  • Addiction presents different issues that vary from person to person, so counselors need to tailor their treatment plans to address a variety of needs.
  • Court-ordered therapy is also becoming more common, creating numerous counseling jobs in correctional facilities and halfway houses.
  • Medicine treatment options for opioid addiction may include buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone, and a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone.
  • The median annual salary for substance abuse counselors was $48,520 in May 2021.
  • Washington is also at the higher end of the pay scale, with substance abuse counselors making an average of $69,188 per year.

Substance abuse counselors help people experiencing substance use and drug addiction problems. They provide treatment and support for people trying to overcome substance use disorders or addictions. Counseling for substance abuse is your platform to speak about your needs and your feelings.

what is substance abuse counseling