Substance abuse counseling is a rewarding career for anyone who wants to help people who are battling addiction to drugs or alcohol. Counselors find work in therapeutic facilities, hospitals, prisons and halfway homes. They have a choice of working with teens or adults.
The primary function of substance abuse counseling is to help people manage their addictions so they can return to society and function successfully as productive citizens. Substance abuse counseling can also include family members who are affected by an individual’s addiction.
Characteristics of a Substance Abuse Counselor
Substance abuse counselors have a strong desire to help people. They are good communicators both in speaking and writing. Strong writing skills are necessary to complete treatment plans and reports. Their greatest asset is excellent listening skills.
High energy is essential in order to cope with the problems and stress of patients. Patience and compassion are other characteristics needed to be an effective substance abuse counselor. Compassion must be balanced with objectivity in order to give the patient all the help needed to manage addiction.
Education and Training Required
Substance abuse counseling involves psychoanalysis and psychotherapy, rehabilitation, crisis intervention, group counseling, coordinating other supportive services, and managing mental health care assistants and aids.
There is no specific degree that leads to becoming a substance abuse counselor. However, it is suggested that you have a degree in sociology or psychology to better understand the mental and physical effects of addiction. Affordable Universities offer a wide selection of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. College courses taught in a substance abuse counseling program include:
- Overview of alcoholism and drug abuse
- Intervention
- Psychology
- Human growth/development
- Counseling issues
- Assessment and evaluation
- Case management
- Psychotherapy
- Individual/group counseling
Substance abuse counseling also requires certification and licensing by the state, which is awarded to those who have completed a certification program in a college or a specialty school of psychology and have passed a state examination.
One must also have supervised work experience in substance abuse counseling before being permitted to take the exam. Those who have a bachelor’s degree in psychology or sociology are required to have two years of work experience, while those with a master’s degree need one year of work experience. Some programs require letters of recommendation or essays.
Certification and Licensing Coursework
Typical courses taught in a certification program may include:
- Career assessment
- The criminal justice system
- Individual counseling
- Group counseling
- Counseling diverse ethnic backgrounds
- Substance abuse effects on the body
- Substance abuse effects on the family
- Intervention techniques
- Relapse prevention
Job and Salary Outlook
Substance abuse counseling positions are expected to grow faster than average according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics. Job openings are expected to outnumber the number of people becoming certified counselors particularly in rural communities.
Median annual salary for substance abuse counseling is $39,670. Related jobs report the following median salaries:
- Substance abuse social workers – $38,200
- Mental health counselors ~ $36,000
- Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists ~ $66,040
This post is brought to you by Affordable Universities. Drawing upon our more than 30-year history of granting degrees in professional psychology, Affordable Universities have developed a curriculum that focuses on interpersonal skills and practical experience alongside academic learning. Because getting a degree is one thing. Succeeding, quite another.
