Career Opportunities in Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counseling
Counselors who assist individuals with drug and alcohol abuse are usually referred to as substance abuse counselors. These counselors help people who are dealing with a drug or alcohol addiction. This often involves helping teenagers and young adults who are at a high risk for developing substance abuse problems. In addition, the Bureau of Justice Statistics reports that 41% of probationers are required to undergo drug or alcohol abuse treatment as a condition of their probation. There are a wide variety of occupational opportunities available in the area of drug and alcohol abuse counseling.
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Function
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Substance abuse counselors help people with problems related to drug and alcohol abuse. This may include one-on-one assistance as well as group counseling sessions. In many cases, the counselor will also work with the individual's family. The goal of these counselors is to help patients identify behaviors that may be related to their addiction, and to work past them to develop a healthy and clean life. Many of the tasks that a substance abuse counselor will provide assistance with, such as finding a job, may seem basic, but building and establishing a new everyday routine can be essential for those suffering from substance abuse.
Types
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Counselors working with drug and alcohol abuse can work in a variety of settings. Often, these counselors will provide group counseling to patients in a hospital or halfway house. Drug and alcohol treatment centers also employ substance abuse counselors to work with patients, on an inpatient or outpatient basis, depending on the program. In addition to helping individuals with an existing addition, substance abuse counselors will often work to help prevent these addictions from forming. In this case, the counselor may lead an educational program on the topic or counsel high school students and their parents on preventing the use of drugs and alcohol.
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Requirements
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Substance abuse counselors with a high school diploma may be able to find work with companies or organizations willing to provide extensive on-the-job training. However, most counselors will find that they need a minimum of a bachelor's degree. Counselor education programs are usually offered through the psychology department of colleges and universities and often include the option to specialize in a certain area of counseling, such as substance abuse. To become a licensed substance abuse counselor, most states also require a master's degree. Some employers will provide training to individuals with a bachelor's degree and provide tuition assistance for the subsequent master's degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that master's degree programs in counseling usually include 48 to 60 semester hours as well as supervised clinical counseling experience.
Considerations
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The licensure requirements for substance abuse counselors vary by state as well as by employer. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that some substance abuse counselors may be able to practice with only a high school diploma and certification. However, for certification with the National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc., a counselor must hold a master's degree. Certification is also available from the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification. To obtain this certification, the counselor must graduate from an accredited program, complete a counseling internship, and pass a written examination. Maintaining either of these certifications requires continuing education as well.
Job Outlook
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors held approximately 79,180 jobs in 2008. Employment in the area of substance abuse and behavioral disorder counseling is expected to grow faster than any other area of counseling, with a projected growth of 34 percent over the 2006-2016 decade. This is much higher than the national average. In May of 2008, the median annual salary of substance abuse counselors was $37,030, with the lowest-paid ten percent earning under $24,240 and the highest-paid ten percent making more than $59,460.
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