Work with clients and their loved ones to foster independence, like completing household chores or cooking. Connect people to local services, provide referrals, distribute materials and more. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.

Substance Abuse Counselor: Your Addiction & Substance Abuse Therapist

• 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].
• Quitting use of a substance may lead to withdrawal effects such as physical sickness, temporary personality changes, loss of appetite, insomnia, nausea, mood swings, and other disturbances.
• Substance abuse counselors typically work in substance abuse treatment facilities, such as outpatient clinics and residential treatment centers.

It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. An addiction counselor (substance abuse counselor) helps people who have substance use disorders get treatment. They’re experts on the ins and outs of addiction and develop tailored treatment plans based on your specific addiction, needs and goals. Within the substance abuse and addiction counseling field, you can enroll in various educational courses to prepare yourself for a satisfying professional career. As in other professional domains, your income, level of autonomy, and job duties will typically directly correlate to the amount of training and education you’ve obtained. Addiction counselors are mental health professionals who help people manage drug addiction and co-occurring disorders.

Featured Online Counseling Programs

Studies do show that genes, such as those that have an effect on the way a person responds to alcohol, may be responsible for about half of the risk of developing alcoholism. Some of these genes increase a person’s risk, while some may instead decrease the risk of a person’s developing alcoholism. Upcoming events happening statewide include virtual naloxone trainings to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose. Keeping consistent records allows for more effective treatment between healthcare professionals. They also identify any potential challenges you may encounter in substance abuse treatment. Substance use disorders are among the most challenging health conditions to treat due to the chronic and compulsive nature of the disorder.

Education Requirements for Substance Abuse Counselors

The curriculum focuses on diagnostics processes, clinical assessments, and how to facilitate groups. Students take online courses, but they must complete clinical experiences in person. Around 48% of people working in the addictions field hold a master’s or doctorate.

Alcohol and drug abuse touch the lives of people of all ages, ethnicities, income levels, education levels, and gender; abuse is indiscriminate in that way. So no matter what path you pursue in a career in drug and alcohol abuse counseling, there is a need for it. Organizations, such as the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) or the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC), provide certification for substance abuse counseling. In some states, a substance abuse counselor may be licensed to practice without being certified.

Step 4: Learn About Substance Abuse/Addictions Counselor Salaries

To become licensed or certified as an alcohol and drug counselor, you will likely need to pass an exam. Examples include the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium’s (IC&RC) Alcohol and Drug Counselor Examination and Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor Examination. You may need to pass an exam through the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCCAP). The median annual salary for substance abuse counselors was $48,520 in May 2021.

Societal trends combined with the growing need for substance abuse counselors has created an increased demand for those with a substance abuse degree. Addiction counselors are in high demand, with a projected employment growth of 18% from 2022 to 2032, according to the BLS. This is due to factors such as the recognition of substance abuse counseling substance use disorders, treatment-focused criminal justice reforms, and the need for veteran substance use treatment. Some states only require a bachelor’s degree in psychology or social work to become an addiction counselor, but a master’s degree can help you maximize your earnings and find more career opportunities.

How to Become a Counselor Without a Degree: Is It Possible?

Substance abuse counselors must be good listeners with strong empathy and the ability to set boundaries. Once you have completed your supervised experience, you can apply for a counseling license in your state. With hard work, you can become a successful counselor and make a positive impact on the lives of others. And as mental and behavioral health awareness continues to grow, along with access to treatment, so does the demand for qualified substance abuse counselors, also known as addiction counselors.

Substance Abuse Counselor Requirements

GRE exam scores are not always required, but applicants should extensively research their chosen schools, as not all programs have the same admission and enrollment requirements. Once admitted, they may be expected to take prerequisites in addition to foundational courses that dive deeper into counseling theories, practices, and concepts. Depending on the state, however, addictions counselor education requirements may vary. Therapists who specialize in addiction recovery can often help people who are addicted set achievable and empowering short-term goals as they work to overcome their addiction.