Careers - Addiction & Substance Abuse Counseling

Career Options and Salaries for Addiction Counselors

A substance abuse counselor is a type of mental health counselor who treats patients suffering from drug or alcohol dependency. They may also treat individuals who are concerned they are abusing drugs and alcohol in a way that might lead to addiction. These mental health professionals will work with both the chemically dependent client and their family to find coping strategies and plans of action to foster success for everyone. Family involvement can be an important part of the recovery and healing process. Substance abuse counselors are increasingly in demand and they are expected to continue to be so through 2026. People who enjoy helping others and have patience often make ideal substance abuse counselors.

To become a licensed substance abuse counselor, your educational and training requirements will vary from state to state. Most people will complete degree programs at accredited colleges and universities. Some states might only require a certificate; whereas, other states will require a degree. All potential counselors will require a certain number of supervised hours with clients, to pass an exam, and to clear child abuse and felony background checks. Majors for this career can also vary, however, most people choose an undergraduate degree in psychology and specialize in substance abuse as a minor when it is available. You might also have to complete the National Counselor Exam to become officially licensed in addiction and substance abuse within your state.

Places You Can Work

The type of employers seeking substance abuse counselors will vary. You could work anywhere from a private clinic to a public school, interacting with kids. This position typically requires a minimum of 40 hours per week. In some instances, you might work more. It is important that you establish boundaries in this job, or you may experience burn-out and not have the work-life balance that is essential to the health of your own relationships. Also, keep in mind that you will be helping some individuals who are dealing with very complex, difficult, and draining problems, not just with their addiction, but with the effects it has on their family, work life, and children. You must have a highly strong emotional and physical core to be able to help these people without being negatively affected yourself.

Employee Assistance Programs

Employee assistance programs are often provided by progressive employers to aid in the mental health of their employees. Many companies believe that the mental health of employees is essential to the success of their business and the overall happiness of their customers. As such, employers will pay to have their employees seek counseling for their personal problems, including alcohol and drug abuse.

Hospitals

Laws and medical policies are changing to require hospitals to keep mental health professionals on staff, including substance abuse counselors. Hospitals, like many medical professions today, are grasping the overall importance of mental health. You might be able to work in a hospital, clinic, community non-profit, or state-funded program center. As greater emphasis is placed on mental health, there is more need for mental health counselors of all sorts.

Methadone Clinics

A methadone clinic is designated for treating individuals with an opioid addiction through the administration of methadone. These highly specialized clinics also offer a range of support programs for patients, such as regular meetings with a substance abuse counselor. Because these clinics are government regulated, you will have to meet more stringent standards than with some other employers.

School Districts

School districts recognize the need for mental health professionals more than ever given the state of public schools in the country. A substance abuse counselor in a school works with at-risk youth who are abusing drugs and alcohol or those who are or might be considering it. The idea behind this program is not to replace the traditional school counselor but rather act as a preventative measure to prevent crime, and as a way to provide at-risk students a more promising path to success in life. This is also done at school so that families are not burdened with the time or money required to seek treatment outside of school.

Treatment Centers

Drug and alcohol treatment centers are traditionally one of the largest employers of substance abuse counselors. These types of positions require one-on-one counseling and group discussions. The more reputable the treatment center the more education and training you will likely require. It is possible to work at a small center to gain experience as you complete higher education.

Job Duties

The job duties of a substance abuse counselor will vary based on the employer and state. It is important to note that a counselor of this type will not be permitted to give psychological therapy or to prescribe medications. You will act as a mentor and an advocate for your clients to help them reach understanding of the reasons they have become dependent on drugs or alcohol. You might also help them find employment, help them establish support networks, create life improvement plans, and work with the family members who have been affected. The overall goal of this type of counselor is to help the client become self-sufficient without the use of drugs or alcohol.

• Evaluate the physical and mental health of a client.

• Identify situations and behavior that are counterintuitive to recovery.

• Provide a safe and nurturing counseling environment.

• Work with family members to help them with coping strategies to deal with the problems of their loved ones.

• Actively listen.

• Create a plan of action.

• Develop a support network.

• Make referrals for clients to alternative resources, tools, and services.

Potential Job Titles and Salary