How to Become

What is a Substance Abuse Addiction Counselor?


The decision to become an addiction counselor is not one to take lightly. This is a career that asks a lot of a person. It's more of a calling than a career, a passion than a job. You will be in a position to help many, many people through a very difficult time in their lives.


Not only will you be able to help the addict herself, but your impact will be quite far-reaching. That's because the addict is often a whirling mass of chaos who runs rampant through the lives of his family, friends, and community. In fact, it's difficult to find a single person who has not been impacted by the disease of addiction. The ever-expanding opioid crisis is spreading the problem in ways no one could have predicted.


If you wish to work on the front lines of a national crisis, you will need to take the proper steps towards that goal. This page is here to help. Continue reading to learn the steps you need to take to become an addictions counselor.

The first step is to determine whether this profession is truly for you. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to become an addictions counselor, so you need to be certain of yourself before taking the first step. Here are a few questions you might ask yourself:


  • What is my true motivation behind becoming an addictions counselor?

  • Do I have patience and tolerance for addicts?

  • Can I remain neutral even when an addict reveals terrible things about their using days?

  • Am I able to maintain objectivity enforce harsh penalties if an addict breaks the rules of a rehab facility?

  • What is my personal history with addiction? Do I need to heal any old wounds?

  • Do I enjoy helping others?


Addictions counselors are a diverse group. As you begin to practice, you'll see that this diversity is a great strength in the field. That's because addicts are likewise diverse. There is not one single set of characteristics that will fit every sufferer. Therefore, in order to connect with an addict, there needs to be a counselor that they can relate to. Your unique story and approach will surely be a great benefit to an addict and his family.


While many addicts appreciate counselors who have been through the wringer of substance abuse, a lack of addiction shouldn't hold you back from pursuing the profession. In fact, you can bring a more objective view to the table. This can be of great help in a clinical setting, where a rehab wants to have a diversified staff.


Academics: The First Step


Once you have decided that work as an addictions counselor is for you, you will need to begin a course of formal study. While your state will have specific requirements, most states follow a predictable pattern in their education requirements. Please consult with your academic advisers and with your state's professional regulatory boards to ensure that your work will help support your goals.


Accreditation


Before you start writing checks for classes, make sure that your school is accredited or will otherwise be recognized by your state's licensure board. If you state accepts non-accredited schooling, consider whether you will want to stay in that state for the duration of your career. A regionally accredited education will serve you well if you ever decide to move out of state.


Academic Credentials


Many states allow you to work in the field with as little as an associate’s degree. However, some don't necessarily require a degree at all, but you will need to have put in approximately 270 hours of course-time studying substance abuse counseling. These states allow you to study in a private, non-accredited careers college. During your classroom time, you will need to study subjects such as:

Interviewing Differential diagnosis Physiology of addiction Biosocial assessment Diagnostic summaries Compulsive Gambling Community resources Case management HIV resources Hepatitis resources Human Development Pharmacology Group therapy Lifestyle and career development


Consider starting your career with an associate's or bachelor's degree but make a graduate degree your ultimate goal. If you practice your profession for a few years with a bachelor's degree, you can gain loads of insight and experience. This experience will pay off when you enter graduate school. Further, once you graduate with a master’s degree, you can likely fetch a higher salary than your non-experienced peers.


Examination


Prior to receiving your license, most states require that you take and pass a standardized examination. This exam will ensure the state that you have the academic knowledge required to help addicts recover. The written exam is most often overseen by the NAADAC, a national association for addictions professionals.


Experience


fter your academic work, one of the biggest hurdles to full licensure is the experience requirement. Your state will likely require some mix of supervised time in which you will work closely with a mentor on specific aspects of the field. For instance, you may need to satisfactorily perform patient intakes, diagnostics, and counseling.


Your supervisor should be licensed and in good standing with the state so that she can sign-off on your work. Your college or university may be helpful in providing recommendations. You may also find that there are rehabilitation facilities that are eager to help nurture newcomers to the profession.


On top of your supervised time, you will need to log approximately 1,500 hours while you work under a conditional credential. This requirement will vary from state to state, and you may have up to five years in which to complete this portion. During your pre-licensure time you may be required to attend 12-step meetings, as well.