Those who wish to build a career supporting people with substance abuse disorders need to consider where they would like to fit into the recovery process and where their skills are best applied. The most common professional choices for those seeking a career in this field are as a therapist or as a substance abuse counselor. While there are some aspects of these jobs that overlap, each avenue allows you to help substance abuse victims in different ways.Ìý

What Does a Substance Abuse Counselor Do?

A substance abuse counselor, like any other counselor or therapist, provides assistance and support to individuals seeking to change their behavior. This could be for a person with an eating disorder, alcoholism, or a drug addiction. A substance abuse counselor spends time with their patients to understand the causes of their issues and develop actionable strategies to help them modify their behavior for the better. 

Where traditional mental health therapy is often open-ended and exploratory, the work that substance abuse counselors do is more concrete and goal-oriented from the beginning of their relationship with the patient. Therapists spend a significant amount of time with the patient to examine the nuances of their situation. However, substance abuse counselors rarely have that luxury. Substance abuse issues can cause severe financial, legal, and physical harm if left untreated. As a result, substance abuse counselors immediately focus on developing a plan of action once a patient reaches out to them. This may include providing guidance for families, leading group therapy, and discussing coping mechanisms and treatment plans. 

If you wish to explore a career as a substance abuse counselor, you should attain a degree in a field such as substance abuse counseling or social work. In many states, licenses are given out to substance abuse counselors, but other states choose to simply certify them. This can make it easier for you to find opportunities in a wide variety of settings such as hospitals, governments, or substance abuse centers. Once you feel that you have the right experience, you can explore the option of furthering your education and opening a private practice specializing in a type of substance abuse that you feel most confident tackling. 

What Does a Therapist Do?

Therapists are licensed medical professionals who support their patients through mental health issues. Some therapists work in a consulting or clinical research setting, while others work in the more traditional setting of providing in-person or online therapy directly to patients. Due to the high demand for mental health services in a variety of environments, therapists can often choose to work in either general therapy in an office, or in a specialized setting such as a military base, a school, or a university. Therapists in all these settings take the time to explore the nuances of a patient’s mental health and provide them with short- and long-term advice to help them understand and overcome their challenges. 

People planning to be a therapist should know that they will need a master’s degree and a license from their state board to practice psychotherapy in their state. 

Which Is the Right Career for You?

If you wish to enter either of these professions, considering why you are interested can help you make the right choice. Before making a decision that will impact a significant part of your life, you should ask yourself the following questions: 

Do You Need Financial Aid?

Pursuing further education can be a major financial decision for many Americans. Not every student has the means to pay for tuition outright. However, it has never been easier to receive  financial assistance. The student financial aid acceptance rate has risen steadily in the and students are now able to apply for a variety of financial aid programs to achieve their dreams. 

Do You Plan to Continue Your Education After Your First Degree?

Some students join a degree program to improve their chances of getting a job or to increase the opportunities available to them. However, an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree is simply not enough for some career paths. A substance abuse counselor could receive a license to practice without a master’s degree, but this is a non-negotiable qualification for therapists in the U.S. 

Is There a Specific Type of Support That You Would Like to Provide to Your Patients?

Like any career in the medical industry, the decision to specialize in a certain field can be a personal one. Perhaps you have a family member or friend who has suffered as a result of a substance abuse disorder or other mental health issue and have chosen to work in the field as a result of that. Other people may have the personality and desire to help others, and wish to provide this kind of care to make a difference in the world.

Therapists and substance abuse counselors deal with extremely challenging issues and have highly stressful jobs. It’s important that you have the motivation and the qualities needed to succeed as a mental health professional, regardless of your chosen specialization. 

In conclusion, while there may be some overlap between the roles of a substance abuse counselor and a therapist, there are also distinct differences. Ultimately, the most important thing is to find a career that is a good fit for your needs, and to become a professional who can provide the support and guidance necessary for your patients’ recovery and overall well-being.

Substance Abuse Counseling Program at 51³Ô¹Ï College

Explore the programs at 51³Ô¹Ï College for more information on courses you can take that will give you the most successful career in allied health care. 

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In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the many responsibilities of substance abuse counselors.Ìý

Roles and Responsibilities of Substance Abuse Counselors

While millions of people worldwide experience substance use disorders (SUDs), it’s estimated that only seek out and receive treatment. It’s clear that substance abuse counseling is in great demand, and it often provides good pay and a flexible working environment. If you’re keen on exploring this career, here are the roles and responsibilities that you’ll handle regularly:

• Conduct One-on-One Counseling Sessions

Some patients prefer attending private counseling sessions because of the confidentiality it provides. During these sessions, the counselor will address the client’s concerns about substance abuse to help them find ways to cope.

It’s essential to note that many patients don’t come to a counselor voluntarily. Some will do it because a family member asked them to, or they had to see a professional because of a medical illness, and were referred to a counselor for further treatment. They may also be mandated to do so by the justice system.

One-on-one counseling sessions often start by helping clients understand and acknowledge how substance use has consumed their lives. During the session, counselors may engage the client in various forms of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is the because it contains many useful strategies to help the client recover and avoid relapse.

• Develop Relapse Prevention Programs

More than after treatment. To help clients maintain sobriety, counselors create a program tailored to their client’s needs and preferences. Some programs focus on one aspect of substance abuse, while others may address several factors simultaneously.

The therapist will talk with the client about what triggers the client’s addictive behaviors and what motivates them to stop using substances. They should also consider any other mental health issues that might be present in addition to substance use disorders. The counselor can then help create strategies and design a program to address their substance use disorder with the aim to prevent relapse. The program can be short or long term, and may include individual or group therapy sessions. Some programs are in person, while others are online.

• Organize Family Conferences

Family conferences are a vital part of the counseling process and allow the counselor to meet with the family and discuss their concerns. Counselors encourage family members to support their loved ones while they recover. Their meetings aim to establish a treatment plan and may include discussion on medications, therapy recommendations and preferences, counseling options, or goal setting for future progress.

Below is an infographic from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) that can help families support their loved one facing addiction issues: 

• Facilitate Group Sessions

Group counseling provides an environment where individuals with similar experiences can come together and share their stories, which is physically and emotionally beneficial.

Group sessions are helpful for clients who may feel more comfortable in a group setting. This can be especially true for people with substance abuse issues, who may feel stigmatized without others to relate to. Group sessions can also provide you and your clients an opportunity to build relationships, which is vital for providing support during recovery.

Additionally, when working as part of a group therapy team, counselors listen and collect feedback about the groups’ needs so they can better assist individuals in their own treatment plans.

• Aftercare Follow-ups

Aftercare is the process of monitoring and maintaining contact with clients following their discharge from treatment. Aftercare counselors work with family members and friends, who may be called upon to provide various services such as transportation, housekeeping assistance, grocery shopping, or help with laundry. The counselor also provides emotional support to clients who have been through traumatic experiences during treatment.

• Formulate Educational Programs

Counselors are responsible for providing care and developing educational programs tailored to their clients’ needs, whether it’s helping a client to become more self-sufficient or improving their relationships with others. They should be aware of the latest research in the field and keep up to date with trends to provide services that reflect current practices and standards.

Become a Substance Abuse Counselor With Training From HCI 

Substance abuse counselors take on many roles to help their clients and establish trusting relationships. They work with their clients to identify problems, develop healthy coping skills, build support networks, and learn how to manage stress.

As a substance abuse counselor, you will be an expert in helping people who struggle with addiction and its related issues through meaningful therapy sessions and other strategies. You’ll also provide access to resources, such as peer groups, that can help assist in the recovery process.

If you’re interested in becoming a substance abuse counselor, we encourage you to explore the offerings at 51³Ô¹Ï College or contact us today to request more information. 

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Substance abuse counselors have firsthand knowledge of the need for more support and the challenges involved in helping people recover from addiction, but this doesn’t mean it’s always easy for them. 

Struggles Substance Abuse Counselors Face

Here are five common challenges counselors have to deal with:

1. Uncooperative patients

There are several reasons a patient may not be cooperative. For example, they may not want to admit that they have a problem or that it is affecting them and their family. They might also have an untreated mental illness that complicates treatment and makes them less likely to change their behavior on their own.

Many people with severe mental health issues experience complications due to substance abuse. In fact, like depression, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and schizophrenia, concurrently deal with addiction. 

2. Patient relapse

One of the most common challenges that counselors face in their work is helping patients avoid and handle relapse. One reason is that addiction affects many aspects of people’s lives, and is in turn vulnerable to outside influences. People need a robust treatment plan with support and strategies to help them make healthier choices. Also, if a client’s family, friends, and circumstances do not support their sobriety, there is a high chance of relapse. 

Recent numbers show that and use drugs within a year post-treatment. 

3. Removing bias and judgment

Counselors are humans, too, and prone to making assumptions about people. Each of us have our own values and beliefs, but when helping others is what your job is all about, you must learn to leave your personal opinions at the door. Many people in treatment have led difficult lives, often without advantages or support that some take for granted. Therapy is about helping the person move forward from where they are now. If that means examining the decisions they made along the way—and continue to make during their recovery—this must be done respectfully and without judgment.

It’s also important to remember that not every approach works for every client, so bias toward one type of treatment (private or group sessions, medication or not) over another is to be avoided.

Don’t use labels. This is a big one, and it’s imperative to avoid doing this as a substance abuse counselor. If you want to help someone, don’t make assumptions about their life or situation based on characteristics such as gender, race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, or even age. These things do not indicate whether someone will be successful in changing their behavior. Instead, focus on their behavior and how they’re coping with it.

4. Ethical concerns

Confidentiality is one of the main ethical concerns of working as a substance abuse counselor. In general, state laws govern drug treatment. However, federal laws protect the privacy of those undergoing therapy. 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) states the two primary laws that cover substance abuse: the and the . As a professional, you must follow all laws and regulations regarding patient care and safety. 

It’s essential to keep your patient’s best interests in mind while still fulfilling your ethical responsibilities as a counselor. , if you have evidence that someone has committed a crime or is an immediate danger to themselves or others, then you may be required by law to report this information.

5. Lack of support from the system

There is no one resource for addiction support. Programs can be offered through schools, hospitals, the military, and the criminal justice system—and all have their own policies and procedures. Consequently, there is no one source of funding, and mental health support systems tend to be perpetually short on resources for counselors working with clients. Funding is also subject to yearly budget reassessments, and is therefore unreliable.

There is no question that there is a deep need for substance abuse support. However, only a few colleges offer substance abuse counseling programs, so it’s crucial for students who want to become certified counselors to find reputable schools to earn their degrees. 

The substance abuse counseling field is growing rapidly, and the demand for qualified professionals will continue to increase. This is due to several factors. Some of these are: 

• The growing number of elderly Americans who use prescription drugs.
• The increase in prescription drug abuse by teenagers and young adults.
• The prevalence of illegal drug use in many parts of the country.
• The rising number of people who are incarcerated and need treatment upon release. 
• The increased awareness of the effects of substance abuse, especially among parents and other caregivers.

Addressing the Challenges

Substance abuse counselors are in a unique position to help patients with addiction. As the only professionals trained to recognize and treat substance abuse, they have an opportunity to help prevent relapse, maintain recovery, and reduce the impact of addiction on people’s lives. It can be difficult work, but it has its rewards. If you want to help, becoming a substance abuse counselor could be a solid career choice. 

Explore our Programs to learn how 51³Ô¹Ï College can help you earn a job-ready degree. 

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Substance abuse counseling is a rewarding career, but it’s not always easy to get into. If you’re considering a career in substance abuse counseling, there are many things you can do to prepare yourself for success. 

How to Shift to a Substance Abuse Counseling Career

Transitioning to or starting any new career can be challenging. If you’re considering a career in substance abuse counseling, these tips can help you develop your career plan:

1. Talk to Abuse Counselors

Someone who is already working as a substance abuse counselor will have the answers to many of your questions—and probably some you didn’t even think to ask. If you know someone in the field, don’t hesitate to consult with them. Ask about their education, training, and experience. Let them tell you about the current status of the job market in your area and share what they like most about their jobs and why.

Don’t forget to ask what they think are the biggest challenges counselors face today in substance abuse counseling and how they handle them. These questions will help you understand some of the nuances involved in this field, allowing you to make informed plans for your future. 

2. Attend an Information Session or Clinical Training

An information session or presentation will clarify everything you need to know about substance abuse counseling as a profession. If possible, sit in on some clinical training to observe counselor training in progress—this will help you determine if it’s the right fit for you.

3. Know Your Education Options

As you begin your journey toward a career in substance abuse counseling, you will likely need some educational training. It’s important to know that many options are available to you, including:

• Associate’s degree: Often the first step towards pursuing a career in substance abuse counseling, an associate’s degree can help you get your foot in the door. These educational programs generally only take 2 years to complete and are sometimes offered as an online-only option. An associate’s degree is the best way to fast-track your career and get started in this rewarding field. 
• Undergraduate degree: A bachelor’s degree is a great next step in your career trajectory. Choosing to further your education can help you gain a deeper understanding of substance abuse topics while you advance your career. 
• Master’s degree: Once you’ve earned your undergraduate degree, you may consider looking into graduate school or another type of higher education program designed specifically for counselors, like master’s degrees in counseling psychology or human services administration. 

These programs will provide additional training in case management and other areas related to working with individuals struggling with addiction. They also prepare students for leadership roles within their institutions by giving them valuable experience working with other professionals on campus, like professors.

The most common path to employment in this field is obtaining a substance abuse counseling degree and securing a certification from the American Board of Certified Counselors (ABCC). According to Zippia, this is the educational background of today. 

If you’re looking at becoming licensed as well, consider adding a social work certification to your resume to increase your qualification for various job openings.

4. Get the Necessary Certifications and Licensing

After obtaining the necessary schooling, you’ll need to check with your state substance abuse agency. Some states require that you be certified in substance abuse counseling. In Florida, you can choose from three levels of certification, which depend on your level of education and experience. These certifications are the Certified Abuse Counselor (CAC), Certified Addiction Professional (CAP), and Master’s Level Certified Addiction Professional (MCAP).

Most of these certifications are offered by agencies that are part of a national association or organization, such as the National Council for Behavioral Health (NCBH) or the ABCC. 

5. Join Networking Groups

Networking is a key part of this career. You can meet potential supervisors, employers, and other professionals through networking events or online.

The internet has made it easier than ever to connect with others in your field since many online communities are available for people with similar interests. This means that if you’re looking for a job, these groups will help connect you with people who are hiring. Additionally, these groups are a key source of information and ongoing peer support.

Shift to a Career in Substance Abuse Counseling With the Right Education and Training

Follow these tips to learn more about the profession and how you can ease into this highly rewarding career. While you’re at it, don’t forget to hone your soft skills. These will be critical once you enter the field. 

As a counselor, you’ll need the ability to listen attentively, show empathy for your client’s needs and feelings, communicate effectively with them to achieve their goals, and more. Soft-skill development requires practice, but it also requires you to use your own experiences to guide your growth. 

Explore our programs if you want to know more about substance abuse counselor offerings and other career opportunities at 51³Ô¹Ï College. 

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What if there was another way? There is! 

Technical schools are providing learners of today the opportunity to learn about a career and earn practical knowledge and skills without going in over their heads in debt and wasted time. 

For instance, are you considering health care? According to one , only half of students were completely sure of their path when they entered their training program, but over 83% were certain by the time they were done. Learning more about the opportunities and interacting with other students helped them choose the best path.

In this article, we’ll detail why getting a diploma from a technical school may be the best choice for you. Here are six reasons you should consider it!

1. You don’t pay for more than you need

Technical schools are a great option for getting started on your career. Primarily because they’re cheaper than universities, they can serve as a stepping stone for a future degree. With your trade school diploma, you already have a credential to show your potential employers, so you can start earning money and gaining valuable experience in your field. 

Technical schools often offer student loans, as colleges and universities do—but these loans tend to be smaller than those offered through private lenders.

2. You’ll get hands-on experience

Hands-on experience is vital to any career. It provides an opportunity to learn new skills and apply them in real-world situations, allowing you to gain valuable hands-on knowledge that will help you master more complex tasks later.

There are many different types of hands-on experience you can get at a technical school, including:

• Working on teams and projects with other students
• Using actual systems and tools implemented in the real world
• Dealing with problems faced in the actual work setting. 

3. Students graduate sooner

You can complete a technical program in one to two years—sometimes even less than a year. This is especially beneficial if you’re testing out a career path and are anxious to get a job. Technical school will allow you to get the skills and knowledge needed for a job faster than if you enroll at a university or college.

Employers often prefer candidates who have credentials. This means a diploma gives students an advantage when applying for jobs because they will be able to demonstrate their ability and experience more quickly than those without—particularly now when the skills gap is more pronounced than ever.

4. A dedicated career services team will guide you

The career services team at your technical school is full of people who have been in your shoes. They’re there to help you find a job that’s right for you, based on your aptitudes and the income you are hoping to earn. 

The best part? They’ll also help with resume and cover letter writing and interview skills so that everything feels natural and relaxed when it comes time for an interview with an employer. 

5. Instructors understand your needs

Instructors can help you get the most out of your schooling. They are experts in their fields and can spot problem areas and gaps in your understanding.

For example, if you’re struggling with a specific subject or time management, an instructor will know how to help you overcome this challenge. Most instructors assist students in improving upon weaknesses through tutoring sessions or additional resources like online courses and study groups. 

Lastly, instructors often connect students with alumni who have gone through the same program at their school—this is invaluable for making connections within the community!

6. Classes are smaller and more personal.

In a technical school, a smaller class size means you’ll get more attention from your instructors than in a larger classroom setting. You’ll also be able to ask questions of the instructor if you need help with something or have any other concerns about the coursework. 

If you need help understanding something in class and feel uncomfortable asking your professor what it means, they are often available after class to answer questions and provide clarification. This can be especially helpful for people who are new to the field and want some additional guidance about the concepts being presented.

Technical Schools Provide the Experience and Skills You Need

At a technical school, you can get the skills and experience you need to land a job that is right for you. Technical schools are designed to provide hands-on learning, which helps students develop the technical proficiency they need to enter their chosen field.

Technical programs offer accelerated coursework and exams, allowing students to graduate faster than they would at traditional colleges or universities. Students also have access to industry leaders who teach them practical skills and provide guidance throughout the program.

Taking your first step toward a career is an exciting and exhilarating experience. Many factors go into choosing what kind of education to pursue. One thing is certain: graduating from a technical school will set you up for success in today’s job market and tomorrow’s economy!

Explore our programs to learn more about our offerings and how they can help you further in your career!

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During the pandemic, emergency calls rose by 40%, and 42 states experienced increases in overdose deaths. As the opioid crisis continues to impact communities across the country, demand for substance abuse counselors is expected to grow, with a .Ìý

Substance abuse counselors help people with drug problems in various ways. They may work in places like hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, schools, or other locations where people are struggling with addictions. 

If you’re considering a career as a substance abuse counselor, here are the main things you should know.

What is a Substance Abuse Counselor?

A substance abuse counselor is a mental health professional who works with people who have an addiction to drugs like alcohol, marijuana, opioids, stimulants, and so on. They may also work with people who have an addiction to gambling, sex, or other issues. 

This job is challenging and requires a lot of patience, but it can also be incredibly rewarding.

What Does a Substance Abuse Counselor Do?

Substance abuse counselors talk to patients, create personalized treatment programs, help educate the patients and their families, manage case histories, and communicate with law enforcement and the courts. This care is provided in a number of settings. 

Individual Therapy

Substance abuse counselors work with the patient individually to process difficult aspects of their personal lives, assess situational stressors, such as work, family, and other issues that may be pushing them to self-medicate. 

Group Therapy

Group therapy sessions give people with addictions the opportunity to talk about their experiences and struggles with others who share them, and learn from people who have been where they are. These sessions help individuals realize they’re not alone in the battle and that there is hope for recovery.

Family Counseling

Substance abuse doesn’t only affect the individual. One found that one in eight children aged 17 and below live with someone who has a substance abuse disorder. The National Center for Substance Abuse and Child Welfare reported that in , substance abuse was the reason children were removed from their homes.

Substance abuse counselors help family members heal and better understand their role in the patient’s recovery.

Aftercare Services

Dealing with addiction is a complex process that requires ongoing effort. Substance abuse counselors continue working with the patient to help them develop coping mechanisms and strategies to help them move forward and avoid relapse. Aftercare services also focus on helping patients build life skills, maintain their recovery status, prevent relapse, and achieve a life with a sense of purpose. 

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor

Now that you know what a substance abuse counselor does, how can you become one?  

Earn an Associate Degree

If you’re interested in becoming a substance abuse counselor, you first need to earn an Associate of Science (AS) in Substance Abuse Counseling degree. The program will introduce you to counseling, crisis intervention, and patient education. You may also take up psychology or social work. This can help you gain insight into the challenges faced by people with addiction and the best ways to help them. 

Start a Career as a Substance Abuse Counselor

If you’re interested in helping people work through addictions and build better lives for themselves, this can be a very rewarding career. However, it also requires resilience, empathy, and strong interpersonal skills.

An associate degree and proper experience are the first steps to becoming a substance abuse counselor. You’ll then be well-equipped to help people from all walks of life, working with them to manage their addictions and build a better future—and in the process, you’ll become part of the solution to some of society’s toughest problems.

Explore our Programs to get started in your journey to become a substance abuse counselor and make a difference in your community!

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