What Is a Substance Abuse Counselor? What They Do

The chronic use of a substance that alters the mind, such as alcohol or narcotics, is referred to as substance abuse. Although the majority of drug abusers may discover that these chemicals come with a lot of euphoric side effects, the truth is that such substances are ultimately quite destructive. For instance, these addictive chemicals can shatter a person’s spirit in addition to harming their physical health.

• We offer caring, expert assistance in an environment built around personal respect and dignity.
• The treatment plan is a dynamic document regularly reviewed and adjusted based on your progress and changing needs.
• Addiction counselors are mental health professionals who help people manage drug addiction and co-occurring disorders.
• Through motivational interviewing, therapists inspire patients to alter behaviors that negatively impact their health.5 This modality is ideal for addicted individuals who are unmotivated or unprepared for change.

Knowledge of Addiction and Treatment Techniques

Substance abuse counselors are responsible for developing a specific plan of action for each client based upon his or her unique situation. Foundations Counseling and Consulting of Wyoming, LLC provides a proven, collaborative approach to counseling in Cheyenne, Wyoming. We offer caring, expert assistance in an environment built around personal respect and dignity. Our experienced therapists rely on time-tested and proven techniques to help you find your way. With defined goals and objectives, you and your counselor can begin working on the psychological and emotional issues that influence your substance use disorder. The assessment includes clinical interviews, standardized assessment tools, and possibly physical examinations.

What is a Substance Abuse Counselor?

You might also want to talk with a substance abuse counselor in your community. For some workers, obtaining a Ph.D. is advantageous, particularly if they wish to Oxford House enter into private practice or work in a clinical setting. Ph.D. programs in addictions and substance abuse counseling are plentiful, and typically take five years to complete.

Processing these repressed emotions empowers patients to understand how their past affects their current decision-making, behavior, and relationships. This modality helps patients boost awareness of unconscious thoughts and behaviors, develop insights into motivations, and resolve conflicts. Vouchers for goods and services, or privileges in a more rigid treatment setting, are common. Depending on the state you live in and the type of licensure you plan to pursue, you might also need to complete supervised professional practice.

What is the Job Outlook for Substance Abuse Counselors?

With requirements varying by state, the road to licensure can get a little muddied. Here we explain how to proceed, giving you step-by-step instructions that help expedite and streamline the process. We offer a safe, confidential environment in which to help our clients achieve their full potential. Sometimes, hearing from others who’ve been through addiction recovery can be helpful.

Treatment Methods & Evidence-Based Practices

• We work closely with the criminal justice field offering evaluations and assessments as well as court ordered treatment.
• It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.
• Substance abuse treatment at The Recovery Village includes a dual diagnosis process to identify co-occurring disorders so that mental health counseling can be integrated accordingly.

Counseling helps you escape cravings and learn to manage what life throws at you without drugs or alcohol. Addiction is a chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive, or difficult to control despite harmful consequences. Research shows drug and alcohol addiction is treatable and can be successfully managed.

• A family might contact a drug addiction counselor for assistance in behavioral intervention, such as when a person’s loved ones confront them about the consequences of their substance abuse.
• In essence, substance abuse counseling involves a long-term, multi-modal approach that is continually adapted to meet a client’s ever-changing needs.
• This may be the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium’s (IC&RC) Alcohol and Drug Counselor Examination or Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor Examination.
• However, depending on where your clients live, you may need to maintain credentials in multiple states.

People can overcome their addictions with the aid of experts in this profession, start making better decisions, and live healthier lives. The Rehabilitative Services Division provides comprehensive residential and outpatient treatment to adults diagnosed with substance use disorders who currently reside in Miami-Dade County. Services are provided through assessment, intervention, direct treatment, case management and referral. The Rehabilitative Services Division consist of four units specialized to provide services tailored to client’s individual needs.

For most positions, a bachelor’s degree is required to be an addiction counselor. Additionally, addiction counselors must complete continuing education courses every year and pass a state-issued exam. However, keep in mind that each state’s regulations are unique, and the license and certification requirements vary.

• Since every state is unique, check your state regulatory board for how to apply.
• Services are provided through assessment, intervention, direct treatment, case management and referral.
• Additionally, some substance abuse and addictions counselors might opt to start their own private clinics.

They’re experts on the ins and outs of addiction and develop tailored treatment plans based on your specific addiction, needs and goals. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. Several states have started recognizing the need for master’s-degree-level addiction counseling licensure and certification. But there are other reasons a graduate program is your best option if you’re looking for a long-term career in the substance use disorder (SUD) counseling field.