When they agree to see a substance use counselor and receive treatment, assure them of your support in their recovery process. Licensed addiction counselors are experts at understanding the underlying causes of addiction. They use several substance abuse counseling techniques to help address the many factors that contribute to and reinforce substance use disorder. Gateway Chicago River North offers outpatient substance abuse counseling to patients in Chicago, IL.
Internship / Practicum Experience
This ensures they have the knowledge and skills to guide you effectively. Your substance abuse counselor should be patient because recovery takes time. They’ll offer encouragement and support and celebrate even small achievements.
How to Find the Right Substance Abuse Counselor
Nationwide, the salaries for substance abuse counselors typically falls within the range of $59,190 and $98,210 (median to top 10% salaries). Substance abuse refers to the intentional misuse of drugs or the use of illegal substances. Over time, substance abuse can lead to addiction — physical and psychological compulsions to use drugs despite the potential consequences. If you deal with substance use or addiction, specialized counseling for these conditions can help you recover.
Substance Abuse Counselor Salary
Credentialing ensures that professionals meet legal and ethical standards for practice. While requirements vary by state, most clinical roles require licensure or certification that demonstrates academic preparation, clinical experience, and exam performance. In addition to clinical work, substance abuse counselors may assist with program development, documentation for insurance or court systems, and advocacy for client access to services. The Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School creates transformative educational experiences for future leaders in evidence-based care for addiction and mental health disorders.
- By helping the family to understand the nature of addiction and its related emotional component the substance abuse counselor can help to shift the families understanding of their chemically addicted family member.
- But in all cases, the degree level, specific curriculum requirements, and field training required to practice as an addictions counselor comes down to a state-level decision.
- An addiction counselor (substance abuse counselor) helps people who have substance use disorders get treatment.
- This kind of therapy could also be a requirement of someone’s jail sentence, probation, or parole.
- Sessions may be scheduled weekly, bi-weekly, or at other intervals as deemed appropriate.
As a licensed addiction and mental health counselor, you can also open your own private counseling practice. Employment for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to increase 18% from 2022 to 2032, according to the U.S. This growth is significantly faster than the average for all occupations. The Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School offers master’s programs in addiction counseling both on-campus and online.
Please note that “substance abuse” and “substance dependence” are now referred to as “substance use disorder” per the DSM-5. BetterHelp can connect you to an addiction and mental health counselor. Sometimes, hearing from others who’ve been through addiction recovery can be helpful. Positive feedback can show their ability to support people on their journeys. If you’re experiencing challenges related to substance use, an addiction counselor can help you.
Associate Degrees
With online counseling, you may not have to compromise the quality of your care, either. Researchers have found that digital counseling with mental health counselors can be effective in treating substance use disorder, particularly disordered alcohol use. For individuals with social anxiety, online therapy with a trained counselor for substance use disorder may feel more comfortable. Addiction professionals who are seeking a counseling career often earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Other degrees that are helpful for a substance use counselor include social work, sociology, human development, or behavioral health. The substance abuse counselor is a mental health counselor specializing in treating patients who have a chemical dependency on drugs or alcohol.
Substance abuse counselors work in various settings, each presenting unique opportunities to support individuals and communities. Whether in what is alcoholism hospitals, schools, or private practice, counselors make a lasting impact, helping clients reclaim control and pursue healthier lives. Substance abuse and addiction counselors understand the 12-step recovery philosophy, harm-reduction strategies, and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. They also need to be comfortable functioning as a team, attending meetings, and coordinating with other care providers when needed. It can be difficult to admit that you are experiencing substance use disorder. Few people want to think of themselves as having an addiction, mainly because of the bleak picture that mainstream media often paints of people who live with addictive, substance use disorders.
Recovery Programs
For example, mental health counselors can help clients understand how depressive feelings and thoughts may contribute to substance use. If you’re ready to pursue addiction counseling as a career, it’s time to start making a plan. Becoming a substance abuse counselor is a challenging yet deeply rewarding career for those passionate about supporting individuals on their journey to recovery. These counselors provide crucial guidance and resources, helping clients understand the roots of their addiction, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and rebuild their lives. Substance abuse counselors work at in-patient and outpatient treatment centers, hospitals, and government agencies. They also work in schools, prisons, and juvenile detention facilities.
