A chemical dependency counselor works to guide drug dependents and alcoholics toward sobriety and recovery. The counselor pins down the cause of dependence, crafts a rehabilitation program, educates drug dependents and alcoholics, provides emotional support, does intervention, and communicates with the drug dependents’ and alcoholics’ families. By suggesting successful rehabilitation services and substance abuse treatment options, this addiction counselor can help patients live a sober life. With today’s alarming problem in drug dependency, chemical dependency counselors fill an important role in society.
If you want to provide this type of addiction counseling services, use these tips to become a certified chemical dependency counselor. Begin by checking out distance learning options through accredited online schools—many of these colleges have certificate programs that will allow you to become a counselor, and you can even earn your degree through these universities.
- Complete an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. An associate or bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling or other related field is most commonly preferred by employers. Take note, however, that such majors are generally not the formal requirements. As long as your degree involves counseling, which can establish the right career foundation for you, you can work your way to becoming a chemical dependency counselor. Some states allow one to become a chemical dependency counselor once an associate’s degree is completed and license is obtained. The state requirements vary drastically! Be sure to check your state’s requirements.
- Earn a master’s degree. A master’s degree in counseling is required by many employers and states. It can be completed within two years, and the coursework includes assessment, interviewing and human development. A master’s degree also involves clinical training and internship. The field has become competitive, so although a bachelor’s may get you the job, a master’s degree will make you more competitive. Another option to consider is obtaining a graduate certificate in chemical dependency counseling.
- Obtain certification. Certifications for chemical dependency counselors are available in three forms: Chemical Dependency Professional (CDP), Chemical Dependency Counselor (CDC) and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC). All three certifications require completion of a degree, clinical practice and a passing grade on the certification exam. Essentially, these three are one and the same. The difference in name is according to the state and institution where the certification is earned.
- Look for a suitable work environment. As a chemical dependency counselor, you can find counseling jobs in a rehabilitation facility, outpatient treatment center, hospital or mental health facility. Counseling is normally done in a one-on-one setting or in a group session, the latter is sometimes preferred in order to reduce the tension of a chemical dependent during counseling.
- Pursue continuing education. To keep your state license, you need to commit to continuing education. Each state requires a certain amount of continuing education hours to maintain your license. Aside from maintaining your license, continuing education is also the best way to update yourself on the advancement and developments in your practice. To satisfy the requirements for continuing education, you can attend workshops, seminars and conferences.
- Understand the process of chemical dependency counseling. During the first few counseling sessions, your task is mainly to determine the root of dependency. It can be a relational dysfunction, emotional problems or school or work issues. In the succeeding sessions, you will primarily be devoted to administering the rehabilitation program set for the patient. As you go through the program, you will instill in the patient positive behaviors that will help him or her maintain sobriety.
The median annual income for chemical dependency counselors is $38,000 per year. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for chemical dependency counselors are expected to increase by 21% until 2018. Part of the reason is the growing number of people seeking counseling services. Add to that the fact that drug- and alcohol-related crimes are addressed by entering the offenders into substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation programs. What’s good about chemical dependency counseling is that many recovering alcoholics and drug dependents themselves take up counseling careers, creating more impact on patients. Like any other counseling career, it can be very rewarding, yet very demanding.