Public education about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse is prevalent, and the federal government has enforced the laws against drug trafficking and illegal drug use since the “war on drugs” was declared in 1971. Despite these efforts, drug abuse continues to be a serious problem that is responsible for an estimated 40 million injuries and illnesses every year. Drug abuse crises that require immediate medical attention are only part of the problem, however. Drug abuse is implicated in criminal activities, homelessness, and domestic and child abuse. Drug abusers wreck havoc in their families and personal relationships, their workplace, and in their communities. The need for committed, professional drug abuse counselors continues to be high.
Job Description
Drug abuse counselors typically offer three services to their clients:
- Counseling—Identify dysfunctional behaviors and patterns.
- Rehabilitation—Teach coping strategies and relapse prevention skills.
- Support—Make referrals to appropriate social services for help with housing, vocational training, legal help, or mental health counseling.
Abusing drugs does not occur in a vacuum, so drug abuse counselors must consider all aspects of their clients’ lives when formulating a treatment plan, including their mental health status, family, employment, and community. They may work with clients one-on-one or lead group counseling sessions. Some clients may seek counseling; others may be fulfilling court orders.
Drug abuse counselors have a strong desire to help people get a handle on their problem so they can move forward and lead more fulfilling, productive lives. Successful drug counselors are emotionally stable, patient, trustworthy, and compassionate. They should have good problem-solving and communication skills, and are expected to abide by professional codes of ethics and confidentiality. Overcoming drug abuse is not easy, but drug abuse counselors can make an enormous positive difference in the lives of their clients—and their families.
Education and Training
Generally, drug abuse counselors must have a four-year Bachelor’s degree in a psychology-related field and some clinical training to work in an entry-level job, though some states allow people to get training with a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Other states require drug abuse counselors to be licensed, and this means you will need a two-year Master’s degree in counseling. Some people pursue their Master’s degree after securing an entry-level position.
Secondary and graduate coursework in psychology and counseling typically includes human development, psychopathology, sociology, cultural diversity, counseling techniques, including group and family counseling, and substance abuse counseling. In addition to academic coursework, you will participate in supervised clinical training.
License and Certification
Depending on the state where you are working and your employer, you may need to be licensed or certified before you can practice professionally. These requirements vary widely; check with the state agency or board that oversees this discipline.
Getting a license generally requires a Bachelor’s degree in counseling or a related field and three years of supervised clinical work experience. Other states want you to have a Master’s degree in counseling and at least one and a half years of supervised clinical work experience.
Certification requirements also vary from state to state. Some community colleges, vocational schools, distance learning programs, and four-year colleges offer courses of study in drug abuse counseling with certification after completion. Make sure that the program you choose is accredited or approved by the state where you plan to practice.
Job Prospects and Salary
There is an anticipated need for more drug abuse counselors, especially as drug counseling replaces jail sentences, so job prospects are good in this field. Employers include residential drug treatment facilities, general and specialized hospitals, drug rehabilitation centers, community and government programs, and halfway houses.
The average annual salary for a drug abuse counselor is $40,810. Counselors with advanced degrees and training can expect to earn higher salaries. Hospitals and government programs tend to pay more compared to residential facilities.
Drug addiction takes an enormous toll on families, law enforcement, and the workplace—and on the mental and physical well-being of the person with the abuse problem. Drug abuse counselors work on the frontlines of this problem, helping abusers identify and change their behaviors and offering support to their families. It is a stressful, often frustrating job, but you can make a world of difference by giving people the tools to deal with their addictions.