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Q: Why should you start a career in Substance Abuse? A: A career in Substance Abuse Treatment and Prevention will provide you with an opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of people and society. Addiction professionals meet the diverse needs of individuals and families that seek their help. Throughout their work, they address complex mental, emotional and physical needs of their communities by working with people of all ages, races and backgrounds. The field of addiction includes various people that utilize a unique set of skills and knowledge including a field consisting of social workers, psychologists, health educators, researchers, doctors, counselors, nurses and others working to effectively reach those affected by substance abuse and addiction. Understanding the effects of alcohol and drug use is important in this profession. In addition, the issues in this field are constantly changing due to fresh and useful insights into causes and new and innovative treatments. Knowledge, skills and understanding acquired through education are critical to the effectiveness of professionals in this field. Keeping abreast of developments in this field is part of a lifelong learning process for workers.
Q: I'm interested in attending an institution to become a substance abuse counselor. Where do I start? A: First, let's start with a school that interests you and from there, look for the types of courses required for entrance into the field. Any coursework focused on counseling, psychology, or social systems are a good start. Consulting with the administration at your institution of choice a local substance abuse provider beforehand is also recommended.
Q: What is addiction? A: According to the medical definition of addiction, it has seven criteria. This definition is based on the criteria of American Psychiatric Association (DSM-IV) and the World Health Organization. An addiction is any behavior that meets at least three of the seven criteria during the same 12-month period. Tolerance: You can use more and more over time. Withdrawal: When you stop using, you experience at least one of the following symptoms: irritability, anxiety, shakes, sweats, nausea, or vomiting. Difficulty controlling your use: Sometimes you use more or for a longer time than you'd like. Negative consequences: You continue to use even though there are negative consequences to your mood, self-esteem, health, job, or family. Significant time or emotional energy spent: You spend a significant amount of time or thought obtaining, using, concealing, planning, or recovering from your use. Put off or neglected activities: You have given up or reduced social, recreational, work, or household activities because of your use. Desire to cut down: You have repeatedly thought about cutting down or controlling your use, or you have made unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control your use. …What Addiction is Not You don't have to use every day: There is nothing in the definition about how often you use. You could use once a month, but if when you use you sometimes have difficulty controlling how much you use, or you have negative consequences, then you have an addiction. You don't have to crave drugs or alcohol: You can go for a whole month without thinking about using or craving, but if you break down and have difficulty controlling your use, or have negative consequences because of your use, you still have an addiction. You don't have to go through withdrawal: Every person is different when it comes to withdrawal. Some people experience significant withdrawal and others very little. There's little correlation between how much withdrawal you experience and the extent of your addiction. You don't have to suffer major losses: If you've suffered major losses, then you already have a major addiction. If your family members have ever commented on your use, then you've already suffered significant losses. It takes all of their courage in the beginning to make even the smallest comment about your use. The look of disappointment in their eyes is a loss. Bigger losses are harder to repair. Taken from www.addictionsandrecovery.org ... Another definition of Addiction according to the American Society of Addiction Medicine:
Addiction is a primary, chronic, neurobiological disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. Addiction is characterized by behaviors that include one or more of the following: - Impaired control over drug use
- Compulsive use
- Continued use despite harm
- Cravings
Q: What is Substance Abuse and what does a Substance Abuse Counselor do? A: Let's start with the definition of Substance Abuse, first: Some people aren't addicted to drugs or alcohol, but abuse them. The American Psychiatric Association (DSM-IV) definition of substance abuse is at least one of the following four criteria. - Continued use despite social or interpersonal problems.
- Repeated use resulting in failure to fulfill obligations at work, school, or home.
- Repeated use resulting in physically hazardous situations.
- Use resulting in legal problems.
Substance Abuse Counselors Addiction Counselors help people overcome alcohol, drug, gambling and other addictions. Most counselors have degrees in related fields such as psychology, counseling, social work, rehabilitation studies, public health and gerontology, while some have an undergraduate degree. Formal training in an area related to addictions studies/counseling increases your chances of getting into the field and establishing a more rewarding career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors help people who have problems with alcohol, drugs, gambling, and eating disorders. They counsel individuals who are addicted to drugs, helping them to identify behaviors and problems related to their addiction. Counseling can be done on an individual basis, but is frequently done in a group setting. These counselors will often also work with family members who are affected by the addictions of their loved ones. Counselors also conduct programs aimed at preventing addictions. The North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Board offers various levels of certification. Their website can be found in the Links section of our website.
Q. How do I get started with my career as an addiction professional? I am a high school junior or senior, where do I begin? A: Let’s start with a community college that offers a program in human services and substance abuse or a 4-year college or university that offers a human services program (psychology, social work, counseling, rehabilitation studies, etc.). In the “Bachelor's Degree" and "Master's Degree" sections, you will find both public and private colleges and universities that offer such programs with contact info, schools and courses.
Q. What type of education will I need? A: Remember, people may enter the workforce with diverse experience and educational backgrounds, so it depends on where you are at and what suits you and your desires best. If you are interested in an associate’s degree with specialized training in addiction treatment and prevention, there is a place for you in the workforce that is highly valued by employers. If you wish to obtain a bachelors degree or a master’s degree you will also be highly valued by employers; the difference is what you will do and what types of responsibilities you will have. Some people complete an associate degree and decide to obtain their bachelors degree later. In most cases, your opportunities increase with the level of education you obtain. Check out the section that addressed becoming a substance abuse counselor for a good start.
Q. Can I work in this field if I have a personal history of substance abuse? A: Yes. You may work as an addiction counselor or in some other capacity if you have a personal history of substance abuse and/or alcoholism. Many people with a history of substance abuse are making valuable and meaningful contributions to all sectors of the field. Some employers consider recovery from substance abuse an asset when hiring support workers and counselors. There are some positions in N.C., for those that are in recovery. If interested, please check out this link: http://bhrp.sowo.unc.edu/index.php?q=node/122 In such cases, a minimum of two years of continuous sobriety is usually required prior to being hired. However, personal recovery from substance abuse does not guarantee or suggest that you will be a more effective counselor than someone who has not had this experience in recovery. You will need education, training and demonstrable competence in the practice of substance abuse counseling.
Q. What kind of credentials do I need? A: In N.C. there are various credentials that will best prepare you to work in the field of addiction. Some require a college degree while others do not. However, most people are advised to obtain credentials in order to advance into management and supervisory roles. Others seek and are encouraged to obtain credentials in order to stay abreast and proficient in the workforce in compliance with the changing nature of new models, technology and state laws.Follow this link: www.ncsapcb.org to learn more about credentials.
Q. What if I would like to get some experience by volunteering? A: That is a great question. Volunteering in an organization is a wonderful way to gain a perspective of the field. Each agency and organization will have its own rules and guidelines regarding volunteer opportunities, so it is wise to contact an agency or organization in which you are interested. If you think you might be interested in a career in substance abuse services, but want to gain more experience before committing to an academic program, volunteering is a good way to become more familiar with the substance abuse field. Volunteer experience helps students gain knowledge about their area of interest, and is an asset on undergraduate and graduate school applications. One way to find volunteer opportunities in your area is to visit the SAMSHA Drug Treatment Facility Locator page: http://www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov/ and simply call treatment providers in your city to ask about volunteer opportunities. Here are a few more links that can help you find a volunteer position: At each of these sites, simply enter your city and state or zip code and search for volunteer opportunities in substance abuse, addiction, or recovery to find a volunteer position.
Q. What types of jobs are available to associate degree graduates? A: Graduates with an associate degree in human services have become: Counselors, Family Support Workers, Mental Health Technicians, Halfway House Counselors, Alcohol Counselors, Community Organizers, Social Services Liaison, Child Abuse Workers Case Monitors, Group Home Worker, Life Skills Instructors, Social Work Assistants, Rehabilitation Caseworkers – just to name a few! Please see our Associate Degree Jobs section for detailed descriptions.
Q: What types of jobs are available to bachelor's and master's degree graduates? A: Graduates of bachelors and masters degree programs have become: Social and Human Service Assistants, Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors; Educational, Vocational, and School Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Mental Health Counselors, Rehabilitation Counselors; Child, Family and School Social Workers, Medical and Public Health Social Workers, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers. Please see our Bachelors and Masters Degree Jobs section for more information on these positions.
Q. Now that I know the basics where should I go? A: Thanks for asking. If you are a high school student, currently enrolled in a community college program, or in an undergraduate school and wish to know more about various colleges and universities, financial aid, other resources, and how to get involved in learning more, click here: http://www.edu2work.org/index.php/prospective-students. Feel free to also visit the other links listed on our homepage. |
