What Is Substance Abuse Counseling?

Substance Abuse

Substance abuse refers to the habitual use of a mind altering substance, whether it’s alcohol or drugs. Although most substance abusers may find that they are seemingly blessed with a number of positive side effects of these substances, the reality is that these substances are ultimately very harmful. For instance, these substances not only harm a person’s body, but they can also fracture their soul.

Abusing substances such as alcohol or drugs will often inflict a person’s mind as well. A person suffering from substance abuse will usually not act like himself. For instance, a person that is normally mild tempered could possibly become violent under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Unfortunately, there are a number of reasons why a person might abuse alcohol or drugs, and some of these reasons may be extremely powerful. Some may abuse drugs or alcohol because they are looking for a way to escape from their realities, for instance. Others may abuse alcohol or drugs because they’re trying to fit in with their peers. Unfortunately, no matter why people experiment with drugs or alcohol, there is a chance that they will become dependent upon them.

Substance abuse counseling, however, is a type of counseling that can be used to help people overcome and conquer dependencies on substances, such as alcohol and drugs.

Today, dealing with substance abuse is more important than ever. There are more and more drugs being created each and every day, not just in large cities, but also in smaller outlying suburbs. The boundaries of substance abuse have been dissolved, and no one is safe from its negative effects.

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What It Takes to Be a Substance Abuse Counselor?

There are several educational paths that lead to rewarding careers within the field of Substance Abuse Counseling. Like most career fields, there is a correlation between the amount of education and training you accumulate, and the salary, autonomy and job responsibilities you will have once you start working. ABachelor’s Degree, earned at the college or university level, is typically the first step for students who wish to acquire the skills and certification needed to counsel individuals with substance abuse problems. The most common major for students pursing substance abuse counseling is in Alcohol & Drug Abuse Studies or Addictions Counseling. After students build a strong foundation in counseling and the behavioral sciences (with a bachelor’s degree) they have an opportunity to focus their academic pursuits on a more specialized area of study. Completing graduate level coursework with aMaster’s Degree, or aDoctorate (PhD) degreewill provide students with the knowledge and skills required to become a licensed counselor and to work in private practice if they so desire.

Why Do We Need Substance Abuse Counselors?

No one can deny that substance abuse, in all of its forms, is a growing problem. Individuals that suffer from substance abuse often suffer from a number of physical problems as well. Most addictive substances contribute to illnesses and the general breakdown of the human body.

Substance abuse doesn’t just affect the people it inflicts, however. Everyone around the abuser is also usually affected as well. For instance, a person under the influence of alcohol or drugs will often exhibit behavioral changes. They may not “be themselves”. They may become irritable or violent, for example, or just “spaced out”. many times, substance abuse contributes to such problems as joblessness, homelessness, financial problems, family discord, and criminal activity.

What Do Substance Abuse Counselors Do?

”How many psychologists does it take to change a light bulb?”

“Only one, but the light bulb has towantto change.”

Despite the corny joke, there is a lot of truth to this statement. In short, a person has to truly want to change the way they are before they can actually be changed. This is particularly true for substance abusers.

A substance abuse counselor will also usually help his clients identify their “triggers”, which are certain situations that make people want to drink alcohol or do drugs. Triggers are often different for everyone, and what triggers one person may not trigger another. Some people might drink or do drugs more when they are stressed, while others might drink or do drugs more when they are around a certain crowd of people.

Once a substance abuser and his counselor can pinpoint these triggers, they can both work on ways to avoid them. By avoiding these triggers, substance abusers can start taking the first steps toward recovery.

During the recovery process, a substance abuse counselor will typically offer encouragement and guidance. He will also usually help a substance abuser set up a support network, consisting of caring individuals that will help the substance abuser work toward recovery. Counselors may also help substance abusers repair existing relationships as much as possible, if necessary.

Where Do Substance Abuse Counselors Work?

Substance abuse counselors will often work in hospitals and substance abuse rehabilitation centers, along with detention centers, schools, and social and human service facilities.

Some substance abuse counselors might also choose to open their own private practices as well.

What Are the Education Requirements for a Substance Abuse Counseling Career?

Counseling Educational TrackEducation RequirementsEducation LengthAvailable ProgramsUndergraduate StudiesEarn a Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling4 YearsOnlineorCampusGraduate StudiesEarn a Master’s Degree in Counseling5-6 YearsOnlineorCampusPhD / Doctoral StudiesEarn a Doctorate in Counseling7-8 YearsOnlineorCampus

In order to pursue a career as certified or licensed substance abuse counselor, though, you will also most likely need to earn a master’s degree in substance abuse counseling, and complete several hours of supervised training in a clinical setting.

Learn more about getting yoursubstance abuse counseling degree.

What Is the Average Salary for a Substance Abuse Counselor?

In 2022, the median annual salary for substance abuse counselors was $49,710. Counselors who hold graduate degrees often report higher salaries, with the top 10% of professionals in the field earning more than $77,980.

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections forsubstance abuse counselorsis based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2023.

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