How To Become a Substance Abuse Counselor

by: Andrew Stratton

How To Become a Substance Abuse Counselor - If you are interested in starting a career focused on helping other people, consider becoming a substance abuse counselor. This professional works with people who are seeking treatment for a variety of addictions. People who are addicted to alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription drugs, and are seeking guidance, can get the help they need from a substance abuse counselor. This professional uses therapy to identify and treat patients. This profession is ideal for people who are compassionate and wants to make a heartfelt difference in someone's life. Being a counselor can be a rewarding career when clients overcome their problems and live better lives than they did before.

Unlike other professions, there is no one-way to become a substance abuse counselor. The more you research, the more paths you'll discover to landing this career. The necessary qualifications may be different depending on the state of practice and the clinic. Some people going into this field have significant experience as therapists or social workers, while others only have a certification. In order to find more information, one must research specific requirements in the state or region of practice.

Regardless of where you wish to practice, getting a thorough education and gaining experience is always a good idea. Obtaining a bachelor's degree from a four-year program will certainly be a good start. At a four-year university, you can study social work, sociology, or psychology. You should also do what you can to gain experience while you are in school. Volunteering at local drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or other treatment centers can be very educational. Sometimes, simply going to school isn't enough to give you a day-by-day experience with real patients. Experience is just as important as obtaining a degree; take the time to volunteer!

In some cases, further education may be necessary to be a substance abuse counselor. If you want to obtain a master's degree, study social work, therapy, or professional counseling. Most states actually require a master's degree in order to become a licensed drug addiction counselor, and he/she has to also complete a number of hours of supervised work in a clinic setting. After your training, you will need to obtain the proper certification in order to practice. Once you are qualified to work as a substance abuse counselor, you can either work in a residential facility that treats addicts or work in an outpatient community center or doctor's office. Don't hesitate to get started on a career that you'll be happy to wake up to everyday.

Are you or someone you know suffering from substance abuse? Grand Rapids, MI residents can visit our site to learn how we can help. http://www.westbrookrecovery.com.


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