스포트라이트
Addictions Counselor, Case Manager, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Chemical Dependency Counselor, Chemical Dependency Professional, Clinical Counselor, Counselor, Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist, Prevention Specialist, Substance Abuse Counselor, Mental Health Therapist
The problem of alcohol and drug addiction hurts families and communities around the world. In the United States, substance abuse disorder impacts over 20 million people, of which only about ~10% ever receive treatment. Sadly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed the alarming statistic that “more than 109,000 people died of a drug overdose” from March 2021-2022.
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors are on the frontlines of the battle against these pervasive problems. Also known as addiction counselors, these compassionate workers engage directly with people suffering from harmful, often devastating addictions. Their role is to teach clients ways to break addiction cycles and handle problems without self-medicating. Counselors also offer help during the journey to recovery, empowering people to rebuild their lives and repair damaged relationships.
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors work with groups as well as individuals. In many cases, they act as part of a larger team of healthcare and mental health professionals treating patients. Many focus efforts on specific target groups such as teens or persons with disabilities. The job can be challenging at times, requiring immense patience and perseverance—but the reward comes from transforming people’s lives for the better!
- Working directly with clients and seeing the impact of one’s efforts
- Serving as part of a larger healthcare team to improve patient outcomes
- Potentially preventing people from substance overdose, self-harm
- Mitigating risks of homelessness
- Potentially saving others from the harmful action of impaired individuals
근무 일정
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors may work full- or part-time, with night, weekend, or holiday shifts necessary in some settings.
일반적인 의무
- Review client/patient records and reports to gain an understanding of their backgrounds, setbacks, and progress to-date
- Schedule one-on-one or group counseling sessions
- Analyze the severity of a client’s drug dependency
- Develop and adjust customized treatment plans
- Gather biological samples for drug testing
- Keep track of the client's drug or alcohol abuse patterns
- Collaborate with healthcare team members, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers, as needed
- Discuss client situations with parole officers or others in the justice system, as required
- Conduct interventions during crisis situations
- Review progress and goal attainment status
- Attend training sessions to increase knowledge and skills related to the field
- Conduct interviews with affected family members, go over services and program options, and educate them on ways to support patients as best as they can
추가 책임
- Check-in with discharged patients for follow-up care
- Train new counselors and interns
- Make referrals for other social services or treatment options, as needed
- Create public education materials and programs
- Attend meetings and give presentations
- Stay up-to-date on relevant industry policy and funding changes
- Maintain and safeguard physical and electronic records
소프트 스킬
- 동정
- 평정심
- 협력
- 신뢰성
- 디테일 지향
- 근면
- Innovative thinking
- 무결성
- 듣기 기술
- 조직적
- 동기 부여
- 협상 기술
- 관찰력
- 환자
- 영구
- 설득력 있는
- 관계 구축
- 안전 의식
- 건전한 판단
- 교육 기술
- 시간 관리
기술 능력
- Addiction-Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System
- Calendaring tools to make appointments
- Computer-Assisted Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- 데이터베이스 쿼리 소프트웨어
- Medical programs such as Athena’s Penelope Case Management
- Office software
- Presentation programs
- Records management programs
- Therapeutic Education System
- 정부 기관
- 병원 및 클리닉
- Mental health and substance abuse recovery centers
Persons suffering from addictions can be challenging to work with. Their behavior may be unpredictable, and relapses are common. Often, they struggle with mental health problems, as well, creating another layer of complexities. Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors must apply all their knowledge and skills to find workable treatment and recovery paths for their clients and patients, some of whom are not always willing participants (such as those who are involuntarily committed to a rehab program).
The job can be an emotional rollercoaster leading to stress and frustration at times. Many counselors experience burnout due to an overload of cases and/or a scarcity of resources. There’s a lot riding on the effectiveness of their treatment plans and the pressure can take a toll when things don’t work out. However, it’s important to expect and plan for setbacks and to keep pushing forward. When counselors stay motivated and persistent, they can often help clients turn their lives around!
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects up to 22% job growth for the field, compared to an average of just 5% for all occupations. One reason for the job boost? Several states are viewing counseling services as a more humane alternative to jail time for persons charged with drug-related activities. There’s also a growing movement by the military to help veterans in need of professional mental health and substance abuse counseling services.
Another reason is that alcohol and drug use surged during the Covid pandemic, creating a desperate need for more trained Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors to enter the workforce. Of particular concern is the frightening trend of cartels targeting younger customers with “rainbow fentanyl” which is “50 times more potent than heroin” and can be fatal in doses “equal to 10-15 grains of table salt.”
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors tend to be compassionate people who may have always tried to help others. The field attracts people from all walks of life, but it’s not uncommon for people who were affected by substance abuse—either from their own use or that of a loved one—to take up this profession. Data USA notes that currently nearly 3/4th of workers in this field are women, with the most common college majors being psychology, education, and public admin/social services.
필요한 교육
- Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors usually need a bachelor’s to get started, though some enter the job market with a certificate instead of a full degree
- The most common degree majors are addiction counseling, substance abuse counseling, psychology, education, and public administration and social services
- Common college courses include behavior disorders, case management, dynamics of group counseling, foundations of addictions, psychopharmacology, and working with families on alcohol/drug issues
- To get a state license, counselors may need to complete a master’s degree and have several hours of work experience. Counselors working in a private practice will also need a license
- The Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network and the National Board for Certified Counselors feature further information on state requirements
- Some positions require workers to hold CPR/Basic Life Support certification. In addition, there are several optional certificates available from the below organizations:
- Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies - Certification in Cognitive Therapy
- American Academy of Health Care Providers in the Addictive Disorders - Certified Addiction Specialist
- American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists -
- Certified Sexuality Counselor
- American Group Psychotherapy Association - Certified Group Psychotherapist
- American Society of Clinical Hypnosis -
- Approved Consultant in Clinical Hypnosis
- Certification of Clinical Hypnosis
- NAADAC, Association for Addiction Professionals -
- Master Addiction Counselor
- National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I
- National Certified Adolescent Addictions Counselor
- Nationally Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist
- Nicotine Dependence Specialist
- Behavior Analyst Certification Board -
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst
- Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst
- Certification Commission for Drug and Alcohol Program Professionals - Certified Substance Abuse Program Administrator
- International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals -
- Certified Eating Disorders Specialist
- Certified Eating Disorders Registered Nurse
- International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium -
- Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor
- Certified Criminal Justice Addiction Professional
- International Gambling Counselor Certification Board -
- International Gaming Disorder Certification
- National Certified Gambling Counselor
- National Association of Forensic Counselors -
- Clinically Certified Forensic Counselor
- Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor
- Certified Co-Occurring Disorder Specialist
- Certified Criminal Justice Specialist
- Certified Domestic Violence Counselor
- Certified Forensic Addiction Specialist
- Certified Juvenile Treatment Specialist
- National Association of Social Workers - Certified Clinical Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs Social Worker
- 공인 카운슬러를위한 전국 이사회 -
- Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor
- National Certified Counselor
- Breining Institute
- Clinical Supervisor Credential
- Forensic Addictions Counselor
- Medication-Assisted Treatment Counselor
- Registered Addiction Specialist
- Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors should decide upon their major and pin down their long-term career goals as early as possible. That will help determine the most suitable attributes for their college program
- General college considerations include tuition costs (in-state/out-of-state rates), discounts, scholarships, and course delivery options (on-campus, online, or hybrid program)
- Ideally, you’ll want a program that offers hands-on work experience you can count towards licensure
- High school students can prepare by taking classes in health, anthropology, ethnic studies, gender studies, sociology, psychology, and child development, if offered
- Participate in school activities where you can hone your soft skills such as speaking, active listening, time management, negotiation, and conflict resolution
- Decide which college degree major is right for your goals and interests
- Talk to program staff about internship opportunities to gain real-world experience
- Think about whether you want to do an online, in-person, or hybrid degree, but keep in mind you may need several hours of in-person field experiences
- Volunteer or apply for part-time social work jobs in your community. Read or watch the news to gain an understanding of the most pervasive problems in your area
- 향후 직업 참조 역할을 할 수 있는 연락처 목록(전화번호 또는 이메일 포함) 유지
- Check out articles and video tutorials about substance abuse and behavioral disorder issues
- Popular magazines include Treatment, Addiction Professional, and Renew Magazine
- Think about the area you might want to specialize in, such as working with youth or military veterans
- Ask you school’s faculty or career center for tips about connecting with employers
- 구직 중이라는 사실을 전문가 네트워크에 알리기
- 다음과 같은 채용 포털을 검토하세요. Indeed 및 Glassdoor
- Look at the career pages of local social work agencies or drug treatment facilities
- 채용 담당자가 소셜 미디어를 들여다볼 경우를 대비하여 소셜 미디어를 깨끗하고 전문적으로 유지하세요.
- Review Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor resume templates
- Read counselors interview questions, learn your career-related terminology, and practice your answers
- Consider moving to a state where there are more employment opportunities, but make sure you are licensed to work there
- Be familiar with the most common problems in your area, and be ready to speak about those during interviews
- 연락처 정보를 제공하기 전에 잠재적 추천인의 허락을 받는 것을 잊지 마세요.
- 몇 가지 모의 인터뷰 모의 인터뷰 연습하기
- 면접을 위한 전문적인 복장
- 상사와 대화하여 경력 목표를 알려주세요. 승진 방법에 대한 조언을 구하세요.
- 채우기 어려운 전문 분야에서 자격증 취득하기
- Maintain your composure at all times, and treat all clients/patients with respect
- Stay committed to long-term client/patient goals, and stick with them through the tough times
- Don’t be stubborn if a problem is beyond your control. Know when to make necessary referrals
- Stay up-to-date on relevant counseling techniques
- 모든 관련 연방, 주, 지방 및 조직 정책을 숙지하고 준수하며 시행합니다.
- Synergize your efforts with other members of the client/patient’s treatment team
- Get involved with your community, conduct outreach activities, and build your reputation as a leader who cares!
- Engage regularly with professional organizations. Attend events, give speeches, and take on committee roles
웹사이트
- Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network
- 중독성 장애 분야의 미국 의료 서비스 제공자 협회
- 결혼 및 가족 치료를위한 미국 협회
- 미국 교정 협회
- 미국 상담 협회
- 미국 심리학 협회
- Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies
- 직원 지원 전문가 협회
- International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium
- NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals
- 공인 카운슬러를위한 전국 이사회
책
- Addictions Counseling: A Practical and Comprehensive Guide for Counseling People with Addictions, by Diane Doyle Pita
- Learning the Language of Addiction Counseling, by Geri Miller
- The Addiction Recovery Skills Workbook: Changing Addictive Behaviors Using CBT, Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing Techniques, by Suzette Glasner-Edwards PhD and Richard Rawson PhD
Though their work is often rewarding, Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors frequently can experience stress and frustration for various reasons. For some, the ups and downs of the job can be tough to manage. If you’re interested in related career fields to explore, consider the following options:
- Healthcare Social Workers
- Health Education Specialists and Community Health Workers
- 결혼 및 가족 치료사
- 의사 및 외과 의사
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
- Psychologists
- 간호사 등록
- 학교 및 직업 카운슬러
- 사회복지사