The National Treatment Center Study found similar results in their study of 450 private facilities—57% of counselors were women and 48% held a master’s or doctoral degree 11). Counselors should be thoroughly familiar with the facilities and services in his/her community to insure proper referral for clients with substance abuse problems. Referral options are determined by client need and are collaboratively agreed upon as appropriate by the counselor and client. Another option, the half-way house, provides moderately structured and supportive residential treatment lasting for three to six months, wherein successful living within the environment becomes part of the treatment plan.

If innovations and new practices such as pharmacotherapies are to be incorporated into treatment effectively, they must be perceived as effective, acceptable and socially supported by providers and staff. Collectively, counselor education and training, provider characteristics, beliefs and experiences, and organizational climate appear to be critical variables in facilitating adoption of evidence-based practices. By earning your online substance abuse counseling degree, you’ll put yourself in a great position to provide entry-level services. Working with individuals, groups or families, you might find employment in places like residential addiction treatment facilities, outpatient addiction programs, state drug courts, prisons, mental health centers, community health centers and private practices.

What’s the job market like for substance abuse counselors?

Upon completion of the exam, you will receive a preliminary score at the testing site. Confirmed final results will be transmitted via U.S. mail approximately four weeks after your exam. You may not consider yourself credentialed until you have been issued a certificate. You must submit an application with the above-required documentation and on review and approval by OASAS you will be given information on scheduling fingerprinting for a background check, after which your CASAC-T may be issued.

What is the 12 step process?

12-step programs are powerful peer support groups that help people recover from substance use disorders, behavioral addictions, and sometimes other co-occurring mental health conditions. 12-step programs also help people achieve and maintain abstinence from substances.

It can be difficult to stop using a chemical substance, and it can also be dangerous. Chronic users of alcohol and prescription drugs are typically encouraged not to stop abruptly without medical assistance. Quitting use of a substance may lead to withdrawal effects such as physical sickness, temporary personality changes, loss of appetite, insomnia, nausea, mood swings, and other disturbances. Opiate withdrawal, for example, can be particularly debilitating, but it is typically not fatal. Psychological, biological, social, and physiological factors might all play a role in whether or not a person comes to abuse drugs or alcohol. A family history of substance abuse can make a person more vulnerable to addiction, and social factors, such as peer pressure and ease of availability can increase the likelihood of a person developing a problem with drugs or alcohol.

What Jobs Can You Get With Substance Abuse Counselor Certification?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a treatment approach that focuses on changing thoughts and behavior patterns. Substance abuse counselors often use CBT techniques to help clients recognize the inaccurate thoughts and feelings that help maintain addiction. They also use CBT to teach new coping skills that help people find new ways to deal with cravings, relapses, and stress. Similar patterns of responses were found for providers with professional licensure as opposed to no professional licensure; and those with graduate degrees as opposed to those without graduate degrees.

What is the best psychological treatment for substance abuse?

Alcohol and drug misuse are treated with medication and talk therapy. There are many different evidence-based therapies for alcohol and drug misuse. The best talk therapy for most people is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or a 12-step program.

As a result, many states have begun to mandate treatment and counseling services for drug offenders in lieu of jail time. Courses in the substance abuse concentration are taught by practicing professionals who bring years of experience to their teaching. You’ll develop the research and communication skills needed to identify and assess community resources for your clients, conduct assessments and https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/substance-abuse-counseling/ interview and assist clients who need services. Help clients in outpatient addiction programs rebuild their lives in order to become self-sufficient. Through home visits or phone calls, you’ll work with clients to set personal and career goals, coordinate services and complete paperwork. Are you concerned about the current substance abuse epidemic and want to help individuals affected by it?

Get in the Fight Against Addiction: Earn a CASAC Certification

Consistent with other research, nearly half of the study participants had advanced education (10), and graduate education was more common among staff in outpatient settings. Clinics that employ more staff with advanced degrees may do so to meet specific needs such as medical expertise required in methadone and outpatient settings. Finally, methadone and outpatient clinics typically offer higher pay as compared to residential programs, which may allow them to attract counselors who have more education. Continued education and workforce development are also reflected in the number of providers who have certification or licensure.

  • And with a diverse range of specializations, such as gambling addiction, drug abuse, or kids and teens, there are many rewarding opportunities for counselors to help people in need.
  • Both therapists and licensed substance abuse counselors must study and learn effective clinical methods and prove they know them to get licensed.
  • At Southern New Hampshire University, you’ll have access to a powerful network of more than 300,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation.
  • Similar patterns of responses were found for providers with professional licensure as opposed to no professional licensure; and those with graduate degrees as opposed to those without graduate degrees.
  • 4,000 hours of appropriate work experience and the 85 clock hours in Section 1 of the education and training related to knowledge of substance use disorders and 15 hours of addiction specific ethics for counselors.