If you are looking for a job that gives you purpose, a substance use counselor is one job to consider. Again, requirements to become a drug counselor will vary depending on the location of the practice. You’ll typically need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to practice counseling.

Alcohol Use Disorder

Addiction recovery is possible if a person takes steps to overcome drug addiction. One helpful step is seeking help from an addiction counselor or substance abuse counselor. Licensed addiction counselors or substance use counselors can help determine the underlying cause of addiction and create a treatment plan designed for the recovery of the person. However, if the person is committed to the treatment, recovery is possible. In order to practice substance abuse counseling, you must be licensed or certified by your state board.

• Here we’ll take you step by step through becoming a substance abuse counselor—from earning your addiction counseling degree to getting licensed or certified in your state.
• Courses and internship experiences offered at the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School are designed for substance use and mental health licensure.
• Whether in hospitals, schools, or private practice, counselors make a lasting impact, helping clients reclaim control and pursue healthier lives.
• For anyone considering this path, substance abuse counseling offers the opportunity to be a part of transformative, life-changing work that brings hope and healing.
• When you graduate, you’ll have the training and real-world clinical experience you need to succeed in your field.

Can you be a substance abuse counselor without a degree?

If you’re thinking of seeking help to recover from substance abuse, there is hope. You can connect with a substance use counselor or a trained specialist. These counselors are trained to help you develop ways to overcome substance abuse.

Steps to Become a Drug and Alcohol Counselor

A medical professional may prescribe you medications that can help with the detoxification process. Substance abuse counseling involves regular sessions with the counselor. The frequency and duration of these sessions can vary depending on your needs and the stage of your recovery. While most sessions are conducted online via secure video, voice or chat for flexibility and convenience, some therapists also offer in-person sessions. You can check each therapist’s profile to see if offline appointments are available.

Hospitals and Mental Health Clinics

Since every state is unique, check your state regulatory board for how to apply. Practicing in more than one state or a telehealth setting is possible. However, depending on where your clients live, you may need to maintain credentials in multiple states. Remote learning makes becoming a certified substance abuse counselor possible without entering a college classroom. Earning an addiction counseling degree online is ideal for students with substantial work or family requirements. The importance of substance abuse counseling has grown alongside the increase in addiction rates.

• Professionals like a substance use counselor can provide support for people with substance use disorder.
• An addiction counselor or substance use counselor typically has a bachelor’s degree, has completed an internship, and has passed exams for a state license.
• However, in other cases, affected persons could be compelled to visit a counselor by family members or by police or government authorities.
• This article explains how to become a licensed substance abuse counselor.

If you find that you have trouble controlling your use of certain substances, then you may have a substance use disorder. Substance use disorder (previously known as substance abuse) is a serious disorder that can affect your life and that of your family members in negative ways. That’s why it can be important for you to seek treatment and get the professional help you deserve in a timely manner. For instance, if you struggle with a particular substance or have a co-occurring mental health issue, a counselor with specialized knowledge can provide more targeted treatment plans and better understand the challenges you face.

Career Opportunities

Substance abuse counselors must be good listeners with strong empathy and the ability to set boundaries. Once you have completed your supervised experience, you can apply for a counseling license in your state. With hard work, you can become a successful counselor and make a positive impact on the lives of others. The Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate substance abuse counselor School offers master’s programs in addiction counseling both on-campus and online.

Whether you need in-person or online therapy, our platform makes it easy to find a top-rated, licensed therapist near you. The curriculum focuses on diagnostics processes, clinical assessments, and how to facilitate groups. Students take online courses, but they must complete clinical experiences in person.

These show that the counselor has met the education, experience, and ethical standards needed. They should be able to explain things clearly and listen attentively to your concerns. Feeling heard and understood will make you feel more comfortable and engaged in recovery. Cleveland Clinic’s primary care providers offer lifelong medical care.

This particular experience criterion stems from the tenet of the original 12-Step Program for alcoholics that only an alcoholic in sobriety can assist another alcoholic in sobriety. Misusing substances can increase your risk for heart disease, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, psychosis, and even death. In some cases, these negative effects can occur after just a single use. If you continue to use, you may increase your risk for conditions like heart disease, lung disease, cancer, mental illness, hepatitis, and more. Moreover, using needles may increase your risk for diseases like HIV and AIDS. Substance use disorder often co-occurs with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, and bipolar disorder.

You might be an undergraduate student thinking about a career in counseling. There are many different master’s degrees and counseling programs to fit your goals. These institutions demand that these employees refrain from using drugs or alcohol for a certain amount of time — often two or three years prior to their employment.

Substance use disorder (previously known as drug addiction) can be characterized by a dependence on any addictive substance. Following the initial assessment, counselors develop personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique circumstances. These plans address the specific needs and challenges identified during the assessment. Many mental health organizations also have online directories of licensed therapists. A good resource is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).