How to Become a Substance Abuse and Addiction Counselor

Other times, though, they may be forced to see counselors, either by loved ones or the law. A substance abuse counselor may be asked to help a family with an intervention, for instance, where a person’s loved ones confront him about the negative effects of his substance abuse. This type of counseling might also be a stipulation of a person’s prison stay, probation, or parole. Many state licensing boards require a master’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field for you to become an addiction counselor.

Substance Abuse Counselor Education Requirements

The criminal justice system will create additional demand for licensed professional counselors to treat drug offenders as an alternative to jail time. In California, for example, more than one type of licensing might be needed to engage in substance abuse counseling. Visit the California Board of Behavioral Sciences’ website for an alphabet soup of licensing options. Those who want to work in medical and healthcare-specific environments should consider a concentration in clinical counseling. Those who wish to work in social work environments should consider rehabilitation counseling concentrations. Our program is entirely online, which is a convenient option for busy, working adults as you can fit your learning into your schedule and don’t have to attend in-person classes.

Featured Online Counseling Programs

We do not receive any commission or fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a caller chooses. The total cost of our program (not including books) is just $4,250, which is far less than you would pay at most colleges and universities. You can pay the entire tuition upfront or pay over six months or even 12 months, depending on your needs. 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.

Types of Counseling Licensure

This guide to funding options will help you get your degree while keeping costs to a minimum. Addiction and mental health counseling is an opportunity to change lives and strengthen communities. It’s a chance to give back and make a positive difference in the world, one person at a time. When you see someone you’ve counseled who has made it to recovery and turned their lives around, the sense of fulfillment is truly incredible. In January 2020, there were more than 14,000 specialized substance abuse treatment facilities in the United States providing counseling, behavioral substance abuse counseling therapy, medication, case management and other types of care. Substance abuse professionals who have earned a master’s degree, have professional and field experience, and have earned specialized accreditation or certification have the best job prospects in this field.

Keep costs in check without having to relocate to the school you want to attend.

Demand will only increase for qualified and passionate workers in substance abuse and addiction counseling in the next 10 years. It explains what they do, the degree and certifications needed, and potential salaries. The Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School offers master’s programs in addiction counseling both on-campus and online. As an accredited institution of higher learning, our integrated addiction counseling programs include coursework in mental health and co-occurring disorders. And as mental and behavioral health awareness continues to grow, along with access to treatment, so does the demand for qualified substance abuse counselors, also known as addiction counselors. In most cases, they will hold the same license as a professional counselor or substance abuse counselor.

• This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
• My advice is to identify 2-3 theories that are of interest to you and “try on” each theory.
• Prisons, probation and parole agencies, detox centers, halfway houses, and juvenile detention facilities are also common work environments for substance abuse counselors.
• Some states only require a bachelor’s degree in psychology or social work to become an addiction counselor, but a master’s degree can help you maximize your earnings and find more career opportunities.
• First, check your state licensing requirements then follow the tips below to launch your counseling career.
• This certification is recognized across the United States and is often required by employers in the substance abuse counseling field.

Other Counseling Career Profiles

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earned an average annual wage of $53,490 in the U.S. as of 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These types of counselors’ median annual wages, according to the BLS, range from $59,790 in California to $49,480 in Pennsylvania, two of the states with the greatest employment levels in this profession. It should be noted that counselors possessing graduate degrees often report earning more money than those who lack such degrees. Experience, education, and credentials factor into differences seen in substance abuse and mental health counseling salaries. The highest 10% of professionals pursuing substance abuse counseling careers made a median annual salary of $78,700, as listed in the table below.

For instance, these addictive chemicals can shatter a person’s spirit in addition to harming their physical health. Megan Pietrucha, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical and sports psychologist in private practice in Illinois. She holds a PsyPact credential, enabling her to practice teletherapy with clients in over 20 states.

It takes a whole team of social workers, counselors, and doctors to develop recovery plans. When needed, counselors must contact other therapists about cases and make referrals, while keeping in compliance with privacy regulations in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Substance abuse and addiction counselors can save lives and impact the drug epidemic that has only worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic began. A reported 99,543 people died of drug overdoses in the 12-month period ending in September 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, compared to 67,727 deaths reported at the end of March 2019. To become licensed or certified as an alcohol and drug counselor, you will likely need to pass an exam.

• Addiction counselors work in a variety of professional settings, from community mental health centers to state and federal government agencies.
• This figure reflects the central point of the earnings spectrum, with half of the counselors earning more and half earning less.
• Addiction counselors also counsel friends and relatives of people living with addiction.
• Substance abuse counselors provide alcohol counseling, drug counseling, and counseling for related addictions to their clients.

Addiction counselor certification is one of the more complicated concepts you’ll confront on your way to a career in the field. These guides will show you exactly how your state credentialing process intersects with national certification through IC&RC or NAADAC, as well as the education, training, and experience you need before taking your exams. Currently, 327,500 substance abuse counselors are employed in the United States, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Sober House vs Rehab or Treatment Center

During this period, you will work closely with your treatment team to address your drug or alcohol addiction and any mental health treatment you may need. You will also learn the tools and resources you need to take full advantage of your sobriety and everything that comes with it. Sober residences allow individuals to continue working on their recovery after they have completed inpatient addiction treatment while easing back into their regular lives.

What Is an Addiction Treatment Facility?

A reputable SLH or halfway house should be well-maintained and have enough space for all of its residents. Don’t go solely by website pictures when choosing a facility, which can be misleading. Ask to take a tour before moving in and try to get former residents’ testimonials about what is was like living there. Our couples rehab program is designed to help couples in long term recovery to preserve and improve their lives and their relationship. Many sober living homes are covered under insurance plans or government funding.

• The risk of relapse when someone leaves addiction treatment is particularly concerning.
• When you’re ready to start treatment programs to address your drug or alcohol addiction, you will likely hear several terms related to addiction that you may not be used to.
• In sober living homes, you can learn essential skills and techniques for recovering addicts before returning to your everyday life.
• A sober home or sober living home is a type of location you can live for a period of time after completing rehab.

Sober Living Homes Services vs Drug Rehab Services

At first glance, it’s obvious that both of these drug rehabilitation facilities are semi-similar. But, if you take a close look, you will quickly notice that sober living communities vs drug rehabs are slightly different. Sober living homes, sometimes referred to as transitional living arrangements, halfway houses, or recovery residences, can be a step down from formal substance use treatment programs.

• One study of 330 residents at 49 sober living homes in California found that residents had increased odds of total abstinence and employment.
• While a treatment facility is there to help you attain sobriety and teach you the tools you need, discover underlying causes, and provide you with therapy, a sober home is there to help you integrate back into society.
• Sober living homes, also known as sober houses, are transitional living spaces for people who want to maintain sobriety.
• People who are working through recovery often enter residential programs for intensive care.
• Residents must pay rent on time, but they do not have to pay first and last month’s rent.
• One study into people being treated for heroin addiction showed a considerable risk of death from overdose in the month following treatment.

Online Therapy Can Help

Sober living homes, also known as sober houses, are transitional living spaces for people who want to maintain sobriety. It provides a safe environment for people to focus on their recovery after substance abuse treatment. Sober living helps ease the transition from rehab to independent living, reducing the risk of relapse.

In most cases, it’s best to go from a residential treatment program into a sober living community. Residential treatment programs are extremely effective for breaking people out of an addiction, but it can be difficult to make the jarring transition back into an old life without relapsing. Living in a halfway house is generally cheaper than living in a residential rehab because the staff provides fewer services. While halfway houses primarily function as interim solutions following structured care (such as incarceration), sober living homes encompass a wider scope, focusing on long-term addiction recovery support. Halfway houses are a critical bridge for individuals grappling with substance abuse, particularly those transitioning from correctional or inpatient treatment facilities. They provide housing and essential support services instrumental to the recovery process.

Healthy Living In Recovery

A study published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs by the Alcohol Research Group Public Health Institute showcased the importance of social and environmental factors in recovery. While many halfway houses are state-owned entities providing free or low-cost accommodations to eligible residents, most sober living homes are privately owned. In addiction recovery, sober living homes are an essential aftercare facility on the road to independent living.

Ethical behavior is vital when it comes to running an SLH or halfway house. The administrator or owner of the home must gain residents’ trust and display ethical behavior and conduct themselves in a professional manner at all https://ecosoberhouse.com/ times. By Julia Childs Heyl, MSWJulia Childs Heyl, MSW, is a clinical social worker and writer. As a writer, she focuses on mental health disparities and uses critical race theory as her preferred theoretical framework.

• Life skills training is typically 1–3 times a week in sober living homes, ensuring residents are equipped to handle real-world challenges.
• There are rules to abide by, and the patient does not come and go from the facility.
• Choosing to go through the steps of walking away from addiction requires great strength and determination.
• Maintaining a substance-free life must be the main priority in making this decision.
• It provides a safe environment for people to focus on their recovery after substance abuse treatment.

Although there will be specific rules you will need to follow as part of sober living life, you will still have access to our treatment team and the medical care you may need as part of your recovery. For those seeking assistance in the Beverly Hills area, consider the benefits of our program located at Beverly Hills drug detox centers. Our professional assistance can make a significant difference in your journey toward lasting recovery. sober house vs rehab Sober living homes are not for everybody; some people may need to go through detox or rehab before they can successfully live in a sober environment. However, these homes provide a supportive place to transition from an addictive lifestyle to one of sobriety and responsibility. People who have gotten sober and want to stay that way should consider moving into a halfway house or other group home dedicated to sober living.

New Beginnings: When Moving Forward Means Leaving the Past Behind Promises Behavioral Health

The first phase is breaking through the denial of addiction and becoming open to receiving help. The residential rehab program allows clients to focus on developing coping skills while living in the home-like residence. After the detox process is complete, many people will transition to the inpatient program for the duration of their stay. Detoxification will utilize medications and counseling while toxins related to substance abuse exit the body. There are also specialized programs here for people facing co-occurring mental disorders such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The length of stay in this program is 30 to 90 days, depending on the needs of the client. Drug and alcohol treatment here is CARF-accredited and partly funded by the Northeast Delta Human Services Authority. Here, clients learn self-esteem, constructive expression, coping skills, and living skills to help them reintegrate into society after treatment. Detoxification employs the use of medications, medical supervision, and counseling to help clients through withdrawal.

Victory Addiction Recovery Center, Lafayette, Louisiana

Louisiana has many options when it comes to addiction treatment centers. These evidence-based treatment programs typically provide inpatient and outpatient recovery options for substance abuse and mental health disorders. Each of the following addiction treatment centers offers inpatient treatment, the most intensive level of care for substance abuse. Many addiction treatment programs in Talladega, AL include family therapy sessions as part of the comprehensive approach. Family therapy helps address family dynamics, communication patterns, and educates family members on how to support their loved one’s recovery. If you are married to someone who continues to abuse alcohol or drugs, or has a process addiction, this can be a rather difficult situation.

1. After all, some people may not be good candidates for friendship, but might be better as casual acquaintances.
2. Additionally, individual progress and satisfaction with the program contribute to its overall effectiveness.
3. Our program of recovery also values peer support, which has brought great success in changing many lives.
4. Help is available for substance abuse and chemical dependency treatment in Louisiana.
5. Woodlake is an inpatient treatment center near Zachary, LA, using a 12-step treatment program based on honesty, unselfishness, love, and purity.
6. Some of the treatment approaches used by New Beginnings Recovery include motivational interviewing, brief intervention and relapse prevention treatment.

Are there specialized programs for specific types of addiction, such as alcohol or opioids?

The question is, how can the past be left behind so that moving forward can begin? Perhaps even more pertinent to some is what to do when moving forward means leaving the past behind? What happens when you live with someone who is part of your addictive past? At the outset, let’s be clear that there are no universally right answers. Each person needs to figure out the best approach to making a new life in recovery.

Is aftercare support provided following the completion of an addiction treatment program?

During group therapy sessions, clients can gain insight into a variety of topics such as coping strategies, family dynamics, and behavior management. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is essential to the residential program in Sunset, LA, and is the primary modality used in individual and group therapy. Engaging in service work brings a sense of purpose, personal growth, and builds relationships. It fosters empathy, makes a positive impact, and improves mental health. Ultimately, it strengthens communities and promotes compassion and altruism. The fourth phase involves building a support network and preparing for reintegration into everyday life.

This could come in the form of an intervention, conducted by a professional interventionist. Whatever happens, remember that you are not responsible for your spouse’s addiction. You may love and care for your spouse dearly, but still not be able to remain in the same house with them. In Talladega, AL, various addiction treatment programs are offered, including outpatient and inpatient services. Outpatient programs allow individuals to receive treatment while living at home, while inpatient programs provide a more immersive experience with 24/7 care in a residential facility.

The facility provides a serene and supportive environment for those seeking to overcome addiction. If feeling the pain of separation from lifelong friends or even loved ones and family members is not something that you’re eager to take on, consider the fact that such a separation may not be forever. This should ease the pain a bit and allow you to further explore what life may be like without such influences that may prove destructive to your recovery. Some of your old friends will undoubtedly be the people you used to hang out drinking and partying with. Some may be co-workers or your best friend from college or high school. You may have grown up with the person and can’t envision your life without him or her.

Helping People Recover and Rebuild Their Lives

When you move into one of our houses, you’re not just moving into a sober house, you’re moving into a recovery community. “If you come & follow our program, your life will be totally changed. There are also professional recovery groups that focus on helping people in high-stress jobs such as doctors, executives, pilots, first responders, and others. Phases two and three include stabilization and treatment engagement, as well as identifying repressed emotions to address avoided feelings. Detoxification will assist clients through the withdrawal process using medications alongside counseling.

Whether this involves compromise or complete cutting off from the past is a purely individual choice. With new information, new goals, new friends, hope and courage, all things are possible. Here, then, are some thoughts on leaving the past behind and moving forward to new beginnings. Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), play a crucial role in addiction recovery. They provide a sense of community, encouragement, and a platform for individuals to share experiences New Beginning Recovery and strategies for maintaining sobriety. You, nor your loved one, are under any obligation to commit to a Legacy Healing Center treatment program when calling the helpline.

Spring Hill Recovery Center is located in western Massachusetts, and provides evidence-based addiction treatment in a residential setting. Spring Hill focuses on treating substance use and co-occurring disorders, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to recovery that includes both evidence-based and holistic therapies. To find another treatment program, browse the top-rated addiction treatment facilities in each state by visiting our homepage, or by viewing the SAMHSA Treatment Services Locator. Whispering Oaks Lodge is a residential treatment center in Youngsville, LA, situated on 18 acres that offers multiple levels of care. That’s why Rayville Recovery offers medically monitored detox services for clients with severe addiction. After detox, most clients will transition to the residential program, where they will continue to receive daily therapy and other effective treatment services.