Since 2000, nearly one million people in the US have died from drug overdoses, according to the NCDAS. As a result, substance abuse counseling careers are growing exponentially, with an expected growth rate of 19 percent from 2023 to 2033.
While a bachelor’s degree is a great start, you must also earn certifications to practice. This process can be long and challenging, but the outcome is worth it. This article will help you break into substance abuse counseling careers.
What is Substance Abuse Counseling?
An addiction counselor helps people who have problems with drugs or alcohol. They make special plans for each person, which might include therapy, medical help, and support groups. They figure out how bad the addiction is, suggest other resources, and help in both emergency and non-emergency situations.
Because addiction is different from person to person, substance abuse counselors must tailor their treatment plans based on the specific need. These professionals conduct regular meetings with patients and commit to what is often a long-term counseling service and reinforcement to patients in crisis to promote healing and healthy recovery.
A professional who is a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor – CSAC or a Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor – CADC doesn’t work alone in providing patient care. They work with:
- Primary care physicians
- Psychiatrists
- Psychologists
- Registered nurses
- Social workers
Related:
- LPC vs. LMFT: Which Counseling Certification Is Right for You?
- Exploring a Career in Mental Health Counseling
- Top Online Mental Health Certificate Programs
- Affordable Online School Counseling Programs With A Good Reputation
- 5 Jobs For Substance Abuse Counselors
Education and Certification Requirements
Becoming a substance abuse counselor involves a lot of processes. Completing substance abuse counselor education requirements alone takes several years. You must also earn a substance abuse counseling certification to practice independently.
Educational pathways to become a substance abuse counselor:
Bachelor’s degree
The first step is a bachelor’s degree. This could be in counseling, psychology, or social work.
Master’s degree
To be licensed and certified, you must have a master’s degree and a National Certified Counselor (NCC) license. During this journey, you can choose from several specializations in substance abuse counseling.
Required certifications and licenses:
1. State licensure requirements
To practice as a counselor, you usually need a state license, which requires:
- An accredited master’s degree
- Certain supervised clinical hours
- Pass an exam and a background check
2. Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC)
For substance abuse counselors, CSAC certification is often required or highly valued. To be certified, you need to:
- Pass the CSAC examinations.
- Have three years of supervised work experience specific to the AODA domains.
3. Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)
CADC certification is crucial for counselors specializing in alcohol and drug issues. For this certification, you need to:
- Have either 2.5 years of full-time or 5,000 hours of part-time experience as a drug and alcohol counselor.
- Complete 250 hours of on-the-job clinical supervision with at least 10 hours in each counselor domain.
Keeping your counseling license or certification requires ongoing education. It’s essential to stay current with the latest developments in substance abuse and addictions.
Skills and Qualities Needed for Success
To succeed in substance abuse counseling careers, you’ll need a variety of key personality traits. You’ll be dealing with different clients and situations requiring empathy, patience, and resilience. To help patients, you should have:
- Strong communication and listening skills
- Empathy and compassion
- Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
- Ability to handle emotionally challenging situations
It is worth reiterating that substance addiction counselors must establish trust with patients. The process must be comfortable and honest for the counselor-patient relationship to be a healthy one.
Featured Programs
Specializations Within Substance Abuse Counseling
Adolescent substance abuse counseling
Adolescents aged 12 to 17 are especially at risk for substance use disorders due to their developing brains and strong peer pressure. This specialization aims to meet their specific developmental, social, and emotional needs.
Co-occurring disorders counseling
People with substance use disorders usually suffer from mental health issues, too, called co-occurring disorders. The counseling co-occurring disorders specialization treats substance abuse and mental health problems at the same time.
Family counseling in substance abuse
Family counseling for substance abuse is all about tackling how addiction impacts the whole family, not just the person with the issue. It helps families communicate better, rebuild trust, and find new ways to cope.
Group therapy facilitation
Group therapy in substance abuse counseling brings people with similar issues together to share their experiences. It helps create a supportive community, making people feel less alone and more connected.
Career Opportunities and Job Outlook
The substance abuse counseling job outlook is generally positive, especially as more people are using illicit drugs. Opportunities for substance abuse counseling work will grow as more people seek help for their addiction.
Substance abuse counseling salary averages $64,022 a year. Plus, the field is expected to have 48,900 job openings each year.
The skills needed for substance abuse counseling can be used in various settings, such as:
1. Rehabilitation centers
2. Hospitals and clinics
3. Community organizations
4. Private practice
5. Correction facilities
Top 5 Degree Programs for Substance Abuse Counseling
Grand Canyon University
Bachelor of Science in Addiction Counseling
GCU’s substance use disorder counseling program offers a flexible bachelor’s degree option online or on-campus. You’ll learn to create personalized treatment plans while incorporating Christian values.
Liberty University
Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling
Liberty University’s online MA in Addiction Counseling provides a comprehensive curriculum. It also includes an internship and covers the biological aspects of addiction. It is designed to prepare you for the following careers:
- Addiction counselor
- Clinical case manager
- Rehabilitation counselor
University of Cincinnati
Bachelor of Science in Substance Abuse Counseling
This is a flexible, research-based program that takes about 3 to 4 years and meets licensure requirements. Graduates have a 100% pass rate on the Addiction Counseling Exam, with high employment and satisfaction rates.
Purdue University Global
Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Concentration in Addiction
This program provides a deep dive into addiction science, combining core psychology with practical skills. You can customize your studies with a business concentration or practicum, potentially speeding up your degree with prior credits.
University of North Dakota
Master of Social Work (MSW)
UND’s MSW program opens up diverse career paths, including roles as substance abuse counselors. Graduates can also pursue law degrees or engage in social work research.
Conclusion
Addiction may affect the individual, preventing them from living their day-to-day life. However, it is, in fact, a social issue. It is an economic problem. It is a tragic reality—with thousands losing their lives to it—that requires intervention.
While substance addiction has no definitive cure, evidence-based counseling and therapies help patients manage it, recover from it, and live healthily and happily. Specializing in substance abuse counseling allows you to support both individuals in recovery and their families. It’s one of the most financially and personally rewarding career paths, with a very positive job outlook and career salaries. Yet, the field is competitive and will require you to earn an advanced degree and certifications.