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Substance Abuse Counselor

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What Do Substance Abuse Counselor Do?

Career Description Counsel and advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug, or other problems, such as gambling and eating disorders. May counsel individuals, families, or groups or engage in prevention programs.

Substance Abuse Counselor Responsibilities

  • Confer with family members or others close to clients to keep them informed of treatment planning and progress.
  • Counsel clients or patients, individually or in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, or making changes.
  • Coordinate counseling efforts with mental health professionals or other health professionals, such as doctors, nurses, or social workers.
  • Provide clients or family members with information about addiction issues and about available services or programs, making appropriate referrals when necessary.
  • Review and evaluate clients’ progress in relation to measurable goals described in treatment and care plans.
  • Counsel family members to assist them in understanding, dealing with, and supporting clients or patients.

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Things a Substance Abuse Counselor Should Know How to Do

Below is a list of the skills most Substance Abuse Counselors say are important on the job.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.

  • Behavioral Specialist
  • Chemical Dependency Counselor (CD Counselor)
  • Group Home Counselor
  • Primary Substance Abuse Counselor
  • Behavioral Analyst

Is There Going to be Demand for Substance Abuse Counselors?

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 102,400 jobs in the United States for Substance Abuse Counselor. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 23.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 23,800 new jobs for Substance Abuse Counselor by 2026. The BLS estimates 14,100 yearly job openings in this field.

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The states with the most job growth for Substance Abuse Counselor are Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Rhode Island, Maine, or Idaho. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

What Tools do Substance Abuse Counselors Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Substance Abuse Counselors:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Web browser software
  • Email software
  • Word processing software
  • Spreadsheet software
  • Database software
  • Scheduling software
  • Statistical software
  • Presentation software
  • IBM Lotus Notes
  • Case management software
  • Athena Software Penelope Case Management
  • Addison Health Systems WritePad EMR Systems
  • Practice Technology Prevail

How do I Become a Substance Abuse Counselor?

Individuals working as a Substance Abuse Counselor have obtained the following education levels:

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor?

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You May Also Be Interested In…

Those interested in being a Substance Abuse Counselor may also be interested in:

Career changers with experience as a Substance Abuse Counselor sometimes find work in one of the following fields:

References:

Image Credit: Staff Sgt. Katie Spencer via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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