What Does it Take to Be a Substance Abuse Counselor?
Substance Abuse Counselor Example 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.
Life As a Substance Abuse Counselor
- Assess individuals’ degree of drug dependency by collecting and analyzing urine samples.
- Complete and maintain accurate records or reports regarding the patients’ histories and progress, services provided, or other required information.
- Intervene as an advocate for clients or patients to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
- Confer with family members or others close to clients to keep them informed of treatment planning and progress.
- Act as liaisons between clients and medical staff.
- Train or supervise student interns or new staff members.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Substance Abuse Counselor?
These are the skills Substance Abuse Counselors say are the most useful in their careers:
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.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Licensed Social Worker
- Psychotherapist
- Drug Abuse Counselor
- Counselor
- Licensed Clinician
Job Demand for Substance Abuse Counselors
There were about 102,400 jobs for Substance Abuse Counselor in 2016 (in the United States). 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. There will be an estimated 14,100 positions for Substance Abuse Counselor per year.
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 & Technology 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
- Practice Technology Prevail
- Addison Health Systems WritePad EMR Systems
Becoming a Substance Abuse Counselor
Are there Substance Abuse Counselors education requirements?
How many years of work experience do I need?
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those interested in being a Substance Abuse Counselor may also be interested in:
- Psychiatrists
- Low Vision Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists
- Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
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
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