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*Drug and
Alcohol Abuse Counselor Job Description:
With the increased use of and dependency on alcohol and drugs, the need
for substance abuse counselors has increased greatly in the last few
years. And according to the statistics gathered periodically, no
significant decline in the need for drug and alcohol counselors is
apparent in the near future.
Addiction counseling addresses the symptoms and causes of the drug
abuse. The drug counselor then helps the patient structure their
lifestyle toward a drug-free, alcohol-free environment. The client may
be encouraged to join self-help organizations or groups so they are
surrounded by others who have succeeded in overcoming their drug
addictions.
A drug and alcohol abuse counselor is constantly challenged by the
people they are trying to help. People suffering from drug and alcohol
addiction usually have other emotional, health and mental problems. The
combination of all these issues call for great understanding, patience
and time involvement by the drug and alcohol abuse counselor with the
affected individuals. However, for all the effort expended by the drug
and alcohol abuse counselor, the rewards can be deeply satisfying.
As the use of drugs and alcohol increases in the younger population,
the need for early education about the dangers of drug addictions is
very important. Drug counselors are needed in our schools to identify
problem areas, to increase awareness to parents of possible drug abuse,
and to teach children how to abstain from use and avoid contact with
users in the area. Drug counselors are also needed in halfway houses,
hospitals, jails, homeless shelters, and state and community treatment
centers.
A BA degree is usually required to begin working as a drug counselor.
Most states require an MA degree in order to become a licensed
substance abuse counselor.
The drug counselor encourages and advises the patient throughout the
recovery. When the final results are a drug-free, alcohol-free
lifestyle, the client and the drug counselor have achieved success in
reaching their goal.
Pursuing a career as a alcohol and drug abuse counselor can be both
satisfying and rewarding.
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