All About Substance Abuse Counselors
Job 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.
What Do Substance Abuse Counselors Do On a Daily Basis?
- Counsel family members to assist them in understanding, dealing with, and supporting clients or patients.
- Instruct others in program methods, procedures, or functions.
- 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.
- Supervise or direct other workers providing services to clients or patients.
- Develop client treatment plans based on research, clinical experience, and client histories.
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What Every Substance Abuse Counselor Should Know
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.
Types of Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs
- Prevention Specialist
- Certified Drug Counselor
- Direct Care Counselor
- Certified Alcohol Counselor
- Drug Abuse Technician
Substance Abuse Counselor Employment Estimates
In the United States, there were 102,400 jobs for Substance Abuse Counselor in 2016. 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.
Tools & Technologies Used by Substance Abuse Counselors
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Substance Abuse Counselors may use on a daily basis:
- 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 to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor
What education or degrees do I need to become a Substance Abuse Counselor?
What work experience do I need to become a Substance Abuse Counselor?
Related Careers
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
Are you already one of the many Substance Abuse Counselor in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Staff Sgt. Katie Spencer via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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