Author: James Anderson

What Is a Substance Abuse Counselor? Addiction, Drug Abuse Counselor

Educational, licensing and certification requirements for substance abuse counselors vary greatly depending on individual state regulations and the practice setting. Some states only require a high school degree and a certification in substance abuse counseling. Other states require a master’s level degree in counseling, professional experience, and passage of a licensing examination. When someone has a SUD and another mental health disorder, it is usually better to treat them at the same time rather than separately.

What is a substance abuse counselor?

They are part of most treatment plans and usually happen with a licensed behavioral health professional, either one-on-one or in a group setting. If you’re seeking substance abuse counseling services or want to find out more about treatment at The Recovery Village, help is available.Contact us todayto get started on the road to healing. The job outlook for substance abuse counselors is expected to grow 23% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for other occupations. The demand for substance abuse counseling services is expected to increase as more states legalize marijuana, and the opioid epidemic continues.

Some treat specific conditions, while others work for many different conditions. The goal of most treatments is to change thoughts and behaviors, and, if needed, manage physical dependence on drugs or alcohol. The median annual salary for substance abuse counselors was $48,520 in May 2021.

Connect with NIMH

If your health care provider prescribes a drug with the potential for addiction, use care when taking the drug and follow instructions. For some mental health, drug, or alcohol disorders, there are medications that can help improve your symptoms. These medicines have to be prescribed by a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant. Interim care (meaning you need care right away but there isn’t an opening)Many treatment options have long waitlists, but can still help while you wait.

Prevention

Peer recovery supportThere are many support groups available—based on the type of issue you’re dealing with. They’re most often used for supporting recovery and allow you to connect with people who have similar experiences. Use these free digital, outreach materials in your community and on social media to spread the word about mental health. NIMH offers expert-reviewed information on mental disorders and a range of topics. John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine.

Telehealth can be a great way to receive care, especially for people who have a hard time getting to appointments. This is usually an option for first line treatment and for maintenance. You can search online for telehealth treatment or support specifically for mental health, drug, or alcohol issues.

  1. One survey found that 71% of professionals employed in the addictions workforce held a bachelor’s degree or higher.
  2. Explore key milestones, discoveries, and the impact of NIMH-funded studies on mental health.
  3. As your drug use increases, you may find that it’s increasingly difficult to go without the drug.
  4. If you’re seeking substance abuse counseling services or want to find out more about treatment at The Recovery Village, help is available.Contact us todayto get started on the road to healing.
  5. For others, particularly with opioids, drug addiction begins when they take prescribed medicines or receive them from others who have prescriptions.
  6. The requirements to become an addiction counselor (substance abuse counselor) can vary based on your employer and which state you live in in the U.S.

Your therapist or licensed counselor can help you locate a self-help support group. You may also find support groups in your community or on the internet. The self-help support group message is that addiction is an ongoing disorder with a danger of relapse. Self-help support groups can decrease the sense of shame and isolation that can lead to relapse. Each program has its own costs, so it’s important to understand how to pay for treatment. Find the latest NIH and NIMH policies, guidance, and resources for clinical research.

Recreational Therapy

People struggling with addiction usually deny they have a problem and hesitate to seek treatment. An intervention presents a loved one with a structured opportunity to make changes before things get even worse and can motivate someone to seek or accept help. Substituted cathinones, also called “bath salts,” are mind-altering (psychoactive) substances similar to amphetamines such as ecstasy (MDMA) and cocaine.

About Mayo Clinic

Approved medications for alcohol use disorder and tobacco use disorder are also available. Some common names you’ll see are family and marriage therapy, motivational therapy, art therapy, or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Explore key milestones, discoveries, and the impact of NIMH-funded studies on mental health. Learn more about NIMH newsletters, public participation in grant reviews, research funding, clinical trials, the NIMH Gift Fund, and connecting with NIMH on social media.

Although there’s no cure for drug addiction, treatment options can help you overcome an addiction and stay drug-free. Your treatment depends on the drug used and any related medical or mental health disorders you may have. Substance abuse counselors provide support and treatment to manage substance abuse disorders.