Addiction Counseling

Addiction counseling for drug, alcohol, sex, and other addictions is a field of study that is growing. The need for professionals to help addicts in private practice, hospitals, recovery programs, or community organizations is one that constantly needs filling. Going into counseling can be a rewarding career for those with the dedication and drive to help those in need.

What is Addiction Counseling?

Addiction counseling is one of the first lines of defense for addicts entering into recovery or beginning the recovery process. Counselors are there to act as a guide to a patient as he/she journeys down the road to recovery. A counselor will be supportive of the patient, and not judgmental; providing support, education, and constructive confrontation when the patient needs it.

Although a counselor is there to provide support and a venue for the patient to work through problems, it is important to keep in mind that the motivation for change is within the patient. A counselor may steer conversations based on what he/she feels the patient needs to discuss. He/she should discourage any regressive or negative behaviors being exhibited by the patient. Encouraging the patient to speak openly and honestly about his/her problems will result in more successful sessions.

Counselors can be most helpful during and after the entire recovery process. In addiction to detox, medical and psychological assessments, and self-help programs, counselors can provide individual or group counseling, as well as couples or family therapy. Most recovering addicts cannot achieve a stable recovery without the help of a professional.

What Kinds of Programs Are Offered?

Programs for addiction counseling are offered throughout the country. Many counselors attend a four year school before becoming certified in their state or from a specific program after school. Because many counselors are former addicts themselves, most programs at addiction facilities require anywhere from two to five years of abstinence before allowing them into the series of classes required for them to become certified.

People with an understanding of addiction and recovery are best suited for going into this field. If a person is not a recovering addict, he/she may have family or friends who were once addicted to a substance or behavior. Knowledge of 12-step or other self-help programs can be useful as well.

Before choosing a program or college, consider these factors:

• Is the program registered with the National Association for Addiction Professionals?
• Does the program help prepare students for a licensing exam in the state where they wish to practice?
• Is addiction counseling a program on its own, or is it a subfield within psychology or sociology?
• Do professors or teachers work as counselors in addition to teaching classes?
• Are students given hands on or internship training experiences?
• What is the job placement rate for graduates?

Programs offered through treatment facilities vary, but many have the same criteria: freedom from dependency, academic learning hours and clinical practice hours, and knowledge of addiction and recovery. Some facilities, like Hazeldon, are registered as degree-granting institutions with the state they are located in.

Is There a Professional Organization for Addiction Counseling?

Membership in a professional organization can provide additional training and incentives to addiction professionals. The Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC) was originally founded to help alcohol and drug abuse, but has moved on to include gambling and other addictions.

Associates receive discounts on training, national certification, and liability insurance. They also have access to health insurance and can network with other professionals in their specialty.

NAADAC offers three levels of National Certified Addiction Counselors, as well as a Tobacco Addiction Specialist Credential. Information regarding testing and getting recertified is also available through their website.

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