Shame and guilt can feel like heavy burdens, especially when you’re struggling to overcome addiction. Substance abuse counselors in the U.S. earned a median of $49,710, with salaries ranging from nearly $30,000 to almost $85,000. However, your actual drug use screening tests earnings may vary based on your education level, certifications, years of experience, and location. In some cases, counselors may want to seek personal help through therapy that will allow them to work more successfully with this population.

Is addiction counseling the right career for you?

In January 2020, there were more than 14,000 specialized substance abuse treatment facilities in the United States providing counseling, behavioral therapy, medication, case management and other types of care. Find information about salary ranges and earning potential for substance abuse counselors. Now is a great time to earn your master’s and enter the field of addiction counseling. This growth is in large part driven by a surging opioid crisis—a national emergency that’s been building for more than 20 years according to the U.S.

How Do Shame and Guilt Affect Recovery?

If you or a loved one is living with drug or alcohol dependency, we can help. Contact Bedrock Recovery Center to meet with a substance abuse counselor and begin treatment. To become licensed counselors, students must undergo supervised training hours to gain clinical experience. A substance abuse counselor may do general counseling or specialize in a specific subset of patients, such as adolescents. A good therapist will also be able to diagnose and treat any co-occurring mental health conditions.

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Those who plan to pursue the higher tiered CADC certifications often major in substance abuse counseling during their undergraduate studies. Other applicable disciplines include psychology, behavioral sciences, and social work. Addiction is a complex and challenging issue, but with the help of an addiction counselor, recovery is possible. Whether you are seeking help for yourself or a loved one, the right addiction counselor can provide the support and guidance you need to overcome addiction and achieve lasting recovery. Remember to take your time, do your research, and find an addiction counselor who is the right fit for you. If you’re seeking a licensed addiction counselor, consider researching local resources, evaluating their credentials and experience, and establishing a connection based on trust and shared goals.

As they’ve continued on their own recovery journeys, they’ve also created their own new communities — people who have overcome their addiction, and who understand the support and care that others need to make it through. Contact InterCoast today to learn more about our addiction counseling programs. Counselors often develop these plans with other healthcare providers, such as mental health professionals and clinicians. cocaine crack Substance abuse counselors are adept at understanding the underlying causes of addiction and helping patients develop coping skills and recognize their triggers to prevent substance use. An addiction counselor collaborates with their patients to evaluate their situation and establish goals to develop a customized treatment plan. Your counselor should be a good listener and possesses an overall demeanor of compassion.

It takes a whole team of social workers, counselors, and doctors to develop recovery plans. When needed, counselors must contact other therapists about cases and make referrals, while keeping in compliance with privacy regulations in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Yes, addiction counselors can work with individuals who are in different stages of recovery. They can provide support and guidance even if you’re not yet ready to quit using drugs or alcohol.

The need for well-trained counselors who can diagnose, assess and treat addiction is greater than ever—for those who have never received treatment and for the millions of people who benefit from counseling services every day. 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.

It is important to know the differences between these sorts of treatment providers. These programs also meet the licensure recommendations of the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium. This organization sets the international standards that determine if a chemical dependency counselor is competent and capable of fulfilling their job duties. Keeping consistent records allows for more effective treatment between healthcare professionals.

1. But there are evidence-based therapies that can help people manage the disease and live a happier, healthier life.
2. However, addiction counselors help people manage and overcome other types of addictions as well, such as gambling addiction.
3. It’s a chance to give back and make a positive difference in the world, one person at a time.
4. They use several techniques to help address the many factors that contribute to and reinforce substance use disorder.

Once these dysfunctions are identified, the patient can begin making important post-treatment plans. The work of the addiction counselor is invaluable, especially amidst a growing mental health crisis in our communities. Addiction counselors are responsible for evaluating their clients’ health, recommending treatment, fostering coping skills for future success, and providing therapeutic support to help facilitate their recovery. Their ultimate goal is to help their clients lead healthier, more productive lives. Licensed addiction counselors possess a unique set of skills and qualities that enable them to provide effective support and guidance to individuals struggling with addiction. The Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School offers invaluable coursework and training that explores the study and treatment of substance use disorders, as well as mental health and co-occurring disorders.

If you have a Master’s degree, you may be able to more places including private practice. Before determining whether the treatment provider is “expert” enough, you have to decide what type of practitioner you would like to consult. Addiction treatment often involves working with alcohol addiction articles a combination of professionals. Probably the most comprehensive place to start would be to meet with an addiction psychologist for a complete evaluation. However, there are several other types of therapists with the necessary and sufficient experience to get you on your way.

As evidence-based addiction treatment continues to evolve, emphasizing individualized approaches will remain a cornerstone of effective and compassionate care. The counselor must recognize when she is unable to work with a specific client. She cannot benefit clients who are abuse survivors if their issues cause her personal difficulties to the point where her own effectiveness is compromised.

Experience, education, and credentials factor into differences seen in substance abuse and mental health counseling salaries. The highest 10% of professionals in substance abuse and addiction counseling made a median annual salary of $78,700, as listed in the table below. Government organizations pay the most with a median annual salary of $54,070. Substance abuse and addiction counselors understand the 12-step recovery philosophy, harm-reduction strategies, and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. They also need to be comfortable functioning as a team, attending meetings, and coordinating with other care providers when needed. Substance abuse and addiction counselors work intimately with clients and families from the initial assessment.

Someone who has a relationship with a person with addiction may find themselves interacting with them in a manner known as codependency. Everyone’s situation is different, and the person with addiction may not have sought treatment or could be refusing treatment and help. A person may have a friend or family member with addiction and wonder how to help them. The National Institute on Drug Abuse says that addiction is like other diseases, such as heart disease.