Addiction counseling can be a hugely rewarding career, and if you are considering this profession, it’s smart to learn as much as you can about this type of work. At Sober College, we can help you get started on your new career path, but before we dive into that, let’s take a look at what you can expect as an addiction counselor.
Addiction Counseling: An Overview
Addiction counseling is a specialized field within mental health that focuses on helping individuals overcome substance abuse and dependency. This career involves working with clients to address not only their addiction but also the psychological and social aspects of their behavior that contribute to substance use. Addiction counselors play a crucial role in the recovery process, offering support, guidance, and therapeutic interventions that are tailored to each client’s unique needs.
The importance of addiction counselors in mental health and recovery cannot be overstated. They are often at the forefront of treatment for addiction, providing critical services that can lead to life-changing results.
By applying a combination of therapeutic techniques, counselors help individuals understand the root causes of their substance use disorders, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and rebuild their lives. Moreover, addiction counselors advocate for their clients, helping them navigate the challenges of recovery and integration back into society.
In addition to one-on-one counseling, a certified addiction counselor will often facilitate group therapy sessions, providing a platform for clients to share experiences and support each other in a structured environment. The collaborative nature of this work not only enhances individual treatment but also fosters a community-oriented approach to recovery.
However, it’s not just about counseling. A certified drug and alcohol counselor also will need to handle a wide range of additional tasks. These are outlined in the 12 Core Functions of Addiction Counseling. In addition to counseling, these functions include:
- Patient Screening
- Intake
- Orientation
- Assessment
- Treatment Planning
- Case Management
- Crisis Intervention
- Client Education
- Referral
- Report & Record Keeping
- Consultation With Other Professionals
To learn more about these 12 Core Functions, please read our blog about this subject – here. (NOTE: PLEASE LINK to https://sobercollege.com/addiction-blog/addiction-counseling-understanding-the-12-core-functions/)
Where Do Addiction Counselors Work?
While we typically counselors on TV or in the movies working in inpatient rehabilitation facilities, this is just one of the locations where addiction counselors are needed. Some of the other work environments you might encounter include:
- Outpatient Rehab Centers
- Private Practices
- Hospital
- Community Health Centers
- Schools & Colleges
- Government & Non-Profit Organizations
- Correctional Facilities
Educational Requirements
Some addiction specialists will be required to earn bachelor’s or even master’s degrees. However, one of the most common types of counselors – a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) does not require any formal college degree.
A CADC is known by many names, depending on your state. For instance, in some states, you might be called an Alcohol and Drug Counselor, or ADC. In other states, you might be called a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, or LADC. In others, you might be known as a Substance Use Disorder counselor, or SUD counselor.
While the names differ, the educational requirement is usually the same. You must complete 315 hours of approved education units as well as earn a passing score on the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) exam.
In addition to completing your education, passing your exam and completing your 255 hours of practicum experience (which is basically an internship), you also will need to complete a specific number of supervised work experience hours. These will be paid work hours, but you will be working under a supervisor.
The number of hours varies depending on the level of CADC you are working toward and will range from about 3,000 hours to 6,000 hours. For instance, a CADC-I will need to earn 3,000 hours and a CADC-II will need 6,000 hours. A CADC-III needs only 4,000 hours, but also must have earned a bachelor’s degree. This is not a requirement for a CADC-I or CADC-II. Keep in mind, that the requirements can vary slightly from state to state and this is just a general overview.
Get Started At Sober College
If you plan to become a CADC or the equivalent, Sober College of Addiction Studies can help you complete two requirements for your counseling certification. We offer NAADAC-approved, CCAPP-approved and IC&RC-approved counseling education and we also can help you complete your practicum requirements.
Our substance abuse training program has many advantages over counseling programs at traditional colleges or universities. First, our program can be completed in just six months, which truly allows you to quickly move into your new career. At most colleges, the programs could take several years to complete.
We also offer rolling admissions, so you can get started at any time. The total cost for our program is just $4,750 and that includes all classroom materials. Books will cost an additional $300-$500, but there are no hidden fees or costs. This is far less expensive than what you’d have to pay at a university, and our program can be completed entirely online.
As we are NAADAC-approved and IC&RC-approved, our substance abuse counseling program can be used throughout the United States. Alaska, Montana and South Dakota are the only states where Sober College’s curriculum is not approved as they have unique requirements.
To get started with our addiction counseling program, simply click on the Get Started tab on our homepage and select Apply. Once you’ve completed and submitted your application, a member of our Admissions Department will contact you within 48 hours to discuss your enrollment. If you have questions about our program, select the Speak With Someone tab and fill out our quick contact form.
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