Addiction rates continue to climb in the U.S., making the need for substance abuse counselors all the more critical to keep up with the growing demand. What does a substance abuse counselor do? They work with individuals who are abusing drugs or alcohol in a discreet facility to stop the abuse and help them rebuild their lives and maintain long-lasting sobriety. They will also work with families who are impacted by substance abuse and work with them to rebuild relationships and create a stronger family bond.
Behavioral Health Jobs is the best website for job seekers who are looking for a career as a substance abuse counselor, mental health technician, psychologist, or other rewarding career field. Our job board contains jobs for entry, mid, and senior-level positions in administrative, technical, and clinical positions in all major healthcare industries. There are full and part-time positions available, as well as on-site, remote, and hybrid work options. To begin a new career search in a city near you, check out all of the available substance abuse counselor jobs on the Behavioral Health Jobs website today.
What Is an Addiction Counselor?
An addiction or substance abuse counselor specializes in treating substance use disorders to alcohol, cocaine, heroin, or other harmful substances. They use different therapies to treat substance abuse, from cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing to mindfulness and meditation, yoga and exercise, creative self-expression, and other types of holistic therapies.
To become an addiction counselor, you will need to complete several years of post-secondary education to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in psychology, applied behavioral sciences, or social work. In addition to a four-year degree, some states will require you to obtain additional licensing to treat substance use disorders. The National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals offers three separate licensing options:
- National Certified Addiction Counselor I (NCAC I)
- National Certified Addiction Counselor II (NCAC II)
- Master Addiction Counselor (MAC)
When researching a career as an addiction counselor, be sure to check your state’s licensing requirements for becoming a substance abuse counselor. When you are ready to start a new career search, browse through all of the addiction counselor jobs on the Behavioral Health Jobs website. We have counseling jobs available across the country for all experience and education levels for contract and full-time employees.
What Does a Substance Abuse Counselor Do?
Substance abuse counselors are in high demand at treatment centers, hospitals, private practices, and government-run facilities, and this demand will continue as long as people abuse drugs or alcohol. It is a very rewarding and challenging position that requires empathy, excellent communication skills, and a strong desire to help people.
Here is a brief list of the typical job duties of a substance abuse counselor:
- Health assessment – One of the first tasks for an addiction counselor is to run a full assessment of a patient’s physical and mental health. This allows them to develop a more effective treatment plan that includes behavioral and holistic therapies and medical support.
- Identify the issues that interfere with recovery – Counselors will work privately with each patient to uncover the root cause of the issue and what situations or people trigger their symptoms and cravings. Once patients can recognize what triggers them, they can begin learning how to avoid those triggers in a healthier way.
- Develop new coping mechanisms – Therapists will teach patients new ways of coping with their symptoms without the need for more drugs or alcohol. Some examples of coping skills include deep breathing exercises, nutrition, yoga and exercise, journaling, and peer support.
- Group therapy sessions – Therapists will lead group discussions, role-playing games, and other holistic activities in group settings. This allows patients to realize they are not alone in their struggles and see how other people from different walks of life are coping with their substance abuse.
- Rebuilding relationships – Counselors will work with loved ones of those struggling with addiction to create a stable and supportive home environment. They will work on resolving any lingering issues that can negatively affect the recovery process and begin rebuilding broken trust and fractured relationships.
What does a substance abuse counselor do? This is just a sample of what an addiction counselor will do to support men and women who are struggling with substance use disorders.
Behavioral Health Jobs: Your Top Resouce for Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs
The Behavioral Health Jobs website is updated daily with hundreds of jobs at treatment centers, hospitals, and government agencies around the country. Job seekers can search through our job board after checking out our career advice tips to improve their chances of getting an interview and an offer of employment. If you are interested in learning more about what an addiction counselor is, check out the Behavioral Health Jobs website today.
