These medications can be prescribed by primary care providers, community health centers, and other service providers. Research on the science of addiction and the treatment of substance use disorders has led to the development of research-based substance abuse counseling methods that help people to stop using drugs and resume productive lives, also known as being in recovery. Requirements to become a substance abuse counselor can vary, often depending upon the type of setting and employer.
Heroin-assisted treatment
If you’re experiencing challenges related to substance use, an addiction counselor can help you. While it can be overwhelming to acknowledge and seek help, it’s important that you do — and know that you’re not alone. You’ll at least need a bachelor’s degree to practice addiction counseling. Many states require you to have a master’s degree for addiction https://ecosoberhouse.com/ counseling licensure and certification. Addiction counselors may also work with specific populations, like teenagers, veterans or people with disabilities. In addition to working with the individual with a substance use problem, counselors also work with couples, families, and others who may be affected by an individual’s substance use.
Find the best-fit master’s degree in addiction counseling.
- Using sterile equipment prior to each injection (the next section discusses syringe services programs).
- Once you’re through detox, you’ll probably need lifelong treatment that includes counseling and possibly medication.
- The purpose of the Hispanic/Latino Behavioral Health CoE is to advance the behavioral health equity of Hispanic/Latino communities.
- CBT is one of the most common, evidence-based treatments for individuals who have problematic substance use918,919 and is included in multiple addiction-based practice guidelines.920 Research shows that CBT is not only efficacious, but effective.
They provide treatment and support for people trying to overcome substance use disorders or addictions. Using a person-centered, strengths-based approach and unconditional positive regard, counselors should affirm clients’ efforts to continue in recovery and encourage them to reflect on their goals and how the recurrence could be an opportunity to gain greater insight and adjust their action plan. Clients who have a recurrence should hear from their counselors that they are not alone, because the counselors can offer continuous support while they navigate a path back to recovery. Clients in early recovery may also need to be aware of coping mechanisms that can potentially become unhealthy, such as high or significantly increased caffeine or nicotine intake or binge eating. Chapter 3 provides more details about how counselors can help clients identify and develop positive coping and avoidance skills that fit into their treatment plan. Counselors can play an important role in supporting people in recovery who take medications for problematic substance use, particularly by talking about any concerns with both the client and their prescribing provider.
Steps to Become a Drug and Alcohol Counselor
Addiction happens when an individual becomes overly dependent on potentially harmful substances, such as alcohol or drugs. Addictions counselors, previously referred to as substance abuse counselors, are trained and equipped to treat patients seeking recovery from substance addictions. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) aims to reduce the impact of substance misabuse and mental illness on communities across the nation. SAMHSA encourages interested individuals to become counselors to improve behavioral health and improve the lives of people living with and in recovery of substance use disorders. Although many people enter recovery without professional help, people with substance use–related problems are more likely to experience long-term, stable recovery if they have access to a combination of counseling services, peer-based recovery supports, medications, and community-based recovery supports.
- As clients learn to reappraise situations and develop helpful thinking patterns, they may notice that they feel better and make healthier behavior choices.
- Pursuing any of the visual arts requires only time, space, and materials, though clients may be able to find formal instruction through community centers, community colleges, or arts centers.
- Counselors can help clients obtain sexual health and reproductive health care provided by gynecologists and obstetricians (OB-GYNs).
Health Care Providers
Education requirements to pursue such a path may vary, so aspiring professionals should do well to research recommended steps beyond the bachelor’s level. The chapter also looks at ways that payment systems can affect the delivery of care for counselors in healthcare and behavioral health service systems. A strengths-based approach is fundamental to recovery-oriented counseling, beginning with client intake and continuing throughout the duration of care. Mindfulness-Based Addiction Treatment, adapted from an earlier protocol that addressed depression, uses an eight-session format to help clients first learn mindfulness techniques and then apply those techniques to various types of substance use recovery, including smoking cessation.
- They should also refer clients to their primary care doctor to assess for any related medical issues that may be affecting the quality of their sleep, such as sleep apnea.
- Counselors should check in with friends or loved ones about how they refer to themselves and how they would like others to refer to them.
- Counselors should have the information and resources available to inform and educate clients about how they can maintain stable housing, develop essential life skills, including financial literacy, and create long-lasting relationships with family and friends.
- People diagnosed with eating disorders often have a co-occurring SUD.1228 Additionally, body dysmorphic disorder is also highly prevalent among those with SUDs.1229 Thus, counselors should be aware that some of their clients may have a suspected or diagnosed eating disorder or body dysmorphic disorder.