Again, our program can be completed in just six months and not over the course of several years as with many comparable university programs. ASU Online offers more than 350 degree programs and certificates in high-demand areas such as health and nursing, engineering, business, education and more. Substance abuse counselors will often work in hospitals and substance abuse rehabilitation centers, along with detention centers, schools, and social and human service facilities.
What does it take to become a certified addiction counselor?
Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of substance abuse counselors is projected to grow 23 percent from 2020 to 2030. As a licensed counselor with a master’s degree, you can look forward to a strong job market and reliable employment. Trained substance abuse counselors are experts at understanding the underlying causes of addiction and helping patients learn coping strategies and recognize their unique triggers. For all of these reasons, the demand for highly qualified addiction counselors continues to grow.
Earn an online master’s degree or graduate certificate related to substance abuse and addiction counseling
- The demand for certified professionals in substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counseling is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, according to the U.S.
- We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals.
- People who have a chemical dependency on drugs or alcohol can turn to substance abuse and addiction counselors for mental health and social services, such as therapy, housing, and employment.
- The Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School educates future leaders in addiction counseling who provide evidence-based integrated care for substance use and co-occurring disorders.
As the prevalence of substance use disorder increases, many addiction counselors pursue an additional license as a mental health counselor. Substance abuse counseling is a specialized and challenging job with its own certification. Substance abuse counselors help clients identify why they have turned to alcohol, drugs, or other destructive behaviors and work with them on techniques and treatments to help turn their lives around. Getting certified in this field can include earning a four-year undergraduate degree, graduating from a two-year master’s program, and completing up to 3,000 hours of supervised work experience. However, check your state’s licensing board for more specific information on what becoming an addiction counselor requires in your state.
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) Certification Guide
- If you’ve ever dreamed of a rewarding career where you truly help others, working as a drug and alcohol counselor can be a great option to consider.
- Individuals that suffer from substance abuse often suffer from a number of physical problems as well.
- There are more and more drugs being created each and every day, not just in large cities, but also in smaller outlying suburbs.
- Working in the addiction treatment industry can be an extremely fulfilling career.
Its primary goal is to address the emotional, psychological, and behavioral issues related to substance abuse and support individuals through the recovery process. Substance abuse counselors work closely with clients to create individualized treatment plans, helping them develop healthy habits, identify triggers, and prevent relapse. People frequently come to substance use disorder counseling after earning an undergraduate degree in psychology, social work, or other human services and behavioral science majors. Learn how to leverage the substance abuse counseling four-year degree you already have to become a certified addiction counselor.
Associate Degrees in Substance Abuse Counseling
Certification transferability depends on the reciprocity agreements between state certification boards. Some states may require additional coursework or exams, while others might accept an out-of-state CADC certification outright. It’s advisable to contact the certifying body in the state to which you are moving for specific details. Experts who diagnose and treat addictions through psychotherapy and other interventions, working under general supervision.