Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor
Why Is Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counseling a Job of Tomorrow?
The mental health sector of the healthcare industry continues to grow alongside the multiplying population. Although mental healthcare is not as widely recognized by the public as the general healthcare sector, it is still immensely important. The brain is responsible for many aspects of human behavior, therefore ensuring that mental health is at its best helps individuals remain productive and positive members of society. As the world population increases and stressors afflict every day people, drug and substance abuse become all too common. The demand for substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors is high. Employment positions for substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors expect to see a positive growth in opportunities by 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average annual salary for substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors is $37,030.
What Does a Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor Do?
Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors work with patients with addiction problems. Unlike mental health counselors and psychiatrists, substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors do not deal with mental disorders like depression or mental illnesses like schizophrenia. Instead, they provide guidance to those looking to recover from an addiction. The types of addictions these counselors handle are greatly varied. Some patients may have a drug use problem, whether it is the usage of illegal drugs like cocaine, or legal prescription drugs like painkillers, or even legal recreational substances like cigarettes and alcohol. Counselors also handle patients who are obsessively addicted to certain activities, such as gambling. Eating disorders are also regularly managed by substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors. Counselors typically assess each case individually and use “talk therapy” to treat the patients. Those in high risk situations, such as patients with severe eating disorders, may be placed under close medical surveillance. Counselors meet with patients at regular intervals to discuss the patient’s progress and try to uncover the root of the addiction, as well as implement ways of overcoming the addiction, such as advising the patient to move into a rehabilitation center until recovery or to stay out of certain situations that ignite the addictive behavior.
What Kind of Training Do I Need to Become a Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor?
Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors must hold a master’s level degree in mental health counseling. Specific requirements for counselors vary between states, though prospective counselors should plan on focusing their classes on subjects that pertain to their field of study. For example, those looking to act as a counselor on drug abuse would take courses in drug abuse symptoms, withdrawal symptoms, and other related topics. Most employers will provide training for new hires, though others will prefer that the hires participate in workshops or obtain a license to practice. Licensure requirements differ between states as well.
