Steps To Acquire An Alcohol And Drug Counseling Degree

According to the World Health Organization, substance abuse “refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs which leads to a dependence syndrome that develop after repeated substance use and that typically include a strong desire to take the drug, difficulties in controlling its use, persistence in usage despite consequence, priorities such an activity over other daily needs and increased tolerance”. This simply means that substance abuse is addiction.

Basing on statistics, the abuse of alcohol has resulted to 2.5 million deaths per year. On the other hand, approximately 15.3 million have drug use disorders and 120 out of 148 reports that they have HIV infection due to injections of the substances. The figures are very worrying. However, if a person is indeed abusing drugs, a substance abuse counselor steps in and will help this person get back to his or her normal life.

Their main role is to aid in assessing those abusers and to help them go to the right services for their rehabilitation. Naturally, they advocate substance abuse prevention and they are willing to help those who are crying out for help when the addiction has taken its toll. It is natural that they would support the campaign on substance abuse prevention and will vigorously promote that. The job of a substance abuse counselor is very tough because not only are they going to handle unstable clients but they are also exposed to other diseases that can be found in the clients. But if they are dedicated, then they will only find these things as risks and challenges.

So what are the things to do in order to become a substance abuse counselor? The first is to go to school more specifically in the field of sociology or psychology to better understand the disorder of substance abuse and many other pertinent things. Then, one has to look for volunteer positions at local rehab and centers to gain some experience so are sure that one is up for the challenge. It is also important that you have a sense of self and control over your mental state because the job can be mentally draining. To ensure health in that area, make sure that you have a good support system and also that you find ways to relax.

Another important thing to do is get a substance abuse counselor certification since there are states that require it and also so that you have a better chance in landing the job in a facility. Therefore, you should get some information about it from the Certification Board of Addiction Professionals.

It is not easy to be a substance abuse counselor. It has its hazards and risks and has many challenges. Plenty of patience and understanding is also needed. But the reward is just worth it.

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