All About Substance Abuse Counselors
Occupation Description Counsel and advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug, or other problems, such as gambling and eating disorders. May counsel individuals, families, or groups or engage in prevention programs.
A Day in the Life of a Substance Abuse Counselor
- Train or supervise student interns or new staff members.
- Supervise or direct other workers providing services to clients or patients.
- Coordinate counseling efforts with mental health professionals or other health professionals, such as doctors, nurses, or social workers.
- Review and evaluate clients’ progress in relation to measurable goals described in treatment and care plans.
- Confer with family members or others close to clients to keep them informed of treatment planning and progress.
- Complete and maintain accurate records or reports regarding the patients’ histories and progress, services provided, or other required information.
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Substance Abuse Counselor Needed Skills
Substance Abuse Counselors state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Correctional Substance Abuse Counselor
- Alcohol and Drug Counselor
- Clinical Counselor
- Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor (CADC)
- Counselor
Is There Going to be Demand for Substance Abuse Counselors?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 102,400 jobs in the United States for Substance Abuse Counselor. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 23.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 23,800 new jobs for Substance Abuse Counselor by 2026. The BLS estimates 14,100 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Substance Abuse Counselor are Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Rhode Island, Maine, or Idaho. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What Tools & Technology do Substance Abuse Counselors Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Substance Abuse Counselors:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Email software
- Word processing software
- Spreadsheet software
- Database software
- Scheduling software
- Statistical software
- Presentation software
- IBM Lotus Notes
- Case management software
- Athena Software Penelope Case Management
- Practice Technology Prevail
- Addison Health Systems WritePad EMR Systems
How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor
Are there Substance Abuse Counselors education requirements?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming a Substance Abuse Counselor might also be interested in the following careers:
- Psychiatrists
- Low Vision Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists
- Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
Are you already one of the many Substance Abuse Counselor in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Staff Sgt. Katie Spencer via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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