How to Become a Drug & Alcohol Counselor

A drug and alcohol counselor is also called a substance abuse counselor. Drug and alcohol counselors help addicts to beat their substance abuse addiction. A person who is an addict often has underlying psychiatric issues that he needs to deal with. A drug and alcohol counselor is educated to learn how to recognize underlying psychiatric issues and is educated about counseling techniques to help addicts. There is a growing demand for substance abuse counselors. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates that the job of a substance abuse counselor is one of the top ten growing jobs.

Step 1

Enroll in a drug and alcohol counselor program at a college.

Step 2

Take college courses in psychology and criminal justice if you attend a college that does not have a drug and alcohol counselor program. Psychology classes educate you on psychiatric conditions that addicts may have. Criminal justice classes educate you about popular drugs and drug laws.

Step 3

Earn an associates degree, bachelors degree or masters degree in psychology. Every state has different educational requirements for drug and alcohol counselors. Ask a college counselor at a school that has a drug and alcohol counselor program about the educational requirements in your state. Most states only require a certain amount of college credits or work experience. Even if a degree is not required, it is still a good idea. A degree opens up more job opportunities with higher paying wages. Most states have a certification or license that drug and alcohol counselors can obtain after passing a prerequisite test. Certification or licensing is usually not required, but it, too, will open up job opportunities with higher paying wages.

Step 4

Find a volunteer or intern position. Volunteer and intern positions give you the experience you need. Many times these positions lead to a paying job. You can work as a volunteer or intern while you are still in school.

Step 5

Find a job working as a drug and alcohol counselor. Use connections that you have made along the way. Your connections may know of a job opening or they may be able to give you a good reference that will lead to your getting hired.

Skill: Challenging

Keyword: drug and alcohol counselor substance abuse

Written by Rose Kivi -
You are here: Essortment Home >> How to Become a Drug & Alcohol Counselor

DISCLAIMER: PLEASE READ - By printing, downloading, or using you agree to our full terms. Review the full terms at the following URL: http://www.pagewise.com/disclaimer.htm. Below is a summary of some of the terms. If you do not agree to the full terms, do not use the information. We are only publishers of this material, not authors. Information may have errors or be outdated. Some information is from historical sources or represents opinions of the author. It is for research purposes only. The information is "AS IS", "WITH ALL FAULTS". User assumes all risk of use, damage, or injury. You agree that we have no liability for any damages. We are not liable for any consequential, incidental, indirect, or special damages. You indemnify us for claims caused by you.

FAQs: This site is published by PageWise, Inc. Would you like to link to this page? Reprint this article on your website? Reprint this article on paper? Want to reference this article in a paper, report, or presentation? Is there an error in this page? Do you have a follow-up question about this topic? Want to read our Privacy Policy? Read our legal/medical disclaimer?