Become an Alcohol & Drug Counselor

Choosing a drug and alcohol counseling program is an important decision that can significantly impact your recovery. By taking the time to research your drug and alcohol counseling options, ask questions, and find a program that meets your needs, you can increase your chances of achieving lasting recovery. Ask your healthcare provider or trusted professionals for referrals to reputable counseling programs. In some cases, our care teams prescribe medication to treat an underlying mental health condition, like depression or anxiety. In other cases, medication is used to help reduce cravings, ease withdrawal symptoms, and help prevent relapse. This is sometimes referred to as medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and is mostly used to treat addiction to opioids, heroin, prescription pain relievers, and alcohol.

Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor – I

  • Given the diverse biological processes that contribute to AUD, new medications are needed to provide a broader spectrum of treatment options.
  • Stay informed about new treatment modalities, ethical guidelines, and emerging trends.
  • The important thing is to remain engaged in whatever method you choose.

Further education, such as a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree, can lead to higher-level roles. Your path to becoming an addiction counselor will vary depending on the requirements of the state where you intend to practice. As a first step, it’s a good idea to look up the licensure or certification requirements of your state and use this information to help plan your education. Teen Challenge Southeast Region, Dixon Men’s Center is a drug rehab program for men. After DRS examined the website, we found it is a faith-based Christian discipleship program.

Drug and Alcohol Counseling

Professional Certification

Matching the right therapy to the individual is important to its success. It may also be helpful to determine whether the treatment will be adapted to meet changing needs as they arise. The evidence suggests that the free and flexible assistance provided by mutual-support groups can help people make and sustain beneficial changes and, thus, promote recovery.

You may have financial support options

To ensure a smooth transition, individuals with pending CRSS applications submitted prior to July 1 will be given a 90-day window to choose between taking the current exam or the new exam. After the 90-day period, all applicants will be required to take the new https://spirulinahealthgains.com/real-life-addiction-recovery-success-stories/ exam. InterCoast College is proud to be approved by The California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP).

Drug and Alcohol Counseling

This step is foundational to your future career as a substance use disorder counselor, or SUD counselor. Once you’ve determined https://ecosober.com/ that this career option is a good fit for you, the next step will be to enroll in an educational program approved by your state’s certification or credentialing board. Addiction counselors enjoy more than a sense of personal satisfaction. In January 2020, there were more than 14,000 specialized substance abuse treatment facilities in the United States providing counseling, behavioral therapy, medication, case management and other types of care. If you’re thinking about a counseling career, read on to learn more about what addiction counselors do and how they help to make a difference in peoples’ lives. The AADC certification, also administered by the IC&RC, is geared toward seasoned addiction counselors looking to specialize in clinical roles.

  • You can also find a full list of licensed drug and alcohol treatment facilities in Pennsylvania using our  Care Provider Search or search facility inspection results using our  Drug and Alcohol Facility Locator.
  • BrightView Madisonville Addiction Treatment Center is a substance use treatment center.
  • Membership must be current and valid for 2 consecutive years prior to your renewal or you must pay the non-member price.
  • Contact your primary care provider, health insurance plan, local health department, or employee assistance program for information about specialty treatment.

Research shows that most people who have alcohol problems are able to reduce their drinking or quit entirely. This is not an uncommon concern, but the short answer is “no.” All medications approved for treating AUD are nonaddictive. These medicines are designed to help manage a chronic disorder just as someone might use medications to keep their asthma or diabetes in check. Acceptance- and mindfulness-based interventions increase awareness and acceptance of present-moment experiences.

How to Become an Addiction Counselor

However, remember that relationships with health care providers can take time to develop. Ideally, health care providers will one day be able to identify which AUD treatment is most effective for each Sobriety person. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) is supporting research to identify genetic, behavioral, and other factors that can predict how well someone will respond to a particular treatment. These advances could optimize how treatment decisions are made in the future.