Among adults, 16.3% got prescription medication for mental health treatment, compared to 15.2% in 2022. Among adolescents, the biggest increase from 2022 was in the number getting medication for mental health treatment. SAMHSA estimates that 13.9% of those age 12 to 17 received such a prescription in 2023. That is up from 12.8% the year before, though the agency said that the increase was not statistically significant. Mark S. Gold, M.D., is a pioneering researcher, professor, and chairman of psychiatry at Yale, the University of Florida, and Washington University in St Louis. His theories have changed the field, stimulated additional research, and led to new understanding and treatments for opioid use disorders, cocaine use disorders, overeating, smoking, and depression.
Addiction Counselor (formerly known as Substance Abuse Counselor)
Based on this assessment, they create personalized treatment plans that address the individual’s specific needs and goals. Addiction counseling can be found in almost all inpatient and outpatient treatment programs. Many people’s first experience working with a substance use counselor will be at a local detox center or treatment program after coming to terms with their substance use problem. An addiction counselor, also referred to as a substance abuse counselor, is a specialist who helps people with substance use disorders. These professionals provide therapeutic, mental and behavioral health services to those in need, and help clients establish a pathway towards recovery.
- Along with friends and family, addictions counselors inevitably become a part of the support network that clients can rely on.
- They might lash out at their counselor by saying that they couldn’t possibly understand their struggles.
- Both addiction counseling and therapy assist with learning how to establish healthy relationships in recovery by reconnecting with important family/friends or through peer support network building.
- In addition to traditional treatment methods, holistic therapy helps patients practice introspection and learn healthy coping skills.
What Does an Addictions Counselor Do?
The profession combines psychology and counseling theories and practices to provide psychotherapy and behavioral counseling — although substance abuse and addiction counselors cannot give medication. They will also review medical history, mental health conditions, family support, relationship dynamics, relapse potential, and external stressors such as finances or legal system concerns. These professionals work with individuals who experience a range of substance use issues. This may involve working with people with alcohol use disorders, but they may also work with clients with substance use disorders involving drugs such as cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and prescription medications. Many aspiring counselors start by obtaining their bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as addiction studies, psychology, or social sciences. They then acquire their master’s in counseling, specifically focusing on treating addictions.
Substance Abuse Counselors and Clinical Therapists: What They Do and How to Become One
The median annual salary for substance abuse counselors was $48,520 in May 2021. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the lowest 10% of wage earners make less than $30,870, while the highest 10% earn more than $77,980. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a treatment approach that focuses on changing thoughts and behavior patterns. Substance abuse counselors often use CBT techniques to help clients recognize the inaccurate thoughts and feelings that help maintain addiction. They also use CBT to teach new coping skills that help people find new ways to deal with cravings, relapses, and stress. But there are evidence-based therapies that can help people manage the disease and live a happier, healthier life.
If their clients need to talk to someone outside of a professional setting or are looking for additional help, they often are a good referral to community-based programs and support groups that worked for them. When you’re just starting your sober journey, getting to step twelve can seem impossible. Recovering addicts can personally carry the message of step twelve, helping clients understand why the steps are all so important. Anyone who has made it all the way through higher education and a counseling certification program has probably completed the twelve steps of recovery. The twelfth step, which is explained as a type of spiritual awakening, encourages recovered addicts to go out and spread the message to others.
Addiction counselors will also conduct group therapy sessions that often incorporate family members or other patients in addiction treatment. Group therapy can lead to discussions about family dynamics and how unhealthy relationships can create or feed into addictive behaviors. Once these dysfunctions are identified, the patient can begin making important post-treatment plans. Yes, addiction counselors can work with individuals who are in different stages of recovery.
Trust your instincts and choose a counselor with whom you feel comfortable sharing your experiences and emotions. This knowledge allows them to provide accurate information, educate clients about the nature of addiction, and guide them towards evidence-based treatment options. For example, an addiction medicine physician must complete a residency to receive https://sober-house.org/cocaine-withdrawal-symptoms-going-through-cocaine/ a medical degree and be eligible for a medical license. Megan Pietrucha, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical and sports psychologist in private practice in Illinois. She holds a PsyPact credential, enabling her to practice teletherapy with clients in over 20 states. Schools offer fully online undergraduate and graduate degrees with a counseling speciality.
But not all therapists are trained in cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. To ensure a counselor’s expertise aligns with your needs, consider their experience in treating individuals with similar addiction issues. Some counselors may specialize in treating specific substances or have experience with particular populations, such as adolescents or veterans. It’s essential to find someone who has the knowledge and experience relevant to your specific circumstances. The Recovery Village has several facilities throughout the United States, and we are always looking to add new professionals to our team of industry-leading experts. In addition to positions at one of our facilities, jobs are also available nationally through our telehealth platform.
They use several techniques to help address the many factors that contribute to and reinforce substance use disorder. Becoming a mental health professional who specializes in addictions may seem like a long and intensive process. However, a career in counseling comes with a number of meaningful benefits—like improving clients’ lives—that can outweigh the difficulties. It is possible to experience addictions to behaviors such as shopping, eating, gambling, playing video games, sex, watching porn, and going on social media. People with behavioral addictions will spend increasing amounts of time thinking about and engaging in the behavior to the detriment of their well-being and their relationships, finances, and future goals.
Video game addiction includes absence of control or compulsive use of video games despite it causing problems. While the research is still inconclusive, there is mounting evidence to suggest video https://sober-house.net/attention-required-cloudflare/ games can be harmful, increase aggression, and be addictive. It’s essential to keep your patient’s best interests in mind while still fulfilling your ethical responsibilities as a counselor.
It may be difficult for some people to be around others with addiction problems, so really think about your situation and how you will cope. You will need to know how to understanding alcohol use disorder national institute manage this stress and not let it get you down. Having a substance use disorder counselor that is in recovery can be beneficial for both the counselor and the client.