Addiction Intervention Counselors help people who have problems with a range of addictions including chemical,gambling,smoking, sex and others. They provide counseling to addicts and former addicts. Sometimes they're involved with crisis intervention situations.
They also help the family members and friends of addicts whose lives are effected by the addiction. Substance abuse counseling is regarded as one of the most challenging fields of human/social services.
They do not provide psychological therapy.
They usually work under the supervision of physicians, psychologists and social workers. Substance abuse counselors work in outpatient clinics, halfway houses and treatment centers. Some substance abuse counselors work in hospitals. They often have clients who are homeless, have emotional disorders or have AIDS.
During group or one-on-one sessions, clients have the opportunity to talk about their situation and problems and are offered strategies and techniques to deal with their issues. Typically, counselors help with the practical aspects of the clients' lives such as finding employment. They often refer people to organizations that can offer help such as family agencies, vocational training centers, food pantries and welfare agencies.
Responsibilities
- Maintain records of clients
- Develop plans for clients
- Get involved with crisis interventions
- Offer information for useful services
- Review and analyze client's progress
- Have discussions with family and friends of clients
- Participate in staff meetings
- Consult with other professionals about their clients
Job Characteristics
Addiction Intervention Counselors need to be compassionate and supportive, have patience and a strong desire to help other people. At times, the job can be frustrating and stressful. They sometimes have to deal with death. They typically work 40 hours per week. Also, some counselors lived in halfway houses.
Employment Outlook
The growth rate for Addiction Intervention Counselor jobs is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. Some of the growth can be attributed to more addicts seeking treatment and more drug offenders being placed in treatment programs instead of jail.
In 2009, there were 83,000 substance abuse and behavioral disorders counselors. The median annual earnings for substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors in 2009 was $34,040. The highest 10 percent earned over $52,340 and the lowest 10 percent earned less than $22,600.
Those with experience and a high school diploma or an associate degree may advance into a job as a director of a halfway house. Counselors have opportunities to advance into positions such as supervisors and administrators in their agencies. Also, some work in private or group practices.
The criteria for licensure varies by province.
