Can you imagine yourself spending your days helping others? Do you have a true understanding of what addiction does to the body? If you answered yes to these questions, working in the certified substance abuse counselor field will be just for you. This is a rewarding but very demanding career field. This career consist of helping individuals stop abusing drugs and live a clean lifestyle.
Obtaining the required education will be the first step that you must take. No specific degree is required to enter this field. There are different requirements for different states. You could have a certificate, diploma, or an associates degree. Some subjects that you should be sure to study are sociology, psychology, and the physical and metal effects that addiction may cause.
Once you begin to take the steps to get the education requirements, it is time to look to getting some experience in the field. To gain experience, the most practical step to take is to find places to volunteer. There are many places that are in your local area to get this experience once you search a little. The first places you should consider is a rehab center or an addiction treatment center.
After obtaining the required education and work experience you must then take the test to become certified. Due to the fact that many states have different requirements, it will be helpful to contact the certification Board for Addictions Professionals to find out the exact requirements in your state. The test is usually around one hundred questions. To pass the test you must score at least seventy percent.
Once you get into the field, there are some essential functions of a certified substance abuse counselor. These functions are intake, orientation, screening, treatment planning, case management, counseling, client education, crisis intervention, referral consultations with other professionals, reports and record keeping, and assessment. These are some daily task of individuals in this field.
Individuals in this field must also uphold a certain code of ethics. Counselors deal with sensitive issues regarding their clients. Counselors must maintain a level of confidentiality. You must also know when it is time to release your client and not keep them there longer than they should be. As an abuse counselor, you should always make every effort to improve in your field. Finally, you must be aware of the boundaries that you have with your clients.
You must always be willing to continue your education. Staying up to date on issues in very important in this field. You can do this by doing research, completing additional courses, and attending lectures. There are a few career options that can be considered when entering this field. There are numerous work settings to choose from. Working in a community counseling center is one option. Another option is to work in inpatient treatment such as rehab centers, a halfway house, or a hospital.
A certified substance abuse counselor career is a extremely demanding field. Helping people come from their lowest point in their life to leading a clean and productive life style will be worth the demand. With some hard work and a lot of effort, and dedication, you can have a career of helping people improve their lives.
Obtaining the required education will be the first step that you must take. No specific degree is required to enter this field. There are different requirements for different states. You could have a certificate, diploma, or an associates degree. Some subjects that you should be sure to study are sociology, psychology, and the physical and metal effects that addiction may cause.
Once you begin to take the steps to get the education requirements, it is time to look to getting some experience in the field. To gain experience, the most practical step to take is to find places to volunteer. There are many places that are in your local area to get this experience once you search a little. The first places you should consider is a rehab center or an addiction treatment center.
After obtaining the required education and work experience you must then take the test to become certified. Due to the fact that many states have different requirements, it will be helpful to contact the certification Board for Addictions Professionals to find out the exact requirements in your state. The test is usually around one hundred questions. To pass the test you must score at least seventy percent.
Once you get into the field, there are some essential functions of a certified substance abuse counselor. These functions are intake, orientation, screening, treatment planning, case management, counseling, client education, crisis intervention, referral consultations with other professionals, reports and record keeping, and assessment. These are some daily task of individuals in this field.
Individuals in this field must also uphold a certain code of ethics. Counselors deal with sensitive issues regarding their clients. Counselors must maintain a level of confidentiality. You must also know when it is time to release your client and not keep them there longer than they should be. As an abuse counselor, you should always make every effort to improve in your field. Finally, you must be aware of the boundaries that you have with your clients.
You must always be willing to continue your education. Staying up to date on issues in very important in this field. You can do this by doing research, completing additional courses, and attending lectures. There are a few career options that can be considered when entering this field. There are numerous work settings to choose from. Working in a community counseling center is one option. Another option is to work in inpatient treatment such as rehab centers, a halfway house, or a hospital.
A certified substance abuse counselor career is a extremely demanding field. Helping people come from their lowest point in their life to leading a clean and productive life style will be worth the demand. With some hard work and a lot of effort, and dedication, you can have a career of helping people improve their lives.
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