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What does a Drug Addiction Counselor do?

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

A drug addiction counselor is a professional who helps people manage and treat addiction to drugs or alcohol. Most have studied extensively, passed exams and met licensing requirements in order to work in this difficult field. A drug addiction counselor can perform many jobs during the treatment of a patient; they frequently work with addicts at every stage, from deep in the clutches of drugs to those in recovery for years.

Many drug counselors have a master's or bachelor's degree in a related area from a university. Typically, they study psychology, sociology, public health, or medicine. Some regions also allow drug counselors to practice if they have completed a trade school or training course that specializes in addiction therapy. It is important to study the licensing and legal practice guidelines of a region carefully as they can vary extensively. Check with guidance counselors every semester or quarter to ensure that requirements are met and the right courses are taken.

A drug addiction counselor helps people withdraw from addictions to alcohol and drugs.
A drug addiction counselor helps people withdraw from addictions to alcohol and drugs.

Some of the work a drug addiction counselor does is analytical. They try to determine if an addiction is present and how best to treat the situation. A background in psychology can be extremely helpful to an addiction counselor, since people react to drug treatment in varying degrees. An addict who is still actively taking drugs may lie about use; drug addiction counselors must be adept in reading people and situations.

A drug addiction counselor may help those struggling with alcoholism.
A drug addiction counselor may help those struggling with alcoholism.

A drug addiction counselor may provide some form of therapy to addicts as well as friends and family. Addiction is a many headed beast that can cause depression, anxiety, and even new addictions not only in the primary patient but also in other family members. Counselors are skilled in seeing not only the forest but the trees; one goal of addiction treatment is to create a healthy living and social environment for the addict that will make relapse less likely.

Drug addiction counselors might help individuals progress through recovery.
Drug addiction counselors might help individuals progress through recovery.

Some drug addiction counselors work with drug treatment centers or rehabilitation centers. In this job, a counselor may have individual patients or may conduct group therapy sessions with recovering addicts. They often help addicts come up with goals and plans for the future in order to build a healthier lifestyle, post-rehab.

A drug addiction counselor may also work closely with the justice system in several capacities. They may be asked to assess a possible addict as part of a trial, or to be involved in treating addicts that must attend counseling due to a court order or sentence. Since these patients are not always willing participants, working in this arena is often considered extremely difficult.

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a WiseGEEK writer.

Learn more...
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a WiseGEEK writer.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Drentel

@mobilian33 - What I have learned about addiction intervention over the years is that until the person who is addicted is ready to change his life there is only so much anyone can do to help him. I am a firm believer that in most cases a person has to hit rock bottom before he really does what he needs to do to turn his life around.

So regardless of who the drug abuse counselor is, he can't save someone who doesn't want to be saved, and isn't willing to take the steps to improve his life. I have seen too many people throw their lives away while family and friends tried to help them.

Feryll

@mobilian33 - I agree with what you said up to a point. There is nothing like practical experience when you are searching for a professional. However, having been a drug addict doesn't necessarily mean that you are going to be a better addiction counselor than someone who never used drugs.

The bottom line is that you want a professional who is going to help you get where you want to be. The best way to judge a drug addiction counselor or an addiction center is to look at their results. What percentage of addicts treated by them have remained off drugs a year later, or five years later, or ten years later?

mobilian33

You can learn a lot of information by going to school and taking special classes, but when it comes to helping someone overcome an addiction, you have a better chance of succeeding when you actually know first hand what that person is going through.

I would much rather speak to a drug addiction counselor or drug alcohol counselor who has been in the same place I am in. Otherwise, I feel like the person might be looking down on me and judging me.

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    • A drug addiction counselor helps people withdraw from addictions to alcohol and drugs.
      By: fotoknips
      A drug addiction counselor helps people withdraw from addictions to alcohol and drugs.
    • A drug addiction counselor may help those struggling with alcoholism.
      By: jedi-master
      A drug addiction counselor may help those struggling with alcoholism.
    • Drug addiction counselors might help individuals progress through recovery.
      By: WavebreakMediaMicro
      Drug addiction counselors might help individuals progress through recovery.
    • Counselors may treat people addicted to prescription drugs.
      By: Feng Yu
      Counselors may treat people addicted to prescription drugs.
    • Counselors may focus on specific groups with addiction, including homeless people.
      By: Halfpoint
      Counselors may focus on specific groups with addiction, including homeless people.
    • Addiction counselors help people wean off drugs.
      By: EastWest Imaging
      Addiction counselors help people wean off drugs.
    • A drug counselor may help patients work through psychological cravings for drugs.
      By: Monkey Business
      A drug counselor may help patients work through psychological cravings for drugs.