Substance abuse and addiction has become so common that almost every individual has been or will be affected by its consequences. Substance abuse and addiction does not only affect the individual directly battling with it, but also impacts the lives of many others. Alcohol and substance abuse counseling is a career path that has interested me due to my personal experiences associated with alcohol and substance abuse. There are many different people battling with alcohol and substance abuse who all require unique treatment. An effective treatment for one individual will not always meet the requirements of another individual’s needs. The field of alcohol and substance abuse counseling has recognized that different individuals require different
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In order to effectively meet those needs, diagnostic interviews must be accurately assessed, which can be a complicated process. Addiction counselors can utilize various tools in the diagnosis and assessment of addiction. For example, the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST), the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-20), and the CAGE Questionnaire are all instruments that are commonly utilized in various circumstances (Burger 257). While alcohol and substance abuse treatment does strive to end alcohol and substance abuse, professionals recognize that there is more to a client than their struggles with addiction. That is why addiction counselors also help clients in many other areas. For example, addiction counselors help clients develop coping mechanisms, stress-relief techniques, career goals, problem solving skills, and among many others, the skill to recognize and appropriately express feelings (Burger 257). After assessing a client’s needs, counselors can then determine if further treatment is required or can also introduce the client to other suitable outside community or agency resources if deemed fit (Burger …show more content…
Since many insurance policies cover addiction treatment, employment within alcohol and substance abuse counseling is expected to grow. According to the Occupation Outlook Handbook, from 2014 to 2024, employment within this career path is projected to grow at a rate of 22 percent; the fastest growing rate out of all occupations. The demand for substance abuse counselors is also expected to increase due to more states providing drug offenders with treatment instead of incarceration. The Occupational Outlook Handbook suggests that job prospects look good for those interested in a career in substance abuse counseling, especially for those with a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Depending on one’s qualifications and career setting, the Occupational Outlook Handbook reports that as of May 2014 the average annual salary for a substance abuse counselor can range anywhere from $25,000 -
In order to effectively meet those needs, diagnostic interviews must be accurately assessed, which can be a complicated process. Addiction counselors can utilize various tools in the diagnosis and assessment of addiction. For example, the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST), the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-20), and the CAGE Questionnaire are all instruments that are commonly utilized in various circumstances (Burger 257). While alcohol and substance abuse treatment does strive to end alcohol and substance abuse, professionals recognize that there is more to a client than their struggles with addiction. That is why addiction counselors also help clients in many other areas. For example, addiction counselors help clients develop coping mechanisms, stress-relief techniques, career goals, problem solving skills, and among many others, the skill to recognize and appropriately express feelings (Burger 257). After assessing a client’s needs, counselors can then determine if further treatment is required or can also introduce the client to other suitable outside community or agency resources if deemed fit (Burger …show more content…
Since many insurance policies cover addiction treatment, employment within alcohol and substance abuse counseling is expected to grow. According to the Occupation Outlook Handbook, from 2014 to 2024, employment within this career path is projected to grow at a rate of 22 percent; the fastest growing rate out of all occupations. The demand for substance abuse counselors is also expected to increase due to more states providing drug offenders with treatment instead of incarceration. The Occupational Outlook Handbook suggests that job prospects look good for those interested in a career in substance abuse counseling, especially for those with a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Depending on one’s qualifications and career setting, the Occupational Outlook Handbook reports that as of May 2014 the average annual salary for a substance abuse counselor can range anywhere from $25,000 -