Typically, a drug and alcohol abuse counselor works with substance abuse patients and their families to prevent drug and alcohol abuse and to create a healthy home environment free of temptation and enabling behaviors. A drug and alcohol abuse counselor can identify and help prevent family dysfunction that may be contributing to the substance abuse, as well as curb any of the abuser’s resulting behaviors, by employing a variety of treatment techniques. Counselors can help clients by referring them to additional resources such as a food pantry, vocational training center, or doctor who can help them fight addiction.
Depending on the substance abuser’s specific needs and concerns, a drug and alcohol abuse counselor may work with his or her patient in group or private sessions. In a typical session, the counselor will work with the client to improve his or her communication skills and learn to express emotions in a healthy way. In addition, the client and counselor will develop coping strategies that will help them maintain their sobriety. Family and friends of the client may be invited to attend sessions so that they can better provide a stable and supportive environment for recovery.
In some cases, rather than working with someone who is already in recovery, drug and alcohol abuse counselors work with youth and parents to prevent substance abuse. Typically, such counselors work for a public or private school, university, or local social welfare agency. In this context, their primary responsibility is to educate children, adolescents, and parents about the behaviors that promote substance abuse and how to avoid them.
Most regions require a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in social work with a specialization in substance abuse counseling before a candidate can be licensed as a drug and alcohol abuse counselor. Some drug and alcohol abuse counselors have also been addicts. Drug and alcohol abuse counselors can find work in half-way houses, homeless shelters, hospitals, prisons, and drug and alcohol treatment centers. A psychologist, attorney, welfare agent, or social worker may be part of a support team that includes a counselor.
A career as a drug and alcohol abuse counselor can be emotionally taxing and necessitates a great deal of patience and compassion. Burnout is becoming more common among drug and alcohol abuse counselors due to the need for constant crisis intervention, high relapse rates, and even death among clients. As a result, some drug and alcohol abuse counselors will transition to other fields of social work.