Addiction Counseling Specialization

Substance abuse counseling can be a rewarding career for anyone who has a desire to help people who are battling an addiction to drugs or alcohol. A substance abuse counselor can work in hospitals, prisons, therapeutic facilities, and halfway houses. The purpose of a substance abuse counselor is to help those who have an addiction manage it. In this paper I will be discussing Texas state counseling laws and the ACA ethics code and how these two can guide my work as a substance abuse counselor. I will also discuss the characteristics of a counselor, review my strengths and any challenges I may have as a counselor, and discuss my perceptions of substance abuse that may impact my ability to become an effective counselor.

In the statue of rules of regulations in Indiana to become a certified addiction counselor, the three statues that I found interested is: a certification in addiction counseling is acceptable, ten years of experience of being a addiction counselor, and under supervision, there is one hundred fifty credit hours needs to be complete in a internship. The credentials that needed to have a certification in addiction counselor is to have thirty-six credits and a practicum. An addiction counselor can have a minimum of a high school diploma or can have a bachelor degree. I can receive a certification unless than a year and can practice in the State of Indiana.

What is substance abuse? According to Dictionary.com, substance abuse is a long-term, pathological use of alcohol or drugs, characterized by daily intoxication, inability to reduce consumption, and impairment in social or occupational functioning. So, what is a Substance Abuse Counselor? This is an individual who provides therapy sessions for a substance abuser who wants to overcome an addiction. Alcohol is not the only substance to which someone could become addicted; other negative elements include tobacco, over-the-counter drugs, prescribed drugs, illegal narcotics or sex.

These modern or alternative treatment techniques include options like recreational therapy, yoga, music and art therapy and dual diagnosis treatment. These treatment modalities are used to help patients regain the life skills and coping capabilities that may have been displaced while caught up in the cycle of addiction. This facility also focuses on family involvement in the treatment process through a formal family participation program. All of these options are available to experienced addiction counselors who are charged with developing tailored treatment programs for patients.

Addiction counseling and human service professional settings and the collaboration of serving our community is frequently essential in controlling our clients. However, misunderstandings regarding job titles and legal issues and ethical issues arise that can affect the collaboration of both field working together. In this paper, it will elaborate related concerns of multidisciplinary collaboration, the boundaries of both fields, social changes, and ethical and legal issues arise in collaboration. Therefore, this paper will present a highlight of the shared practice of both fields and how can both field make a difference with our clients by collaborating. The reflections of addiction counselors and human services professionals are here with share disciplines with altered concentrations.

There are many ways to help or “treat”, as it is usually called, the particular patient and their required needs. During this treatment, addicted individuals along with their families have the opportunity to learn more about the effects of their addiction relating to alcohol or drugs, and will learn ways on how to live a healthier, successful, more sober life. Those who work in this particular field are committed to helping others overcome their addiction while showing compassion for said individuals and their craving. An Addiction Specialist has the ability to make about $39,000 annually after obtaining their license through the ACCBO (Addiction Counselor Certification Board of Oregon); once earned, these professionals can look forward to the many work opportunities found in rural and metropolitan areas. Something I didn’t know about this career is that Oregon does not require an entry level Drug and Alcohol Counselor to have a college degree, unlike some states. Instead, several courses which are needed for certification will be required. This area of work never really hit a chord within me as far as wanting to pursue it, so I don’t believe I would ever seek employment or a degree for it. I do find it fascinating in regards to the type of work these professionals specialize in, but again, it has never fully interested me

Becoming an addictions counselor is not easy. There are several requirements that you must meet in order to embrace this career and provide care to others. Professionally treating clients within your scope of practice can present its challenges as well as the ultimate goal of the helping profession to do no harm. There are requirements to developing a helping professional, key legal and ethical issues in counseling, and the role of the counselor in developing and maintaining ethical boundaries in clinical relationships.

Family therapy and education – Education and training for family members to help them in understanding addiction and learning how to live with an addict.

Through imperial research I hope to examine the effects on a variety of approaches. Upon acceptance in to this program, I hope to gain a full understanding on the current approach. To improve on the methods already being used, I must have a complete understanding of what it is to be a substance abuse counselor. I think the best way to do that is to become one. I want to know the challenges of the professionals currently in the field.

Michael Doe is a 21 year old methadone patient. He presented at a Methadone Treatment Center with a 3 year history of opioid prescription use (egg. Percocet).

Substance abuse and addictions counseling is a newer counseling field. Although it is fairly new, there is so much research and so many guidelines to help someone make it through as a substance abuse and addictions counselor. It holds a great importance and people should be aware of the severity of substance abuse and addiction. This field has several aspects and themes that help an addict or substance abuser gain a new lifestyle without substances. Reasons for use, assessment, diagnosis, treatment/recovery/rehabilitation, and sober living are extremely important topics in the

It is harmful and definitely can cause rebellion to attack or directly judge a victim of addiction. With a positive approach, therapists can share their knowledge about addiction and lead them toward recovery. Having a therapist who has previously dealt with addiction themselves can be not surprisingly more helpful because they will be able to relate to the patient and share their experiences to spread the awareness.

Addiction treatment is a complex and paradoxical issue. Despite the fact that most of the medical and academic institutions define addiction as a chronic brain disease, it is too often treated on an acute basis. Chronic conditions are defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as requiring ongoing management over a period of years or decades and cover a wide range of health problems. The goals of chronic care are not to cure, but to enhance functional status, minimize distressing symptoms, prolong life through secondary prevention and enhance quality of life.

Rehabilitation counselors work in either private practices, mental health facilities, community mental health organizations. Self-employed counselors and those working in mental health and community agencies, such as abuse and behavioral disorders counselors, often work evenings to counsel clients who work during the day. Rehabilitation counselors work about 40hrs a week.

As we ranch and analyzed various counseling article that are many areas to consider in the practice of substance abuse counseling. The most important is always ethical and legal considerations. During treatment or research study of substance abuse, laws and professional ethics codes must be discussed. As we examine the ethical principles we must implement "best practices" such as autonomy including client self-determination. I also believe that it is important to make clients aware that their participation in a research study or treatment is strictly voluntary unless they have been mandated by the court.