Substance Abuse and Addiction Counselor
Substance abuse as well as addiction is a topic many people choose to ignore or tend to believe that it does not affect them. Addiction itself does not seek out certain types of people but can affect anyone, at any time, for any reason. Stress, per pressure, financial trouble, even genetics all play a role in substance abuse and addiction. Unlike others, I don’t see substance abusers as weak willed but instead in need of guidance and someone to talk to about their problems. That is why, when I decided to go to school I was very interested in becoming an Addiction Counselor. I am one of those types of people who really enjoy learning new things and coming up with solutions for myself or others. The biggest reason that I decided to go to college was to find a job that I was actually fascinated with and wouldn’t dread going to work day in and day out. The biggest concern I have for my future job is stability and job availability. One area that I don’t really find high on my priority list is the money. I want to be able to make enough that I can survive and even thrive at times but I’m not looking for a job just for the financial gain. If I’m going to spend my life in a working profession it might as well be doing something I love.
When most people think of substance abuse and addiction counseling they often only think of the 12 step program or alcoholics anonymous. The truth is that an addiction counselor must have a vast knowledge in the
Another challenge I face is one of my own, my age, race, and gender. By the time I graduate I will be at least 22 years old and most people that become addicted get that way at a young age. The younger the child that tries the drug, the more likely they are to become addicted (Berger, (2006) p.456). As a Caucasian woman I will most likely be dealing with African American men, because they have the high numbers of inmates in prison for drug-related crimes (Roger & Merkle (2005) p. 7). My gender and race may make it hard to overcome differences and gain their trust, but I hope to break through to them enough so that they can open up to me in therapy sessions. I plan to do my best to understand them and help them as much as I can so that they can see that I am serious about helping them. Another problem many counselors with run into is that people are many times forced to choose between prison and rehab, so those in rehab may not want to be there. Again I will need to overcome their attitude and gain their trust.
First, the identification of a licensed chemical dependency counselor would suffice at the moment. A licensed chemical dependency counselor are counselors that specialize in identifying and treating addictive behaviors that are maladaptive, altered from cognitive imbalance, and from physiological discrepancies, or frequent intoxication to achieve homeostasis or functionality to some extent. In other words, licensed chemical dependency counselors establish and implement treatments to help people cure their addictions from substances which they are chemically dependent on. Second, the nature of chemical dependency is to be acknowledged. The nature of chemical dependency is not very well understood by human population. Many people see addictions as diseases, immoral behaviors or sins, as maladaptive behaviors, and some may view such substance dependence as out of control behaviors as well. However, chemical or substance dependency is a mental issue. The mind tells the body that it needs a certain substance to function, it is a craving that is difficult for the body to ignore, and the body cannot function until such a need is met. The change in behaviors, mood and conscious motivates the mind further to continue finding ways to meet this need. Therefore, there is not only an addiction, but a chemical dependency issue as well. It is strong and difficult to defeat. It is strong enough that it may cause some people to conduct criminal activities or infringe upon the rights and
A question that I was curious about asking dealt with how individuals in recovery function as substance abuse counselors. From experience, I have noticed that most substance abuse counselors are themselves in recovery. When I was in treatment, I related much better to
The Global Criteria for the 12 Core Functions of the Substance Abuse Counselor, by John Herman, defines treatment planning as the process by which the counselor and client identify and rank problems, establish immediate and long-term goals, and decide on the treatment resources to be utilized. Treatment planning begins as soon as initial assessments are completed.
Substance abuse is a widespread problem in the United States. That is why certified addictions counselors are in high demand today. Addiction counselors can work in a variety of places, including prisons, residential treatment facilities and hospitals.
As the number of addicts in this country rises, so does the demand for specialized medical professionals. Today, one in every ten Americans abuses some kind of substance. One of the benefits to working as a substance abuse nurse is the freedom and autonomy it can allow. These nurses can organize family member support groups, serve on task forces, lead educational programs and become abuse counselors. Also, the ability to help a patient recover from an addition and essentially save their life can be very rewarding. One of the biggest drawbacks to working as a substance abuse nurse is how close you can get to patients, and the challenge of working long hours. Patients will often call their nurses at all hours of the day looking for support, drugs, medication or other aids. This can be tiring and disappointing for the
I want to start by saying I have appreciate your post for the past 7 weeks. I have tried to pick others but I always seem compelled to respond to yours. Substance Abuse Counselor are definitely needed these days. I am a product of two parents who have died of congestive heart failure because the use of drugs throughout their life. No one wants to lose a family member to this disease. I pray that you are able to help heel people along with utilizing God’s words. May you find your field rewarding and may your mind be strong to for those who need
Like most parent, Nyeusi mother wanted the best for her children as a young girl Nyeusi and her brothers where sent to America to live with their aunt to get a better education and to flee the hardships of their home area Montagu, South Africa. As a teenager, Nyeusi realized working with people and helping them was a “gift.” “I enjoy working with many types of people, I can speak with anyone I feel it’s a gift and not a developed skill.” (HeKima, 2015). Nyeusi lives and works in North Carolina as a Substance Abuse Counselor for a non-profit organization. She holds in a master 's in psychology and a master’s in social work. The main goal with speaking with her was to understand the workings of a person that is working in the field of psychology with a masters or bachelor’s degree and is satisfied with the choices made.
My chosen career area is that of a Substance Abuse counselor, which I chose because I’m in recovery myself, and have a desire to help those who are struggling with addiction to overcome their substance abuse and lead happier, more productive lives. I already have experience working in this field and have both an Associates Degree in Human Services from Des Moines Area Community College and my Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (C.A.D.C.) certification from the Iowa Board of Certicication, which I upgrade two years ago to an Internation Alcohol and Drug Counselor (I.A.D.C.) certification. After receiving my certification, I worked as a substance Abuse Counselor for about three and half years and found my work to be both challenging and rewarding,
Hey Joe: April 10th, 2016: This can't be my life, it just can't be , I need help but, where and from who. I got down on my knees and asked God to guide me and help me on this journey. I knew to get on my knees and ask God to have mercy and guidance. Joe that is all I am asking God for today. I got up and went to the closet the one thing about me was that I like to dress and I needed to pick out the best outfits I only needed three the colors blue, brown and white. I picked up my laptop and keyed in Indeed job search for Addiction Counselor in Lancaster and Palmdale Ca. I clicked a job for Palmdale and Santa Clarita and sent off my resume closed the laptop and went to talk with that old fat woman in the mirror. I said "hello" it was nice knowing
To become an effective substance abuse counselor, there are six key points which include: knowing the principles of MI, being able to help strengthen a client’s coping skills, being able to utilize OARS, understanding Thomas Gordon’s Twelve Roadblocks, being knowledgeable about drugs, and having knowledge of assessing and Individualizing Evidence Based Treatment Plans.
The substance I decided to abstain from this semester was sugar. This was not easy. Keeping a journal gave me a place to vent my frustrations and gave me a place to look back on the process. It certainly gave me some insight into the things I was learning in this class. I knew next to nothing about substance abuse counseling before beginning this semester and I had no idea what to expect. I can say with confidence that I think I will be able to be a better school counselor as a result of the process, even if I often hated it.
The field of addiction is complex. As such, in order for the counsellor to effectively assessed, diagnosed, and formulate an effective treatment for addictive clients, consideration of the following components are critical:
Addiction medicine physicians are concerned with the prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery of individuals with various addictions, substance-related health conditions, and those who show an unhealthy use of substances and licit or illicit drugs.
There are several things in life, which should not have been discovered yet. Drug is one of those things. The world will be a best place without these terrible things, which create additions and hence make many people suffer. Regrettably, we are not able to turn back time and get rid of the problem as its roots. However we can stay far away from drugs and do not give into enticements. Although, we have the choice of staying away from them, many people across the world are making use of them regularly. Once you are in the middle of the difficulty, it is very difficult to face it. You should follow a drug addiction treatment, which will give you the better results.