Loading ...Substance abuse counselor programs will consist of 120 credits with 600 hours devoted to obtaining training under the supervision of a licensed substance abuse counselor, in a number of different environments, such as a homeless shelter, hospital, half-way house or out-patient treatment center. Here we will find out about the substance abuse program requirements, the substance abuse counselor program outline and how you can find employment in this field.
Substance Abuse Counselor Training
In substance abuse counselor programs, you will learn about how to counsel individuals that are struggling with addiction, the options available to treat them and also how you can work with a patient’s family in terms of getting the patient the help they need. The addiction programs will provide training that will prepare a student for the end of the program state written and oral exam, which will be required in order to obtain licensure in this field. 
A student can expect to take some of the following core courses in a substance abuse counselor program: drugs of abuse, case management, counseling alcoholics, mental illness and addiction, professional practices, life skills training, counseling foundations, sexual issues in addictions and recovery dynamics.
During these programs the student will be expected to obtain 600 hours working in a facility that treats patients that are suffering from addiction. The amount of required areas will vary with each different type of degree as well as which state you reside in. this type of internship will not only provide the student with the much needed hands on experience in the field but can also help the student to determine which type of facility they will want to work in once they have obtained their degree.
Substance Abuse Counselor Salary
The salary for the substance abuse counselor will depend on how many years they have been working in the field and which type of environment they work in. Places of employment such as homeless shelters, clinics and low-income treatment centers will provide the lower annual salary and will require more work. The salary for these types of counselor positions will range from 28,000$ to 32,000$
Places of employment for the substance abuse counselor such as private rehabs, hospitals or private practices will provide the counselor with the higher annual salary. The salary for these types of substance abuse counselor jobs will range from 38,000$ to 44,000$
During the counselor’s career they will need to obtain continuing education credits in order to maintain their licensure. Options for continuing education credits can be found on the NAADAC’s website where you will find webinars and online study programs as well as listings of local seminars you can attend. The counselor will need to earn twenty credits each year in order to renew their license every three years.
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