Substance Abuse Counseling: A Beacon of Light for Lost Souls

by Kelly Richardson
Online Degrees Columnist

The problem with drug addiction is how far it reaches. Not only is it physically binding, but addiction also creates an inescapable psychological trap. Consequently, training in substance abuse counseling is a hard-hitting education in how to reach someone who has lost physical and emotional control.

According to the National Institute for Drug Abuse, approximately 22.5 million Americans aged 12 or older needed treatment for alcohol or illicit drug abuse and addiction in 2004. But despite this alarming need, only 3.8 million of those people received it. The difference is due, in part, to the patients' reluctance to take that next step. But another major barrier is the lack of qualified substance abuse counselors readily available. As a result, substance abuse counseling training programs are always on the lookout for potential candidates.

Substance Abuse Counseling Principles
Here are some of the more crucial concepts of substance abuse counselor training.

No Cookie Cutters. No one program or solution fits all types of people. Counseling must be tailor-made to address each patient as an individual, so your counseling education will teach you many psychological techniques.
The Holistic View. In substance abuse counseling training, you'll learn to treat the specific addiction as well as a variety of other needs.
See the Long Term. Since continuing care is absolutely essential for a substance abuse counseling program to succeed, you'll learn long term strategies in addition to crisis intervention.

Here's what you can expect when you earn substance abuse counseling training.

Program Length. Your career education can be completed in a two to three-year program.
Career Outlook. As the problem of substance abuse continues to increase, the need for professional counseling must rise to meet the demand.
Expected Salary. Getting your substance abuse counseling training will likely earn you between $30,000 and $50,000 per year.

If you want a career with a social conscience that allows you to help people in real need, get substance abuse counseling training from an accredited program.

About the Author
Kelly Richardson covers the local education and technology scenes in major cities across the country. His articles appear in a variety of respected educational journals, periodicals, and e-zines.

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