7 FAQs About Substance Use Disorder Counselor Careers

The U.S. continues to be in the grips of a substance use crisis. The headlines aren’t exaggerations — the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that 106,699 people died from a drug-involved overdose in 2021 — an average of 292 people per day.

If you are a compassionate person, you can’t help but sympathize with those who are affected by addiction. But it takes an extraordinary person to choose a career that helps these individuals. If you want to make a difference in the lives of people suffering from a substance use disorder and their families, this article will help you understand what a job as a substance use disorder counselor entails.

1. What Is a Substance Use Disorder Counselor?

A substance use disorder counselor is a mental health professional who evaluates clients’ addictions and associated issues to develop and track treatment plans. They play a vital role in guiding individuals from addiction to long-term recovery — and all the steps in between.

The educational requirements depend on where you will practice. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most substance use disorder counselor positions require at least a bachelor’s degree. Counselors and counseling psychologists must be licensed, certified, or appropriately credentialed by the state in which they practice. There may also be additional national and state regulations, certification guidelines, or organizational requirements.

2. Where Do Substance Use Disorder Counselors Work?

Substance use disorder counselors can practice in many different organizations, including mental health clinics or hospitals, state or federal government agencies, public health organizations, or juvenile detention or adult prison systems.

Due to the nature of their work, substance use disorder counselors may need to work evenings, nights, or weekends. Additionally, most of them work full time, but there are part-time positions as well.

3. What Do Substance Use Disorder Counselors Do?

The day-to-day tasks of a substance use disorder counselor will vary depending on factors such as your clients’ needs and the type of facility you work in. Typically, substance use disorder counselors may do the following:

• Conduct group or one-on-one counseling sessions to assist clients with overcoming addictions.
• Help clients set recovery goals and track their progress.
• Coordinate with other mental health professionals if clients need additional support.
• Counsel the family members of their clients to help them understand how to support the recovery efforts.
• Prepare their clients for the transition out of a treatment program to help avert a relapse.
• Work with other organizations or agencies to develop public education programs on addiction.

4. How Do Substance Use Disorder Counselors Treat Patients?

Kicking a substance use disorder is difficult. Even after detox, people who are addicted to substances may continue to have cravings that make them vulnerable to relapse. Counselors help those recovering from an addiction learn how to live happy, productive, and substance-free lives.

There are both biological and social factors that make some people more likely to develop a substance use disorder. Counseling sessions with a qualified, licensed counselor can help patients with the social factors, which often include:

• Daily stress
• Unexpected stresses (for example, losing a job)
• Cues in the environment (a favorite hangout or bar)
• Social ties, including friends who continue to use drugs

Talking with someone during a stressful, sad, or difficult time can be an effective coping mechanism, and substance use disorder counselors can serve this purpose.

5. Are Substance Use Disorder Counselors in Demand?

Yes. The BLS estimates job growth for substance use disorder, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors will be approximately 18% between 2022 and 2032. This rate of growth is considered much faster than the average for all occupations. The need for these professionals has continued to grow since the COVID-19 pandemic and because of an increase in the rate of substance use disorder and other addictions.

6. What Will I Need to Learn to Become a Substance Use Disorder Counselor?

The study of psychology includes understanding human behavior and the thoughts and emotions that drive it. Although a fundamental understanding of human behavior is important, it’s also important to know how to research and apply therapeutic strategies that are specific to addiction.

When you attend a quality higher education institution, you should learn how drugs impact the body, how to assess patients, and how the recovery process works. It’s also important to know how other psychological conditions can influence substance use.

In addition to treatment options, it’s valuable to be exposed to case management techniques, particularly if you would like to work for a large hospital or treatment center. Learning about prevention can also help if you’re counseling family members of people who have a substance use disorder and/or other addictions.

7. What Should I Look for in a Degree or Program?

Look for a high-quality program that is accredited or approved by one or more of the national addiction associations. This way, you can be sure your education meets national standards of excellence.

• NAADAC-approved (The Association for Addiction Professionals) programs meet the organization’s quality standards, and graduates may be accepted by licensing and certification bodies in many states. Purdue Global is an NAADAC-approved education provider.
• The National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC) is a regional accreditation organization that established national standards of excellence for educational addiction programs. Purdue Global’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Addictions is accredited by NASAC.

You may also wish to look for a school that offers flexible learning options, such as online classes so you can work and maintain a family life as you attend college.

Start on Your Path to Becoming a Substance Use Disorder Counselor With Purdue Global

The work of a substance use disorder counselor is essential to helping suffering individuals and their families recover and return to a healthier way of life. You, too, could play a role in helping someone overcome their dependencies.

Get started with an online bachelor's degree in psychology in addictions from Purdue Global. Contact us today to learn more.