Certification in Drug & Alcohol Treatment

Becoming a certified drug and alcohol treatment counselor requires dedication. Most certification programs will allow you to gain field experience while training and may also provide information on how to deal with families of people suffering from addiction problems. Each state has its own state certification requirements. Some states may require prior work in psychology or the health care field to pursue substance abuse certification.

Education

• To gain certification in drug and alcohol treatment, you will need to complete training that is in accordance with your state's addiction counseling guidelines. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that most certification programs drug and alcohol treatment require at least a master's degree. You can broaden your career choices by completing a nationally recognized program for drug and alcohol treatment in addition to your state licensing.

Clients

• Counselors work with people of all ages from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures. Some of your patients may have started using drugs out of peer pressure or curiosity. Experimenting with alcohol or drugs is often seen as harmless by the user because she is not using all the time or may feel that she is in control of when she uses drugs. This can quickly turn into a serious addiction because she has become dependent on the feeling that the drugs give her. The drug addiction support site notes other possible reasons for abuse such as anxiety or depression, a genetic predisposition to addiction (family history of alcoholism or drug use), a curious personality or boredom.

Workplace

• Substance abuse counselors can work in hospitals, universities, rehabilitation facilities and private practices. Your workplace will greatly depend upon the age and educational or career status of your clients. If you want to work with children or young adults, additional training in child or developmental psychology will be helpful to your practice.

Demand

• Even with drug-free programs on a national and state level, there are still many people who become addicted to drugs or alcohol. While a user may be convinced he can overcome his problems on his problems on his own, the physical and mental dependencies on drugs and alcohol are so great that most people require professional help to stay sober. In a 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that "2.2 million persons ages 12 and up received treatment at a self-help group, and 1.5 million received treatment at a rehabilitation facility"

Lifestyle Considerations

• Treating people who suffer from substance abuse and addiction requires patience, discipline and confidence. You will largely influence your client's future by helping him to face his problems and accept when he needs help. Many addicts use drugs and alcohol to block out painful memories or experiences and may become defensive and emotional when confronted about these issues. It is important that as his treatment facilitator, you can remain calm and keep a positive attitude. If you have abused drugs or alcohol in the past, you need to maintain your sobriety to be able to help others effectively.