Addiction CounselingBy: Haley Gruhler

About Counseling● Addiction Counselors help others overcome a disabling condition (drugs

alcohol, gambling.)● I chose this career because I want to make a difference in the world and

find new strategies to make other people’s lives easier.

Nature of Work● Counselors discuss their clients strengths, weaknesses, and needs.● Help patients develop a personalized plan to overcome addictions in a

reasonable amount of time. ● In some cases you may do group counseling and become aware of other

people’s addictions.

Working Conditions● Counselors work in a standard office.● Usually around 35-40 hours per week.● You can be employed by hospitals, counseling centers, social service

agencies, and community programs.

Education● You are required to have your Bachelors degree but a Masters Degree is

recommended.● Counselors should have formal training in ADDICTIONS counseling before

applying for a job.● If you have an Associates Degree you will more likely get a job over someone

who only has a Bachelors Degree.

Job Outlook● There are always people in our community who are in need of help, this is

an ongoing job.● You can become an Addictions Counselor anywhere in the United States.● In 2006, there was 635,000 counseling jobs in the United States.

Earnings● Their salaries increase as they acquire experience and take on more

responsibilities.● Full-Time workers make $30,000-$60,000 a year.● Usually they’re paid on an hourly wage instead of a set yearly salary.

Use of Technology ● Counselors use Computers, Cell Phones, and the Internet.● Computers are used to make databases and spreadsheets. Also, interacting with

the patient so they feel more comfortable. ● Cell Phones are an easier way to communicate with their clients. ● The Internet is used for research and discovering new side effects of an

addiction.

Summary● Addiction Counseling is something I may consider doing for many reasons.

1. You are making somebody’s life better by helping them get over something troubling.2. You are better able to understand why some addictions are people’s addictions. 3. There are many counseling jobs available all over the world.

Works Cited● http://www.addictionsearch.com/treatment_articles/article/what-to-expect-from-addiction-

counseling_176.html● http://addictionedge.com/3636/rehab-centers/alcohol-rehab-centers-in-houston-tips● http://www.allpsychologycareers.com/career/substance-abuse-counselor.html● http://www.epnotoledo.com/● http://www.bupipedream.com/news/8853/university-counseling-center-falls-short-students/● http://degreedirectory.org/pages/Psychology_and_Counseling_Masters_Degree_Scholarship.

html● http://www.nbcc.org/specialties/mac● http://www.ecn.na/voter-education1● http://www.frostburg.edu/counsel/● http://job-outlook.careerplanner.com/Counselors.cfm● http://www.buffalocomputerconsulting.com/● http://public.careercruising.com/us/en