Question by K8tea: I would like to become a substance abuse counselor. Please Help?
I will be turning 23 this fall. I’ve been out of school since 2009. The only college I’ve done is receiving my CNA through a technical college in 2009. It was only a 4 month program. It was an awesome experience but I realized nursing wasn’t for me. I really enjoyed the helping others I got out of it, though. Since then I’ve just been working and saving money. I’ve been working as a housekeeper but I’ve come to the point where it’s time for me to do something else with my life. I have three passions in life: dancing, film making, and helping others…wanting to make a difference.

While I will continue to pursue dancing and acting on the side…I would like to start a career as a drug and alcohol counselor. I’ve always felt so much compassion for addicts. I lost a uncle to heroin addiction and my older brother has been an addict for almost 10 years now. Living with him I’ve seen firsthand what addiction does to people and their families…and I just want to make a difference.

I almost feel too old to start this, but I really believe I would love it. How much schooling is required? Where do I get started? Somebody please help me.

Best answer:

Answer by angelluv
You need a bachelor’s in psychology, sociology, social work, or a related field. Then you can get a “certification” (about 5 classes) in substance abuse counseling. If you have a bachelors degree in another field, you could probably talk to the director of the program about it though.

You’re never too old to start any type of education. There’s a 55-year-old attending my college right now, trying to get his degree in accounting. Go for it! My mom’s a CNA in a nursing home, and she despises it ._. she’s been applying to all kinds of other jobs.

Add your own answer in the comments!

 

 

University of Oregon’s SAPP Professional Development Program Introduction – Professional development opportunities are offered through the University of Oregon Substance Abuse Prevention Program. Specific topics of instruction and availability are frequently updated to meet the changing needs and interests of those in the helping professions. Seminars, training’s, and conferences offer variable contact hours. Each participant receives a certificate that verifies their participation and the number of hours earned. The Substance Abuse Prevention Program is recognized as an approved academic education provider through NAADAC. (The Association for Addiction Professionals) And, SAPP CEU’s are accepted by ACCBO (Addiction Counselor Certification Board of Oregon) toward re-certification requirements.

 

Substance abuse counselor arrested on drug charges

Filed under: addiction counselor certification

NEWTON N.C.– A Catawba County substance abuse counselor was arrested on multiple drug charges on Monday. Narcotics investigators working with the Catawba County Sheriff's Office and the Newton Police Department requested a search warrant for the …
Read more on Hickory Daily Record

 

Benita Terrell, Student And Peer Counselor, Reveals What HIV Looks Like

Filed under: addiction counselor certification

I know a lot of people who have become alcoholics or addicts because they're so depressed. Most of them stop working, they stop seeking treatment, they become homeless; women have become prostitutes. It's almost like a domino effect. They become …
Read more on Huffington Post