Drug Counselor
A drug counselor works with individuals who have substance abuse problems to help them understand the reasons for their specific behavior, and to help them to overcome their addiction(s). Drug counselors are responsible for offering guidance to patients to assist them in understanding their dependence, as well as designing treatment options. He or she may act as a friend or as a person of authority while providing advice and tools for behavior modification and the prevention of future relapses. Counselors may work in a group therapy setting, or offer one on one treatment sessions.
Other common duties include: keeping therapy session notes, completing patient evaluations, designing treatment plans, recommending higher levels of treatment (such as residential facilities), keeping up to date patient records, and reporting to program directors.
Drug counselors are required to hold a Master’s degree in psychology, criminal justice, sociology, or other mental health related areas, and must be licensed. Some employers may accept a Bachelor’s degree with substantial work experience. Certification as an alcohol and drug counselor (CADC), or similar certification, is highly recommended. Other necessary skills include: exceptional listening skills, analytical skills, organizational skills, computer skills, communication skills, reasoning skills, and problem solving skills. Some employers require counselors to be prescreened.
The typical average salary of an experienced drug counselor is about $34,000 per year.
