Question by Jenn: A job as a drug and alcohol counselor?
Do I have to get some type of degree to become and drug and alcohol counselor or get certified to be one?

Best answer:

Answer by engakwasdky
Yes and Yes.

As far as degrees go, you will have to get at least a bachelor’s degree in social work or other mental health field (psychology, sociology, etc.). Now, some facilities will hire you with just a bachelor’s degree and give you the title of a “counselor”, but MOST facilities require you to have a master’s degree in mental health counseling, counseling psychology, or social work. And as a word of advice, most places require you to have a master’s degree in social work (MSW) for insurance billing purposes.

Certification depends on where you live, but I believe each state has it’s own board of addictions certification. You may be able to search for the requirements on Google (or I may be able to help if I knew what state you reside in). In many cases, you will be able to obtain employment and work as a counselor while waiting for certification. Some certs will require you to be employed as a counselor for a set number of years so they know you have experience and actually know what you are doing. In other words, certification is not necessarily something you need to do before you start job searching. However, not to confuse you, but if you do get your MSW most counseling agencies require that you have your license to practice as a social worker. This is something that all social workers have the option of doing regardless of the field of social work they are entering (i.e., hospital social work, gerontology, etc.).

Let me know if you have any more questions! The field of drug/alcohol dependency is rapidly growing, so counselors are in high demand!

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Question by .: Did they really send Britney Spears to rehab? FOR DOING DRUGS?

Best answer:

Answer by InstantKarma
Drugs are usually the reason why anyone goes to rehab.

Answer by Hope Solo Fan
at this moment she is clean!

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Question by Olivia: How many years of school do you need to become a substance abuse and behavioral counselor?
Also, not a school counselor. I want to work with adults and teenagers but I didn’t know I would have to go to school for almost eight years? Is this true? Did my school counselor have to go to school for that long too?

Best answer:

Answer by StellaStarfire
“While on-the-job training is often provided, some employers prefer candidates that have a bachelor’s degree or higher in psychology, sociology or a related subject along with two years of counseling in a related field or equivalent life experience such as being a former drug addict or performing volunteer work. Some substance abuse counselors have a master’s degree in mental health counseling. Numerous colleges provide associate degree programs for counselors which usually take two years to complete. The programs include training in drugs and alcohol. Some of the programs offer training in crisis intervention.

The criteria for licensure varies by state. In some cases, the candidates are only required to have a high school diploma and certification. The National Board for Certified Counselors offers a general practice credential of National Certified Counselor. The national certification is distinct from state licensing. The board also provides a speciality certification in addiction counseling.”

From:

http://www.citytowninfo.com/employment/substance-abuse-counselors

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Question by Shabu Shabu: Do I have to be in Drug Counselling my whole life?
45 years ago my dad let me take a sip of his beer. About 8 years ago the government found out.

I have been in Court-Ordered Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous classes ever since. I’ve never tried drugs, and have not had beer since that incident in the 1960’s! I’m a coffee drinker and a book worm. Alcohol makes you stupid and I never drank it.

These classes are really annoying. I have to take 24 hours of classes a week. Three for each, three times a week, and half-time on weekends. Everything I do, I am accused of “relapsing” and getting put back in a hospital or jail! My “sponsor” is a crack-head and thinks anytime I do ANYTHING it’s because of my “addiction” or my “disease”.

A “disease” I got as a kid, that sadly, there is no cure for. No pill to cure.

I am also forced to do 2-4 prayers to Jesus at every meeting. Even though I am not Christian. I was told “Your higher power can be anything you want. Even an ashtray if you want, but Jesus is the highest Power!”

This is all really distressing me and my life to where I’m starting to seriously think about drinking! Will I have to take these classes forever?? Or can I somehow get my life back? Shouldn’t my dad be responsible for giving me alcohol? It’s not my fault! I don’t feel diseased. But they say that’s the denial of the illness talking….

Any advice? Thank you…

Best answer:

Answer by Mollie
Is this a joke? There is no place on earth the government would require someone to pray to Jesus.

Answer by D
Mollie, it’s no joke. Court programs routinely require people to attend AA/NA meetings, which are self-described “spiritual, not religious” despite being based on Christian ritual, prayer, and dogma.
Larger cities have been fought by enough attorneys that they automatically acquiesce on the issue.

When gently pushed on the issue, my little town allowed me secular alternatives.

Tiffany, I’ve been in a court ordered program, but my irresponsibility is what put me there. Man was I mad, and initially struggled in outrage over the matter. It only made matters more difficult.

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by Christiana Care

Ativan Addiction and Ativan Abuse – http://drugrehabcenter.com – Ativan Addiction and Ativan Abuse – Our multi-faceted approach to addiction treatment addresses our client’s emotional, spiritua…