Addictions Counselor: Salary & Duties

For those with a strong desire to help others, addiction counseling can be a rewarding career choice. Addiction counselors must possess a trustworthy nature and the ability to handle stressful situations and be capable of showing compassion. In return, they are rewarded with booming job prospects and the ability to make a positive impact on their clients' lives.

Duties of an Addiction Counselor
Addiction counselors strive to help clients abstain from addiction to substances and behaviors such as alcohol, drugs, and gambling. Counselors help their clients identify and overcome addictive behaviors. In addition, addiction counselors may provide counseling to family members or loved ones who have been affected by addiction. They may also help clients deal with the ongoing consequences of their addiction. Because many clients hold full-time jobs, addiction counselors may be expected to work evening hours.

Where to find addiction counselor jobs
Addiction counselors may work in an individual or group setting; employment opportunities can be found at rehabilitation centers, community improvement programs, and government agencies. Counselors may also choose to work one-on-one with patients in a private practice. This is becoming a more viable option for addiction counselors as insurance companies are increasingly willing to cover counseling services.

Addiction counselor programs
Addiction counselors are expected to uphold a strict code of ethics, and licensure is required in most states. While many counseling positions require a master's degree prior to licensure or certification, counselors who specialize in substance abuse are governed by a different agency and may be subject to more flexible education requirements. If you're interested in a career in addiction counseling, consult your state agency before deciding which educational program is right for you.

Demand for addiction counselor jobs
As stigmas decrease, more people are willing to undergo treatment for addiction, and addiction counselors will enjoy ample job prospects in the coming years. Substance abuse counseling currently accounts for about 13 percent of all counseling jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). And the BLS estimates that job opportunities will increase by 34 percent between 2006 and 2016, making substance abuse the fastest-growing sector of counseling. Job-seekers who wish to make a difference will find ample opportunities in the specialized field of addictions counseling.

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