Why You Should Start a Career in Substance Abuse Counseling
Finding a fulfilling career takes time and effort. Many people look for something beyond the financial reward, a career that would allow them to help others become better versions of themselves. This is what a substance abuse counselor does.
There is a significant need for substance abuse counselors, and the demand is growing faster than the supply. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are about 43,000 openings in this field.
As a counselor, you’ll be able to help people who struggle with substance use disorders, including those who struggle with alcohol and drug abuse and individuals suffering from mental health issues like depression or anxiety disorders. These illnesses may lead sufferers down a path toward addiction or other self-destructive behaviors, such as gambling or eating disorders.
Why Become a Substance Abuse Counselor?
Here are six reasons you should consider a career in substance abuse counseling.
- Variety of Opportunities
As a substance abuse counselor you can choose where you’d like to work, and there are opportunities in different fields and with different kinds of clients.
There are often opportunities to travel. This can be exciting because it allows you to experience new places, cultures, and ways of thinking about and treating addiction.
- Substance Abuse Counseling Is a Dynamic Field
If you’re considering a career in substance abuse counseling, you should know that this field is constantly changing, which means there are many opportunities for new graduates to find work, and for existing counselors to try different roles and settings.
- Chance to Change Lives
As a substance abuse counselor, you will be instrumental in changing lives. By offering guidance and mentorship, you can help people struggling to find meaning in their lives.
By providing the necessary treatment plans, tools, and resources for recovery, and helping them get the support they need, you can help people get back to a normal and healthy life.
- Flexible Working Environment
The flexibility of this profession is one of its main selling points. You can work in a clinic, hospital, or even from home during the day—or at night. You can choose your schedule and work on weekends or holidays if you’re so inclined.
If you have a family, this flexibility can make it easier for you to balance work with parenting or elder care responsibilities.
- Continuous Learning and Professional Development
For those who enjoy furthering their education and growing in their role, there are advanced studies available. Counselors are constantly learning new techniques and strategies to help their clients.
You’ll also have the opportunity to interact with other professionals working in this field, which means you’ll be able to learn from them as well. After all, experience is a great teacher, and some of the most valuable lessons come from those around us who have experienced similar situations or challenges at home or work.
Therefore, it pays to have an excellent educational background and training from the right technical school or college.
Start a Career in Substance Abuse Counseling With HCI College
As you can see, there are many reasons a career in substance abuse counseling is an ideal choice. It’s an exciting field that offers great professional growth and personal development opportunities, as well as the opportunity to make a difference in your community. If you’ve been thinking about entering this field of work, now is the time to start planning your career!
Explore our Programs to check which course offerings suit your academic and professional goals.
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