Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors

Advise and guide people struggling with addictions to alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, gambling, or food. Possible activities include providing counseling to individuals, families, or organizations, as well as participating in prevention-based initiatives.

Career Snapshot

ABOUT SUBSTANCE ABUSE OR BEHAVIORAL DISORDER COUNSELOR CAREERS

Counselors for substance abuse and behavioural disorders have the ability to change people's lives. They assist clients in overcoming addictions to alcohol, cigarettes, narcotics, or gambling. Alternatively, they may work with clients to create coping techniques for other behavioural issues, such as binge eating. 

This profession frequently necessitates offering evening and weekend hours to counsel customers who work throughout the day. Sessions can be one-on-one or in small groups. They can occur in a variety of settings, including schools, healthcare facilities, and even correctional institutions. 

Some counsellors are also administrators. They may create educational programmes and assess the effectiveness of treatment initiatives. It's a job that necessitates patience and sensitivity. It also necessitates college-level work in a variety of subjects such as psychology, social work, and youth and family services. 

Substance addiction and behavioural problem counsellors may view their work as demanding and exhausting at times, but they know they are assisting people in leading healthier lives, which may be gratifying.

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Wages


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Characteristics

Comfort of the work setting
Exposure to extreme environmental conditions
Exposure to job hazards
Physical demands
Dealing and handling conflicts
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines
Level of responsibilities
Critical decision making
Work closely with team members, clients etc.
Competition for this position
Communication with others
Leadership

Activities

Assisting and Caring for Others Know More
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Know More
Documenting/Recording Information Know More
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Know More
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Know More
Getting Information Know More
Making Decisions and Solving Problems Know More
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work Know More

Areas of Study

Clerical Know More
Computers and Electronics Know More
Customer and Personal Service Know More
Education and Training Know More
English Language Know More
Psychology Know More
Sociology and Anthropology Know More
Therapy and Counseling Know More

Degrees

Colleges

Top Skills

Active Listening Know More
Critical Thinking Know More
Judgment and Decision Making Know More
Monitoring Know More
Reading Comprehension Know More
Service Orientation Know More
Social Perceptiveness Know More
Speaking Know More