I'm a recovering addict with over 4yrs clean and sober. I have been through rehab and feel that only a recovering person can truly know what another addict is going through. Having said that, I am wanting to get my degree and become a counselor.
Question is can I with an extensive criminal background.
thanks for any input
2006-10-09 09:38:52 · 17 answers · asked by Dawn F 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
in each state, the certification process and the program name is different... the link below will give you a good idea of the requirements for a CASAC (chemical addiction and substance abuse counselor) in NYS... do a search specific to your state on *drug counseling certification*(your state) and you should find stuff that will be helpful to you personally
the agency I work for runs a program for people with mental health diagnoses and histories of CA or SA and a criminal justice background... they are eligible to become CASACs so unless it varies by state, your background should not stand in your way... might just be harder to get hired but your lived experience is WAY valuable to those who need empathy and connection
congrats on your four years! when I think of clean time though I multiply it out because staying clean and sober is often a minute by minute decision so appreciate yourself... you've been clean +/- 2,102,400 minutes!!!
best of luck :)
2006-10-09 14:23:23 · answer #1 · answered by dornalune 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
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2016-06-11 15:01:50 · answer #2 · answered by Doris 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My boyfriend is a recovering addict with a criminal record and working to get his degree in Drug & Alcohol Couseling. Let me tell you that nearly half if not more of D&A counselors have a history of drug abuse, and quite often a criminal record. My boyfriend asked his teachers and they told him so. Many of them had a terrible history and record but became counselors because of it.
If it is a sexual offense then it might make a difference. My boyfriend had a DUI, and theft on his record and spent about a year in prision. Weapon possession, I'm not sure but probably won't make a difference. Obviously possesion of drugs won't make a difference. But other than that, it is no problem because they expect that in that career. It is actually a bonus because you understand and can relate to your patients unlike other people. Good luck you won't need it because you will make a great counselor, only don't start using again. Some couselors do and that isn't a pretty sight.
2006-10-09 16:16:36 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know a person in this same situation. That person has gone through recovery as well and they want to do the same thing-- become a counsellor.
I think you should be able to achieve this. The places that my friend went to, well they all offered that person a job because they ended up talking more than the real counsellors did in all of the sessions. You might want to talk to some of the recovery places around in your area and just ask for a job. I have never tried any drugs, but people say that the best counsellors are those that have been there and back and recovered because you truly know what those people are going through instead of just patronizing them with a bunch of psychological B.S. that any person just learned through books at a college.
2006-10-09 09:43:23 · answer #4 · answered by jennnnn 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are still options for those with records. Recovering addicts can be great counselors. But the specific requirements depend on your state. Look up drug and alcohol counselor certifications in your state and find out who manages them. (There's always an agency in charge of licenses and permits for electricians, plumbers, counselors, etc.)
2006-10-09 09:42:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
a (LADAC) Licensed Addiction Drug Alcohol Counseler is usually a recovering addict and 75% of addict have criminal records due to the nature of the disease. you need a Bachelors degree and specialized training in a work study..somewhere like Hazelden or Bradford..Below is a downloadable form called ..Becoming a counselor
2006-10-09 09:45:20 · answer #6 · answered by LENNON3804 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I applaud your efforts! I am sure you can be a substance abuse counselors. It would be a good profession for you because you are able to relate to the people you may be helping. You could probably go to your local community college to start with an A.A. or certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling. You may not be able to recieve Government Financial Aid depending on your criminal record. But starting there is much cheaper, and once you begin working, you can pay your way through a B.S. or B.A. if you desire. Good Luck!! :)
2006-10-09 09:55:10 · answer #7 · answered by Annieo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you can. First, call your state drug and alcohol board. They will send you all the qualifications. In my state, you must be off probation to become certified. You can work toward earning it while on probation. An addict can help another addict. But so can others. Trained professionals. If you had cancer would you expect the doctor to have had cancer too? Think about it. Good luck!
2006-10-09 09:48:19 · answer #8 · answered by jan 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well done on your sobriety!
The good news is - yes you can go on to be a counsellor.
I work with recovering addicts myself, and have known of many people to go on and work with others, because just as you have said, you know exactly what others are going through.
Some organisations will only employ recovered addicts. I am in Swansea, in the Uk and W.A.C.A.D.A. prefer to employ recovered addicts as Counsellors. You can go on to their website, if you type W.A.C.A.D.A. Swansea into your search engine.
I wish you all the best in your career.
2006-10-09 09:51:23 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Criminal Records Search Database : http://InfoSearchDetective.com/Help
2015-08-30 19:40:23 · answer #10 · answered by Gina 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋