I have recently started college to become a drug and alcohol counselor in California. I have been told that this is not a good carreer. I would like some feedback from anyone in this line of work. I know its what I want to do but now I'm having doubts. Please help!
2007-03-07 14:39:45 · 11 answers · asked by hawkeye1248 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
What is not "good" about it? You may never get rich doing this, but you can help a lot of people. It is difficult because at times you give more effort to a client's recovery than they will do, but it is a good job to have and you will always have people who need your help. You just need to find your own definition of success and follow your dream.
2007-03-07 14:47:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Different states have different requirements for being a substance abuse counselor. In my state, for many years most had a GED and on the job training. Now they are working to require a bachelors degree. What ever credentials you get, you will not get rich. You will make a living. The success rate is very poor. That is the nature of addiction. You will have some night and weekend work. Some of the people you counsel will not want to be there and will be resistant. They will question your competency if you have no personal history of addiction.
Depending on your outlook, these things can be challenges or burdens. Counseling can be rewarding, but your rewards will be mostly internal. Most often you will not "see" what you have done and often may not know. It is not a bad carreer, but can be frustrating and can be a joy.
I am wondering why you want to do this. Just to know your motivation. Has addiction touched you personally, or has the field just attracted you? Don't wory successful counselors come from a variety of backgrounds.
2007-03-08 01:14:14 · answer #2 · answered by Cara Beth 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If this is what you want to do you will never be happy doing something else. Drug and alcohol abuse is so prominent and those addicted need someone passionate and caring to help. One important thing to keep in mind is that drug and alcohol addiction go hand in hand with mental illness and mental health. One cannot adequately address addiction without also confronting and working through the issues which have caused someone to turn to substances. What I'm saying is that perhaps your 'goal' might be a degree in something broader such as psychology or social work where you can learn how both of these work together. You may even find there is a different population you want to work with. In any event, a broader base will give you more options while still providing you the opportunity to work specifically in drug and alcohol counseling. Maybe this is the route you are already taking. This is not a bad career choice if it is what you want to do. You cannot be happy doing something you haven't chosen. It's your life path and your choice which way to go. I firmly believe that if you go in the direction you are meant to go you will never find yourself in want. Do what you feel is right and remember that even if you change your mind in the process, you have a right to and you may. I don't know who has told you otherwise but I can pretty much tell you this: You and those around you will be much obliged to find you poor but happy in your life than to find you rich and miserable.
2007-03-07 23:45:18 · answer #3 · answered by Pantera 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not a chemical dependency counselor, but rather a mental health counselor, so take this for what it's worth. I've been in this field for 20+ years (if you count the jobs I had before i got my masters degree) and rarely have I ever regretted the choice. (Sometimes I regret my paycheck, it ain't no way to get rich!) I love my work and it's probably the single most rewarding thing i've ever known and if you feel a strong pull, follow it. There's no amount of money that will ever make up for the satisfaction you feel at the privelege of being a part of someone's change process. My clients have taught me more about life than I ever imagined possible and I will be forever in their debt for having shared their lives with me. There's no better benefit package I know of.
2007-03-07 22:51:27 · answer #4 · answered by Opester 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm not a counselor, but I am a psychology major. An liscensed drug and alcohol counselor requires a master's in social work, and extra training in chemical dependency. They are not paid *that* well, and that is probably why you are hearing bad things about it. But it is a good career, expecially if you want to work in a clinic. If money is a concern, I suggest getting your Ph.D or Psy.D and then working. You will be paid more, and respected. Plus, you will understand addiction, psychopathology, and psychopharmacology better. Don't doubt it! Follow your dream. There is more than one way to get there.
2007-03-08 00:20:23 · answer #5 · answered by bones_to_heaven 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are fond of helping teenagers and drug addicts in their lives, you made a great choice. But if it isn't what you really like, there's a 100% possibility that you'll shift to another career in a period of 5 years or so because of the emotional build-up and lack of financial rewards.
You need to first talk to your superior(parents, professors, or anyone) and weigh you options before shifting careers. Maybe they may help you get an insight about this - if you really wanna help these sort of people or not. If the answer is no, draft out plans and start surveying the options available to you right now.
As counselors say, 'the job is in financially burdening, but is emotional rewarding'.
2007-03-07 22:52:14 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, becoming a drug and alcohol counselor is probably a good thing to do. Drugs and alcoholism is not going away. pursuing a careeer and subsequentially a license is an excellent idea. It will fare you well through out your career.
The field is one that will require great stamina and it is one where people really burn out from the stress of continually dealing with people that struggle with substance issues .
You cannot let people determine what you want to do with your life. Follow your dream.
Good Luck!
2007-03-07 22:56:00 · answer #7 · answered by cbellsew 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't give up man, I am not a
counselor, but I might be able to
get your esteem better. Drugs and
Alcohol seems so easy to defend
yourself on how to not take them and actually avoid them. Not a thing to worry about, except how much does it pay, and for how long? You might want to be careful maybe the reason why people are saying that it is dangerous is because if someone who needs help is actually an addic it might not be so easy goodluck if you have to do a biker dude.
2007-03-07 22:59:03 · answer #8 · answered by lovesweetgirl! 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Who told you this? What proof do they have? Did you ask for their opinion?
There will always be people in life who want to take away your goals, happiness, etc. Ignore them. If this is your dream and you know you will enjoy helping people get on a better path in life (and save lives), go for it.
This may be a stepping stone to something in years to come. We usually don't do just one thing in life, that would be VERY boring. You may find yourself moving on to become a MFCC or helping people in another capacity.
Hold on to your dreams, they are important, no matter what anyone says.
2007-03-08 00:15:34 · answer #9 · answered by MadforMAC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with those who say follow your dream, i did this line of work & people said the same to me, only you can live your life & deside if the path you take is right.
You may find you excell esp if you have empathy, compassion & a non-judgemental positive regard for all.
Carpe Diem.
2007-03-08 03:07:26 · answer #10 · answered by riverdanceboi 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋