Last Updated on March 22, 2015 by Morris Green

Did you know?

In 2012, 23.1 million persons aged 12 or older needed treatment for an illicit drug or alcohol use problem. (2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health)

In it’s latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health report, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, defines the need of treatment as follows:

“having substance dependence or abuse or [receiving attention or] treatment for substance use at a specialty facility (hospital inpatient, drug or alcohol rehabilitation, or mental health centers) within the past 12 months.”

Out of all people aged 12 and older (yes, 12), 8.9 percent of the population needed treatment or help to handle a drug or alcohol problem.

Who do they turn to for help?

The answer to this very question emphasizes the need for qualified substance abuse professionals all over the country. But…

What is a Substance Abuse Professional?

In general a substance abuse professional is a provider licensed and certified to counsel those who suffer from the effects of substance abuse. As drug and alcohol counselors, rehabilitation and recovery are among the core responsibilities of substance abuse professionals in service to the community at large.

The Assessment is also a critical part of the substance abuse professional’s job. In order to effectively prescribe the appropriate level of treatment for people who are suffering from drug abuse, addiction or dependence, the qualified substance abuse professional conducts a comprehensive face-to-face assessment and clinical evaluation. Based on their assessment, the substance abuse professional recommends the proper assistance to address a person’s drug or alcohol use problems and recommends a course of treatment. For this reason, the professional must have knowledge of and clinical experience in the diagnosis and treatment of substance abuse disorders, as documented by a state governing body.

In particular, a substance abuse professional can specialize or be certified in the following areas or specialties:

• Licensed physician (Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy);
• Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (Alcohol and Drug Counselor)
• Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor)
• Certified Clinical Supervisor (Clinical Supervisor)
• Certified Substance Abuse Prevention Consultant (Prevention Specialist)
• Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional (Criminal Justice Addictions Professional)
• Certified Substance Abuse Residential Facility Director (Non-IC&RC Credential)
• Licensed or Certified Social Worker

These areas of specialty are dependent upon the level of education, supervised training and degree certification.

What Does A Substance Abuse Professional Do?

Here are just a few day-to-day activities of a substance abuse professional or drug addiction counselor:

• Assess individuals’ degree of drug dependency by collecting and analyzing urine samples and conducting an interview of a series of questions to uncover patterns or history of drug or alcohol use
• Provide group or individual counseling for clients to help them overcome drug abuse and addictions
• Help clients be restored back to a sober state of health and quality of life independent of drugs or alcohol
• Develop client treatment plans based on research, clinical experience, and client histories
• Educate clients through drug education and prevention curriculum
• Participate in case conferences or staff meetings
• Coordinate counseling, therapy and rehabilitation efforts with other mental health professionals, doctors, nurses, or social workers
• Review and evaluate clients’ progress in relation to measurable goals described in treatment and care plans
• Plan or implement follow-up or post treatment plans
• Complete and maintain accurate records or reports regarding the patients’ histories and progress, services provided, or other required information
• Community awareness and education of alcohol and drug use and abuse for employers, organizations and schools
• Provide prevention and education programs for clients and their families

The Value of Substance Abuse Professionals

Because the need is so great for people who need support and treatment for alcohol and drug addictions, a substance abuse professional is a tremendous asset to every community. From middle school to college campuses; from commercial vehicle drivers to airline pilots; from bankers to teachers, substance abuse is a reality of millions of Americans. The job of the substance abuse professional is key to restoring the lives of not only those who abuse drugs, but also their families, and ultimately, their communities.

If you know a substance abuse professional, addiction counselor or prevention educator in your area, thank them! And if you are considering how to become a substance abuse professional, we invite you to join the profession, your community needs you!