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Substance abuse/chemical dependency counselors help clients face their dependency on drugs or alcohol. They teach clients new ways of coping with life’s problems. Counselors work with individuals and groups where they confront their client’s drug use. They may assist families in coping with the emotional and social effects of substance abuse. Counselors review records and interview clients. They talk with medical doctors, family members, police, and other counselors to determine the client's condition and situation. They then formulate a therapy plan for recovery. Counselors may send clients to other support services such as social or employment services. They monitor the client's progress and modify the therapy as required. Finally, counselors prepare and maintain written reports and case files. Substance abuse/chemical dependency counselors may write and make presentations to groups concerned with drug and alcohol abuse. They may prepare documents for presentation in court and accompany the client to legal proceedings. Substance abuse/chemical dependency counselors may also be called addictions counselors. Environment Substance abuse/chemical dependency counselors generally work in an office setting. They may work in private offices, hospitals, clinics, or social service agencies. Occasionally they work in schools. Counselors may visit homes when working with family members and other groups. Working more than 40 hours a week is common. Meetings often take place in the evening. Prep General college preparation is recommended. Coursework should include three math classes including algebra I, algebra II, and geometry (or a higher level math course for which algebra II is a prerequisite), three science courses including one biological science, one physical science, and one lab course, four English units, and two social studies units. It is strongly recommended students take two years of a foreign language. If available, a student should be enrolled in a health services endorsement area. This is defined as a broad course of study that allows students to explore career opportunities and apply academic knowledge and skills in health services. Academic A substance abuse/chemical dependency counseling student must complete 150 Alcohol & Drug Education Hours to obtain the NCAC I license. All education hours must be accredited or approved by a recognized/approved accreditation body. Education hours must include the topical areas of: Basic Counseling Skills, Group Counseling Skills, Alcohol & Drugs of Abuse Pharmacology, HIV/AIDS Risk Assessment & Risk Reduction, and Ethics. A NCAC I requires 1,000 Supervised Experience Hours in the Addiction Counselor Competencies. All hours must be supervised by a qualified clinical supervisor under Oregon Administrative Rule (CADC II or a Licensed Mental Health Professional with 60 A&D Education hours in their personnel file). They need to have a letter of verification verifying a minimum of 2 years of sobriety time for those who are recovering from chemical dependence with an ethics agreement (signed and dated). Substance abuse counselors NCACI need to pass the NCACI National Certification Exam from the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors. For a NCACII a minimum of an Associates degree (or equivalency) with a minimum of 300 Alcohol & Drug Education hours is required. All education hours must be accredited or approved by a recognized/approved accreditation body. Education hours must include the topical areas of: Basic Counseling Skills, Group Counseling Skills, Alcohol & Drugs of Abuse Pharmacology HIV/AIDS Risk Assessment & Risk Reduction, Ethics, and Cultural Diversity. NCACII substance abuse counselors need 4,000 supervised experience hours in the Addiction Counselor Competencies. All hours must be supervised by a qualified clinical supervisor under Oregon rule. They need a letter of verification stating that they have 3 years of sobriety for those who are recovering from chemical dependence and a signed and dated ethics agreement. To obtain a substance abuse counselor license NCAC II need to take and pass the National Certification Exam from the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors. Once candidates have passed the NCAC II Written Examination, the counselor will be granted Provisional CADC II certification valid for 1 year. Then candidates must successfully complete the Case Presentation Exam within that year for full NCACII status. Earning Potential $50,746.00 - $70,272.00
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