In 2008, it was estimated by the National Department of Health and Human Services, that about 22.2 million people were considered to be substance abusers; that is about 9 percent of the population that is over the age of 12. Out of that 22.2 million, 3.1 million were said to be abusing alcohol and illicit drugs. As a licensed counselor, you will be able to help people within jails, hospitals and rehab facilities.
First, you will need to decide what level you would like to obtain counseling. You can visit find counseling.com, where it shows that you can enter into the field with an associate's degree. In order to get a full license though, you will need to obtain a master's degree. All levels of drug and alcohol counseling allow you to help people, but the higher the degree you hold, the more options you will have down the line of your career.
Now, you would need to do some research about the requirements of your state in order to become a licensed counselor. When you begin looking for schools to attend, you need to ensure that the programs offered are accredited by the state and nationally. Also, do you want to go to a local school or are you willing to relocate? It is important that you take a look at the school before signing up; meet the faculty and view the campus.
Next, you will need to enroll and begin taking your drug and alcohol counselor program. Aside from the classroom training you will receive, you will also be required to do several hours of hands'on training, which is usually done through an internship.
