What Does a Drug Counselor Do?

Drug addiction counselors are essential members of the substance abuse treatment industry, helping individuals manage their addictions and rebuild trust with their families. With a master's degree from the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies, there is no limit to what you can achieve in the field of drug and alcohol counseling. Drug addiction counseling is a process that helps people address the psychological component of their dependence. It provides lessons for making better decisions and, in general, improves the life of the individual in mind and spirit.

Counseling also helps people understand how substance abuse affects the whole family and how family interventions can be a first step to recovery. Contingency management (CM) is a type of positive reinforcement counseling that encourages patients to abstain from drug use and engage in health behaviors. Group therapy is an opportunity for the recovering addict to sit with peers in the drug rehab program and share experiences while receiving mutual support. Unfortunately, drug and alcohol abuse is an epidemic around the world.

Looking at these figures, the need for accessible counselors for substance abuse and drug abuse treatment becomes increasingly evident. Qualified counselors who can help people manage their addictions are an integral part of the substance abuse treatment industry and the broader American workforce.