Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors

Working Schedule

Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors may work full- or part-time, with night, weekend, or holiday shifts necessary in some settings. 

Typical Duties

• Review client/patient records and reports to gain an understanding of their backgrounds, setbacks, and progress to-date
• Schedule one-on-one or group counseling sessions
• Analyze the severity of a client’s drug dependency 
• Develop and adjust customized treatment plans 
• Gather biological samples for drug testing
• Keep track of the client's drug or alcohol abuse patterns 
• Collaborate with healthcare team members, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers, as needed
• Discuss client situations with parole officers or others in the justice system, as required
• Conduct interventions during crisis situations
• Review progress and goal attainment status
• Attend training sessions to increase knowledge and skills related to the field
• Conduct interviews with affected family members, go over services and program options, and educate them on ways to support patients as best as they can

Additional Responsibilities

• Check-in with discharged patients for follow-up care 
• Train new counselors and interns
• Make referrals for other social services or treatment options, as needed
• Create public education materials and programs
• Attend meetings and give presentations
• Stay up-to-date on relevant industry policy and funding changes
• Maintain and safeguard physical and electronic records

Soft Skills

• Compassion
• Composure
• Cooperation
• Dependability
• Detail-oriented
• Diligence
• Innovative thinking
• Integrity 
• Listening skills
• Methodical 
• Motivation
• Negotiation skills
• Observant
• Patient
• Persistent
• Persuasive 
• Relationship-building
• Safety conscious 
• Sound judgment 
• Teaching skills
• Time management 

Technical Skills

• Addiction-Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System
• Calendaring tools to make appointments 
• Computer-Assisted Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Database query software
• Medical programs such as Athena’s Penelope Case Management
• Office software
• Presentation programs
• Records management programs
• Therapeutic Education System

• Governmental agencies
• Hospitals and clinics
• Mental health and substance abuse recovery centers

Persons suffering from addictions can be challenging to work with. Their behavior may be unpredictable, and relapses are common. Often, they struggle with mental health problems, as well, creating another layer of complexities. Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors must apply all their knowledge and skills to find workable treatment and recovery paths for their clients and patients, some of whom are not always willing participants (such as those who are involuntarily committed to a rehab program). 

The job can be an emotional rollercoaster leading to stress and frustration at times. Many counselors experience burnout due to an overload of cases and/or a scarcity of resources. There’s a lot riding on the effectiveness of their treatment plans and the pressure can take a toll when things don’t work out. However, it’s important to expect and plan for setbacks and to keep pushing forward. When counselors stay motivated and persistent, they can often help clients turn their lives around! 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects up to 22% job growth for the field, compared to an average of just 5% for all occupations. One reason for the job boost? Several states are viewing counseling services as a more humane alternative to jail time for persons charged with drug-related activities. There’s also a growing movement by the military to help veterans in need of professional mental health and substance abuse counseling services. 

Another reason is that alcohol and drug use surged during the Covid pandemic, creating a desperate need for more trained Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors to enter the workforce. Of particular concern is the frightening trend of cartels targeting younger customers with “rainbow fentanyl” which is “50 times more potent than heroin” and can be fatal in doses “equal to 10-15 grains of table salt.”

Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors tend to be compassionate people who may have always tried to help others. The field attracts people from all walks of life, but it’s not uncommon for people who were affected by substance abuse—either from their own use or that of a loved one—to take up this profession. Data USA notes that currently nearly 3/4th of workers in this field are women, with the most common college majors being psychology, education, and public admin/social services.