Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling

This major is a program that prepares individuals to help prevent substance abuse, counsel individuals and families with drug and alcohol problems, and perform intervention and therapeutic services for persons suffering from addiction.

Includes instruction in individual and group counseling skills, psychology of addiction, sociology, crisis intervention, substance abuse identification methodologies, substance abuse treatment modalities, substance abuse prevention and treatment resources, pharmacology and behavioral aspects of abused substances, treatment evaluation, patient observation and education, group dynamics, professional standards and ethics, and applicable law and regulations.

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Search for colleges that offer a degree in Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling Major (use the College Search feature and enter "substance abuse” in the major search field). Read the school’s department pages, they are often loaded with useful and specific information about the field.

What can you do with a major/degree in Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling Major?

If you choose this major/degree program, you will be working with individuals to help them deal with and overcome their dependence on drugs, gambling, food, or other types of addictions.   The counseling may be focused individually or within a group.  The setting may be a community organization, hospital, private group, or non-profit.

 

Trade Associations and Professional Organizations in Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling Major

Professional associations are groups of professionals dedicated to topics in specific fields. Professional associations provide a wealth of online resources, some of which are geared specifically towards students. These organizations typically also host conferences and events, providing great opportunities for learning and networking across your field of interest.

 

 

Publications/Magazines in Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling Major