The opioid crisis remains a pressing public health challenge, affecting individuals and communities across the nation. The United States is now focusing on addressing the opioid crisis through a “whole-person” approach. This method considers an individual’s physical and mental health needs alongside their social support, potentially leading to more successful treatment and recovery outcomes. Understanding...
The mental health and substance use treatment sectors are rapidly expanding, and the role of Peer Support Specialists (PSS) is becoming increasingly vital. These professionals draw on their lived experiences with mental health or substance use challenges to support others on their recovery journeys. In California, the demand for peer support services continues to rise...
Are you passionate about helping others and interested in becoming a certified counselor in California? Our comprehensive guide provides you with valuable information on the necessary steps to embark on this fulfilling career path. Explore the requirements, training programs, and licensing process that will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to support individuals in need. Start your journey towards making a positive impact as a certified counselor in California today.
Insights from Judy Redman, M.Ed., MBA, CADC III, CACCS, CATC-V As an experienced Substance Use Disorder Counselor and educator, I have seen firsthand how challenging and rewarding the profession can be. Long hours and emotionally draining work are often the norm, but taking care of oneself is as important as helping clients. In my over...
According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 11.7% of people over 12 use illegal drugs. Furthermore, reports show that 60.2% of Americans have substance use disorders. Unfortunately, drug abuse is a serious problem in the United States. If you are considering drug and alcohol counseling as a career to assist those suffering from...
Imagine a job where you change not just one person’s life but multiple people’s lives for the better. Drug abuse has a ripple effect that spreads widely from the addict to their friends and family to their coworkers and beyond. When you help someone overcome drug addiction, you contribute positively to that ripple effect. An...
The substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counseling field is expected to grow by 22 percent over the next ten years. This growth rate is much faster than average. This means that the need for trained counselors is on the rise. With this growth comes a need for certification and licensure, which can confuse...
Did you know that people qualified to become addiction recovery counselors may also be qualified to work at outpatient substance abuse centers, private practices, mental health centers, and local and state hospitals? If you want to make a positive difference in the world, it is a great idea to become an alcohol and drug counselor....
Being in recovery doesn’t make it easy to date. For anyone who has struggled with addiction, it may feel like every potential partner is asking for trust and to take a risk on someone they barely know. However, being in recovery can make dating challenging, but it doesn’t mean it’s impossible, or there aren’t ways...
Overcoming addiction is one of the hardest things anyone will have to do. But it can be made easier. Addiction can significantly impact your life and mental health and result in substantial changes to your lifestyle. When you spend all your time and energy focusing on overcoming addiction, it’s easy to let other aspects of...