How to Become a Drug & Alcohol Rehab Counselor
- 1). Research the drug and alcohol rehabilitation field thoroughly---becoming a substance abuse counselor can be an extremely taxing profession, and you should be absolutely certain that this is the career path you want to follow. Volunteer at halfway homes, rehabilitation centers, hospital detox wards, etc. Physically putting yourself in these settings will help you to determine whether this is a profession you want to pursue after your volunteering stint.
- 2). Obtain a bachelor's degree in a social science field such as social work, public health or psychology. This undergraduate degree will give you the foundation you need to understand the basics of the psychology, disease and treatment involved in addiction and rehabilitation. While getting your degree, you should also try to get some work-related experience in drug and alcohol addiction treatment; this will aid your graduate school applications.
- 3). Obtain a master's degree after graduating from an accredited university with a bachelor's degree in one of the aforementioned areas. Depending on the specific program you wish to enroll in, you can obtain an Master of Arts, Master of Science or a Master of Social Work in a social services field. Some master's degree programs offer concentrations in substance abuse rehabilitation; otherwise, your master's degree should be in a concentration similar to your bachelor's.
- 4). Enroll in a substance abuse treatment certification program after receiving your master's degree if you were not able to focus on drug and alcohol rehabilitation in your graduate program. To work in most well-respected rehabilitation centers, you must have had some concentration during your education on the substance abuse field.
- 5). Learn the licensing requirements for working as a substance abuse counselor in the state you will be living in when you begin practicing, as these vary from state to state. You can learn about these requirements through the American Counseling Association, the Association of Social Work Boards or by visiting your state's government website directly.
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