From Addict to counselor

[twang]

Just wondering if any of you have gone from being heroin addicts (or opiate addicts) to getting clean to getting into drug counseling. It seems like ex addicts would be the best kind of person to be a counselor because they can truly identify and relate to people's problems with addiction.
If any of you did go this route, how did you go about it? Go to school to get a degree? Take classes to get a certification or something? Sounds like it would be a ridiculously hard job because a lot of addicts aren't ready to get clean even though they may be forced into treatment. And trying to talk an addict out of using that isn't ready to quit seems like a fruitless act.
So, anyone done it? And if so how do you like it?

 

[cj]

I was on the path to do that but I have kinda fallen off as of late. I was going to get a social work bachelors degree. The biggest downfall I could identify is getting a license with drug charges on my record but I was assured that anything less than a felony would be ok.

 

[herbavore]

Just wondering if any of you have gone from being heroin addicts (or opiate addicts) to getting clean to getting into drug counseling. It seems like ex addicts would be the best kind of person to be a counselor because they can truly identify and relate to people's problems with addiction.

There have been several longtime members/moderators here that have done that but at this point they are no longer posting on Bluelight. I keep up with a guy outside of BL that was incredibly inspirational for me as he battled his addiction over a matter of years and then went on to become a counselor. One current member I know is currently employed as a peer counselor so hopefully he'll chime in soon.

Sounds like it would be a ridiculously hard job because a lot of addicts aren't ready to get clean even though they may be forced into treatment. And trying to talk an addict out of using that isn't ready to quit seems like a fruitless act.

I think the focus would be less on "trying to talk them out of it" than helping them to understand what they get out of it and alternative routes to getting those needs met. Still, I get your point about the frustration. There is a certain amount of frustration that would come with the territory of any counseling job--drug related or not--and I think you would have to factor in your own ability to handle it.

 

[simco]

OP, there are several routes you can take to get into that kind of position. I've done a lot of reading on the subject bc I've considered the same thing.

A lot of advertised jobs call for a degree such as a bachelors or masters in social work.

But most of the counselors I know took a less formal route...they simply got low-level jobs in a rehab or similar place and then worked their way into a counselor position. The down side with this, however, is that you are going to spend a fairly long time in a job you're probably not that excited about, hoping that you'll get a chance to move in a more interesting gig that may or may not materialize.

My feeling is that getting a degree would be the most direct.

 

[twang]

I was on the path to do that but I have kinda fallen off as of late. I was going to get a social work bachelors degree. The biggest downfall I could identify is getting a license with drug charges on my record but I was assured that anything less than a felony would be ok.

That seems very counterintuitive to bar people that have felony drug charges if they've turned their life around and want to help people conquer addiction.

 

[This Won't Hurt]

This is actually quite common. Most states have a certification for peer specialists. They usually fill low level roles like counting suboxone and aiding in group sessions. I know here in NY a requirement is earning continuing credits in the field to keep your certification. It's a great way to earn hours towards casac licensing.

 

[jdfisse]

It IS counter-intuitive and has not been my experience. Violent and sexually related felonies and even misdemeanors can disqualify a person, but I am personally associated with licensed counselors that have extensive felony records who are LCSWs, MFTs, CPCs, and even PhD's. It is one field that is actually fairly friendly toward people who have turned their lives around from my personal experience.

**edit

I will add as a caveat that all those I know adhere to complete abstinence. I don't know anyone who is on maintenance that has qualified for those licenses, but I also do not know if that is a disqualifier. I do know that the state medical board in most states will not grant medical license to practice to individuals who are on DRT, ORT, MAT, choose your name for it. I don't know the criteria for clinical licenses.

 

[This Won't Hurt]

I know from personal experience, in NY, casac licensed counselors with documented history of substance abuse are subjected to random drug screening by a board of ethics. Not entirely sure how ORT falls in that..

 

[twang]

I wasn't necessarily thinking about doing this anyways, but if I did I would want to be talking one on one with current addicts or struggling addicts that are in recovery. Not counting pills or being a counselors aid. How boring...

And barring someone from a job like that because of a sexual and/or violence related felony charge makes way more sense than barring them for drug charges. Unless it's something like public urination, sexual predators shouldn't have access to people in as vulnerable a state as addiction recovery.

 

[This Won't Hurt]

Peer specialist is just a starting point. You need X amount of on the job hours before you can get licensed depending on your education level. It's a lot easier to get 1000 hours in the field while you're working on your degree than doing it after you graduate.

 

[Jabberwocky]

I took some classes for an drug and alcohol type counselor certification thing a while back, really just cause I was curious what that education was like and because I had a lot of free time and love to learn. God, what a fucking joke. If you're serious about helping people and working in this field, as traditional four year degree in a related field followed by graduate work is the way to go. Generally speaking, even when you have the best counselor working for you, they simply don't have the resources to give their clients what they really need.

There are a LOT of reforms that need to happen as far as requirements as to should be able to get licenses to work in such a position. Either that, or their responsibilities need to be drastically curtailed to the more or less shittier aspect of the job (sorry, but generally speaking counselors, with the exception of those with extensive training at the graduate level, counselors simply don't have the resources or tools to fulfill their duties to patients (such as organizing aftercare - which is almost routinely totally a failure on the part of treatment personal) the same way that those with more appropriate medical training do.

The counseling business is a product of the 12 step system/groups, and while it is a valuable resource, it's almost always use for inappropriate positions/responsibilities. Almost without exception, my experience drug and alcohol counselors has been either a disgrace or joke. Actually, without exception...

Anyways, when I realized I'd never be able to do for my clients what I wanted to be able to do for them with just a drug and alcohol certification (and I also have a BA, so it's not like I just have the certification - and a lot if not most people with the certification don't also have a bachelor's degree let alone a graduate level degree), and after experiencing all the myths and misinformation promoted commonly by 12 step based/abstinence only groups when it comes to addiction treatment, modern medicine and science, I basically realized I'd be beyond miserable with that job.

Now I'm working towards and MDiv and MFT, and from the interning with that I've already begun I know I'm going to love being able to do the more meaningful work than I'd ever be able to do working for a treatment center. Treatment centers, by and large, are a horrible place to work BTW in terms of the environment and culture, at least for folks less inclined to the dogma of the abstinence only model which remains so popular in the US's recovery industry.

 

[cj]

I took some classes for an drug and alcohol type counselor certification thing a while back, really just cause I was curious what that education was like and because I had a lot of free time and love to learn. God, what a fucking joke. If you're serious about helping people and working in this field, as traditional four year degree in a related field followed by graduate work is the way to go. Generally speaking, even when you have the best counselor working for you, they simply don't have the resources to give their clients what they really need.

There are a LOT of reforms that need to happen as far as requirements as to should be able to get licenses to work in such a position. Either that, or their responsibilities need to be drastically curtailed to the more or less shittier aspect of the job (sorry, but generally speaking counselors, with the exception of those with extensive training at the graduate level, counselors simply don't have the resources or tools to fulfill their duties to patients (such as organizing aftercare - which is almost routinely totally a failure on the part of treatment personal) the same way that those with more appropriate medical training do.

The counseling business is a product of the 12 step system/groups, and while it is a valuable resource, it's almost always use for inappropriate positions/responsibilities. Almost without exception, my experience drug and alcohol counselors has been either a disgrace or joke. Actually, without exception...

Anyways, when I realized I'd never be able to do for my clients what I wanted to be able to do for them with just a drug and alcohol certification (and I also have a BA, so it's not like I just have the certification - and a lot if not most people with the certification don't also have a bachelor's degree let alone a graduate level degree), and after experiencing all the myths and misinformation promoted commonly by 12 step based/abstinence only groups when it comes to addiction treatment, modern medicine and science, I basically realized I'd be beyond miserable with that job.

Now I'm working towards and MDiv and MFT, and from the interning with that I've already begun I know I'm going to love being able to do the more meaningful work than I'd ever be able to do working for a treatment center. Treatment centers, by and large, are a horrible place to work BTW in terms of the environment and culture, at least for folks less inclined to the dogma of the abstinence only model which remains so popular in the US's recovery industry.

Interesting. I've always wondered what people with those certificate where actually taught

 

[Stargazer]

TPD- what? I dont understand what you posted. I only am asking because Im a bit interested in pursuing something in addiction.

What is an MDiv? Could you elaborate a bit more on your experience? I'd really like to hear your view. Thanks

 

[Mafioso]

My alcohol and drug counselor was a heavy doper and dealer. The fact that I thought he was as crazy as me and that we were able to share stories regarding the lifestyle made it a lot easier to open up without feeling judged.

Currently working on getting my CCAPP certification so I can begin working in the field.

I agree with that a CADC(certified alcohol and drug counselor) is extremely limited and even more limited by the rules or regulations from the facility they work at, I don't think they are all completely worthless. I personally have quite a few issues with the 12 step program as well as question the disease model of addiction and don't intend to structure my counseling based on those two things, but I know they may be required by future employers. I was lucky enough to receive individualized treatment and after voicing my issues with the 12 step model we never attempted to use it.

I intend to continue my education while working as a CADC. I intend to start my own private practice once I am able or work closely with a more experienced counselor with similar views as me in a private practice.

The industry is far from perfect but I don't think that should deter someone from entering in it. The people that care and take issue with current problems will be the ones who bring about a change, not those who agree with current standards and models.

I would say 50-80% of students in my alcohol and drug counseling classes are in recovery. Personally I would find it very difficult to imagine why someone would want to enter the field if they have not experienced addiction themselves or have watched someone very close to them go through addiction.