Help For Substance Abuse - Social Work Counseling Can Make a Difference
For Recovery
Social workers can work with people who are struggling
with substance abuse issues as well as family members who fear addiction
due to a negative family history. A social worker in this field
may have clients that are addicted to heroin, crack cocaine, prescription
drugs or alcohol. They may also be working with clients that have
gone through rehab and are trying to maintain their gains. An addict
can benefit by a counselor who can encourage and help them with
finding treatment facilities or an outpatient program. Upon completion
of drug addiction treatment, the client will need help with dealing
with family plus adjusting back to the real world to search for
a job. Often therapists will work with doctors and psychologists
in team meetings to help with prescribing treatment to the client.
Many social workers in this field find employment
in prisons, treatment centers, hospitals, outpatient clinics and
social services agencies. Sometimes work is needed to get the client
out of denial and to fact that there is an addiction issue. For
those that are already dealing with their problem, helping the client
to make better choices and process their emotions in healthier ways
is very important. The majority of the clients for substance abuse
counseling will be addicted to street drugs and alcohol. However,
now there is a growing trend of addiction to pain killer medications.
Many people who want to pursue a career as a substance
abuse social worker can get on the job training in certain settings.
The minimum educational requirement for a social worker in substance
abuse is a bachelor degree, also called the BSW. It would help to
pursue a Master degree for high level jobs in the social work field.
In addition, the course work will provide a thorough knowledge in
social and substance abuse concepts, studies, theories, behavior
habits related to substance abuse and research methods.
The salary of a social worker in the substance
abuse can vary depending on the location and job. Having a master's
degree will give you a higher salary and being licensed also opens
up more job opportunities. Getting a certification in addiction
may be a requirement for certain positions as well.
The job of a social worker in the substance abuse
field can be very stressful, but rewarding. The position requires
dealing with different types of people that may have a lot of rage,
disappointment, suicidal ideas and difficult pasts. Also, this career
requires someone that can keep information organized on patients
and good records. Compassion is essential as well as a keen eye
for manipulation as often someone who is vulnerable can be taken
advantage of by another person. The gratitude from a client when
they are thankful you helped them through a craving period can be
very rewarding.
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Learn More About Social Work
Roles Including Working With Addiction
Stop by to read about Dealing
with Difficult Patients as well as learn more about Forensic
Social Work Jobs
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