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Profession: Mental Health & Social Services

Substance Abuse Professional: Substance abuse counselors, also known as Drug & Alcohol Rehab Counselors, help people who have problems with alcohol and drugs. They counsel individuals who are addicted to drugs, helping them to identify behaviors and problems related to their addiction. They also conduct programs aimed at preventing addictions from occurring in the first place. These counselors hold sessions designed for individuals, families, or groups.

Salary Range: $21,060 - $52,340

Salary Notes: Median annual earnings of substance abuse counselors in May 2006 were $34,040. The middle 50 percent earned between $27,330 and $42,650. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $22.600, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $52,340.

Where you can study:
Community College of Rhode Island, Warwick, RI
Community College of Vermont, Montpelier, VT
Gateway Community College, New Haven, CT
Manchester (CT) Community College, Manchester, CT
Middlesex Community College, Middletown, Middletown, CT
Naugatuck Valley Community College, Waterbury, CT
NHTI, Concord's Community College, Concord, NH
North Shore Community College, Danvers, MA
Northwestern Connecticut Community College, Winsted, CT
Springfield College School of Human Services, St. Johnsbury, VT
Tunxis Community College, Farmington, CT

Where you might work:
Private Practice - Schools - State and Local Health Departments -

Job Outlook: Employment of substance abuse counselors is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2016. In addition, numerous job openings will occur as many counselors retire or leave the profession. While job prospects will vary with location and specialization, opportunities generally should be very good because the number of job openings that arise should exceed the number of graduates of counseling programs. Rehabilitation counselors and substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors, in particular, should experience excellent prospects.

Education, Licensing and Certification: Becoming certified in the state of Vermont is a process involving both work experience and formal training. The Community College of Vermont's substance abuse services certificate prepares you for entry-level work and advancement within the profession. CCV’s program has been approved by the Vermont Alcohol and Drug Abuse Certification Board as appropriate training for becoming a substance abuse counselor.

Professional Organizations:
National Association of Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Counselors 800-548-0497 www.naadac.org
Vermont Addiction Professionals' Association 866-482-3222 (in Vermont) www.vapavt.org
Vermont Alcohol and Drug Abuse Certification Board 802-878-7776 vtcertificationboard.org/main