Addictions Studies—Career Opportunities

Nature of Work
The primary goal of this program is to give you an opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue and become a certified addictions coun­selor in Illinois through the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association (IAODAPCA) and related certification entities.

An addictions counselor's professional training and levels of clinical experience vary. Addictions counselors provide alcohol and drug counseling and education by performing a number of key functions, which may include the following:
a. Individual Counseling
b. Group Counseling
c. Intakes and Assessments
d. Client Education
e. Referrals
f. Case Management
g. Record Keeping

In addition, they will assist other licensed professionals.

Related Job Titles
Alcoholism Counselor, Addictions Counselor, Intake Worker, Substance Abuse Counselor, Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Chemical Dependency Counselor

Employment Outlook
Median annual wages of substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors in May 2008 were $37,030. The middle 50 percent earned between $29,410 and $47,290. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $24,240, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $59,460.

Employment of substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors is expected to grow by 21 percent, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. As society becomes more knowledgeable about addiction, more people are seeking treatment. Furthermore, drug offenders are increasingly being sent to treatment programs rather than to jail.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition, Counselors, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos067.htm (visited January 7, 2011).