What other jobs are available in the substance use disorders treatment field?
In what type of settings do addictions professionals work?
Why should I choose a career in addictions?
Addiction impacts every sector of society. Families, jobs and lives are destroyed every day by
substance use disorders. In 2005, an estimated 22.2 million persons aged 12 or older were
classified with substance dependence or abuse. However, only approximately 10 percent of these
people received treatment at a specialty facility. The good news is that addiction is treatable, and you
can help. Addictions professionals not only provide hope to individuals and families; they save lives.
The outlook for addiction-oriented jobs is excellent. The number of these jobs is predicted to grow as
the current workforce retires and new jobs are created to meet the nation’s need for treatment
services. A 2005 report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration states,
“By 2010, the need for addictions professionals and licensed treatment staff with graduate-level
degrees is expected to increase by 35 percent.”
It is important for addictions professionals to be empathetic and passionate about helping others. It
is also important for addictions professionals to receive adequate training so they are prepared to
provide effective, quality addiction treatment. Below you will find information about education and
certification requirements, and information about work settings, salaries and the types of jobs
available in the substance use disorders field. Imagine who you could save.
Counselors can become supervisors or administrators in their agencies. Some counselors move
into research, consulting, or college teaching, or go into private or group practice.
Learn more about Counselor Certification
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| PACIFIC COAST COLLEGE |