How Long Does it Take to Become a Drug Counselor or a Psychologist for Addictions?
Enter the field of drug and alcohol counseling, and you may find that the journey to becoming a certified professional varies significantly based on your educational path and career goals. While some may take less than a year, others might be looking at a more extensive and specialized training period, spanning years. Let's explore the possible routes and timelines involved in becoming a drug counselor, and compare it with the path to becoming a psychologist in this field.
The Path to Becoming a Drug Counselor
Becoming a drug counselor can typically take between 0 and 6 years, depending on the specific requirements of your chosen educational and professional path. In many cases, the journey starts with earning a certificate or degree in addiction studies or a related field.
My journey was roughly 2 years long. I completed my certificate in addictions studies and then had to complete an additional 2050 hours of supervised internship, with 275 hours dedicated to the initial certificate requirement. Enrolling in an accredited agency like CAADE (Certifications, Assessments, and Accomplishments in Drug Education) or CCAPP (Council for Certification in Clinical Addiction Psychology), and successfully passing a test are necessary steps.
Once certified, the road to maintaining licensure involves a critical component - continuing education. You must complete certain continuing education units (CEUs) annually to stay certified. These units are often earned through attending seminars or additional classes, which can be quite costly if you do not work for an agency that provides training.
Given the emotional and challenging nature of the job, it's essential to consider whether this career path aligns with your long-term goals and personal motivations. Many programs are non-profit, offering minimal benefits and wages, with no retirement plans. If you are motivated to return to school for a degree or certificate, you may want to explore other career options that better suit your needs and interests.
Another Path: Becoming a Psychologist Specializing in Addictions
If you have the ambition to delve deeper into the psychological aspects of addiction and want to specialize in providing diagnoses and comprehensive counseling, becoming a psychologist in this field might be the route for you. This path is typically more time-consuming and involves rigorous academic and practical training.
To become a licensed psychologist specializing in addictions, you might need to:
Earn a master's or doctoral degree in psychology with a specialization in addiction or a closely related field. Pass required psychological exams. Complete an extensive supervised internship or practicum that focuses on treating addiction. Apply for and obtain a license in your state or province.According to the American Psychological Association, a typical timeline for this route might range from 5 to 10 years, encompassing both undergraduate and graduate education, internships, and licensing exams.
Less Formal Options for Addictions Counseling
For those looking for a more straightforward and less demanding path, some larger cities may have CPS (Certified Peer Specialist) programs. These professionals provide support based on lived experience with addiction and mental health issues. Becoming a CPS typically takes only about two weeks of full-time education, followed by a test. However, the pay and benefits associated with these positions may be limited.
Despite the differences in training and scope of practice, the goal of providing support and recovery to those struggling with addiction is consistent across all paths. If you are passionate about helping others find recovery and have a heart for this challenging yet rewarding field, there are options and routes available to you.
Conclusion
The journey to becoming a drug or addiction counselor can take anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on your chosen path and commitment. Whether you opt for a standard counselor role or aim for the more specialized psychological counselor position, the key is finding a route that aligns with your skills, passions, and long-term goals. Remember, the needs of individuals struggling with addiction are immense, and every professional in this field plays a crucial role in helping others find recovery.