Question by Olivia: How many years of school do you need to become a substance abuse and behavioral counselor?
Also, not a school counselor. I want to work with adults and teenagers but I didn’t know I would have to go to school for almost eight years? Is this true? Did my school counselor have to go to school for that long too?

Best answer:

Answer by StellaStarfire
“While on-the-job training is often provided, some employers prefer candidates that have a bachelor’s degree or higher in psychology, sociology or a related subject along with two years of counseling in a related field or equivalent life experience such as being a former drug addict or performing volunteer work. Some substance abuse counselors have a master’s degree in mental health counseling. Numerous colleges provide associate degree programs for counselors which usually take two years to complete. The programs include training in drugs and alcohol. Some of the programs offer training in crisis intervention.

The criteria for licensure varies by state. In some cases, the candidates are only required to have a high school diploma and certification. The National Board for Certified Counselors offers a general practice credential of National Certified Counselor. The national certification is distinct from state licensing. The board also provides a speciality certification in addiction counseling.”

From:

http://www.citytowninfo.com/employment/substance-abuse-counselors

What do you think? Answer below!

Question by Kirk: What is the medical and legal definition of “narcotics abuse”?
If a patient suddenly discovered he had been given a diagnoses of “narcotics abuse”, what does that mean? It’s a false claim and it needs further investigation, and moreover, an explanation. But ,can you break it down for me? It immediately conjures up an extremely negative connotation for me.

Best answer:

Answer by KoalaMama
Let’s start at the basics. Narcotics are any of a group of drugs, such as heroin, morphine, and pethidine, that produce numbness and stupor. They are used medicinally to relieve pain but are sometimes also taken for their pleasant effects. Prolonged use may cause addiction, which leads to the abuse.

The definition of abuse would be “misuse, maltreatment, or excessive use.” So, the overindulgence in and dependence on said substance, leading to effects that are detrimental to the individual’s physical or mental health, or the welfare of others, would be defined as narcotics abuse.

In other words, narcotic use is considered abuse when people use narcotics to seek feelings of well-being apart from the narcotic’s pain-relief applications.

What do you think? Answer below!

Question by Noa Bach: What is the difference between a mental health counselor, social worker, or psychologist?
I’m not sure what I want to do. But I know I want to provide counseling to all types of people (children, teens, adults, elderly) my main goal is to help heal them so this can end up healing the Planet 🙂
Don’t want to do any type of testing. I want to help children dealing with bullying, childhood trauma, etc. Adults that need healing from abuse, self-esteem, depression, family problems, sexuality issues etc.

Best answer:

Answer by Weird.
Mental health counselor (clinical psychologist) works with people who have schizophrenia and OCD
and much more

Social Worker works with kids, teens, and adults dealing with troubled living situations and such

Psychologists go in to depth with the patient and can work in a variety of environments, they also prescribe patients when needed.

You sound like you want to be a counseling psychologist which is different from a clinical psychologist. You should look into it more.

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Question by nunya: Does anyone know at least 4 to 7 places where someone can get long term treatment for drug addiction?
This is for D.A.R.E

Best answer:

Answer by cintchick
The link I included below will take you to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) treatment center locator. SAMHSA is a division of the US Department of Health and Human Services

Enter a city and state, then select “Continue”. You will then be offered options to target your search. In your case, under “Services Provided” you would select “Substance Abuse” and under “Type of Care” you would select “Residential Long-Term Treatment” and/or “Hospital Inpatient”. Again, select “Continue”. You will then see a list of centers with their contact information, as well as a summary of the services they offer and forms of payment accepted.

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