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Substance use counselors help people who have problems with drugs or alcohol. They work with clients one-on-one or in groups to understand and deal with their issues. These counselors make about $59,190 per year, which is the median annual salary according to the most recent data from the (BLS).

To become a substance use counselor, you usually need at least a bachelor鈥檚 degree. But in some places, you might need a master鈥檚 degree and a license to work in private practice.

Students who want to be substance use counselors need to learn about addiction counseling. This involves studying psychology, addiction theory, and how to help people in recovery. Some schools offer specific degrees in addiction counseling, while others have programs in psychology or mental health with a focus on substance abuse.

You can study addiction counseling online, and there are many programs available. Most of these programs take about four years if you're studying full-time, but you can take longer if you're studying part-time. Usually, you need to complete around 120 to 126 credit hours to earn your bachelor鈥檚 degree.

Many online programs also require you to do practical work in substance use counseling. This might involve doing an internship or a practicum at a clinic. Before you start, make sure the program you choose helps you get this experience in your state. If not, you can ask for advice. 

Language changes over time, and terms specific to this field of study are no exception. Instead of using the word "abuse," which can sound blaming or judgmental, there's a shift toward using terms like "use" and "misuse." Some schools still offer degrees in substance abuse counseling, but others are now featuring substance use counseling degrees.

Experts who work with addiction want to update the language to reduce the stigma around mental health problems, including addiction. So, you might hear more about "substance use" instead of "substance abuse" when talking about these issues. 

Practitioners who specialize in addiction are overwhelmingly advocating for terminology updates that help lessen the stigma around mental health issues.

Financial help is available for students studying for an online bachelor's degree in substance abuse counseling. As long as students attend an accredited online program, they should be eligible for the same types of aid as on-campus students. 

To get financial help for an online bachelor's degree in substance abuse counseling, students usually start by filling out a form called the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form helps determine what kind of aid and how much money each student can get. After that, schools tell students how much financial aid they can offer.

Federal student loans are often better than private loans because they have lower interest rates and better repayment terms. But scholarships and grants are even better because you don't have to pay them back at all. Some students might also qualify for special assistance programs, like discounts for veterans or tuition help from organizations they're part of. 

Since there's a growing need for substance abuse counselors, there are also scholarships and grants available from organizations like the , the , and the . 

Here's an example of an active scholarship for undergraduates studying substance use and misuse: 

William White Scholarship: The National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors () awards one undergraduate $1,000 every year. Applicants must be current NAADAC members and have a GPA between 2.7-3.0 or higher. They must also have at least one full year of coursework remaining in addiction studies or an addiction-related field.

Before enrolling in an online school or program, it's important for students to check if it's accredited. Accreditation means that national or regional authorities have reviewed the school to ensure that it meets certain educational standards. It shows that the school has good teachers, enough resources, and everything else needed for quality education.

Having accreditation is like getting a stamp of approval for your degree, showing that it's credible to employers. It's also usually necessary to qualify for financial aid and to transfer credits between schools.

Students should check if their school鈥檚 accreditation is recognized by the or the . Additionally, some third parties specialize in evaluating specific academic programs rather than entire institutions. accredits bachelor鈥檚 degrees in substance use counseling 鈥� including online programs.

An online bachelor's degree in substance use counseling teaches students about the harmful effects of addiction on individuals, families, and society. Through their studies, students learn about the psychology of addiction and how drugs and alcohol impact the body. They also gain practical experience in helping and supporting people dealing with substance use disorder and mental health issues during and after recovery.

Here are some of the key courses students typically take:

Addiction and the Family: Students learn how to counsel families, couples, and other close relationships affected by substance use. They study family counseling theories and the important role of family in recovery and prevention.

Ethics in Addictions Counseling: This course explores the ethical and legal challenges counselors face when treating clients with substance use issues. Topics include ethical decision-making, confidentiality, and respecting diversity.

Psychology of Addiction: Students learn about diagnosing and treating substance use disorders. They also study how addiction affects the brain and the psychological factors involved.

Psychopharmacology and Addiction: This course examines different types of drugs and their effects on the brain. Students learn about psychoactive properties, withdrawal symptoms, and medications used to treat substance use disorder and related psychological issues.

Deciding whether to pursue a bachelor's degree in substance abuse counseling depends on your individual situation. Factors like family responsibilities, career aspirations, and financial status all play a role. However, if you have a strong desire to help people overcome addiction and become a substance use counselor, then investing your time and money in this degree could be worthwhile.

Potential Benefits

• The job growth for addiction counselors is really fast (, way higher than usual), which means lots of good things for people thinking about this career, like more job chances, steady work, chances to learn more, help others, and do different kinds of jobs. With so many new jobs popping up, it's easier to find work after finishing a degree or getting certified in addiction studies.
• Some states require a specific degree for licensure, making a bachelor's degree in substance abuse counseling important for those aiming to get licensed. This online degree showcases dedication to the field and can enhance the attractiveness of a student's application for master's programs, particularly where a thesis is often required.
• Lots of the online programs we list require students to do internships where they get real experience, which can help them when they're looking for jobs after they finish school.
• People who finish a bachelor鈥檚 degree in substance use counseling can get different jobs related to their field, like working as a psychologist's assistant or for a state agency. They might do these jobs until they finish their master's degree and get their counseling license.

Potential Drawbacks

• Having just a bachelor's degree might not be enough to focus on a specific part of substance abuse counseling, which could mean less money in this career. Also, if you want to work privately, you usually need a license, so only having a bachelor's degree might mean fewer job options.
• Lots of counseling jobs have hours that aren't typical, so counselors often have to work in the evenings and on weekends, especially when they're new to the job and have a lot of cases. This might make it hard for some people to balance their work life with their personal life.
• Because many patients stop treatment too soon, counselors in this field might feel really stressed out at work, leading to burnout. Some counselors end up leaving their jobs because they find it tough to keep helping people who are struggling emotionally and physically, or because they get frustrated with dealing with bureaucracy and insurance.

Getting a degree in substance use counseling online clearly has its pros and cons. On one hand, it's flexible and lets you study from anywhere. But, you might miss out on making connections, and some online students struggle without enough help from their colleges, which can make finishing your degree harder. Still, online programs have lots of different students, which makes learning more interesting. And, if you're busy or have other stuff going on, online learning can be a great way to reach your goals in substance use counseling.