Addiction Recovery Careers Opportunities
The field of human services and behavioral health is in high need of qualified professionals to support the increasingly complex needs of patients, especially patients who struggle with substance misuse and addiction. Across the U.S., addiction is a widespread issue and you’d be hard-pressed to find a place that’s not immune. 1 in 7 Americans will personally face addiction at some point in their lives, according to the Surgeon General. This figure isn’t expected to decrease anytime soon.
The need for those who specialize in addiction recovery services is only getting stronger and if you strive to make a difference in this critically important field, you’ll be met by a range of opportunities to advance your career.
3 Reasons to Consider a Career in Addiction Recovery
1. Meaningful & Impactful Work
There is no greater purpose than helping those in need and a career in addiction and recovery allows you to invest yourself in work that’s focused on helping people transform their lives. Within the field, you’ll find a variety of roles and positions collaborating together on improving outcomes for patients and their families. This ranges from providing treatment, connecting people who suffer from addiction to support resources, educating patients on healthy behaviors, overseeing services as a case managers, and administrative roles. The personal fulfillment gained by playing a role in that process cannot be overstated.
2. Job Security & Longevity
Not only will you will be working to help others, you will have the opportunity to make a career out of it. Projections by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimate that there will be a 22% increase in employment opportunities for addiction counselors between 2014 to 2024. That means that not only are there positions available today, but there will be even more positions in the future.
3. Multiple Career Pathways
There are many avenues to take when choosing a career in addiction studies. Entry-level positions—like Peer Recovery Coach, Peer Support Specialist, and Certified Recovery Support Worker (CRSW) positions—can require just life experience and a high school diploma/GED. Those seeking more advanced roles, like the Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor (LADC), can start by obtaining an associate degree in Behavioral Science. This degree typically features courses that introduce you to the biological, psychological, social, and cultural variables of human behavior. They may offer concentrations, like Addiction Studies, to help further refine your education goals and career prospects.
You’ll find additional opportunities when you obtain a bachelor’s degree. Typical degrees to support a future career in addiction and recovery include Human Services and Psychology. Additional upper-level positions—like the Master Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (MLADC), Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), and Master of Social Work (MSW)—are available to those who have obtained a master’s degree and fulfilled the licensure requirements for each of these positions.
There’s also a wide variety of environments available to those working in addiction studies. Rehabilitation Centers are just one of many different places to find employment. Workers can also find jobs in places like community mental health facilities, criminal justice agencies, health care agencies, schools, employee assistance programs, foundations and non-governmental organizations, detox centers, juvenile detention centers, insurance companies, research facilities, and more. There’s a much wider range of available positions than most people would anticipate.
Conclusion
Finding meaningful and impactful work, having long-term job security, and having multiple career pathways aren’t the only reasons to consider a career in addiction studies, but they are certainly near the top of a long list. A career advisor can help you further define your goals