Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors provide treatment and support for those struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, or for those burdened by an eating disorder or a behavioral problem. These mental health professionals can be a guiding force for patients integrating back into areas of their lives where their behavior has left a destructive trail, including work and personal relationships. Part of that process involves consulting with the families of patients about the treatment options best suited for their loved ones. But substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors don’t only offer their expertise to patients. Counselors often run outreach programs to warn others about the dangers of addiction and encourage a healthy lifestyle. Hearing about the devastating effects addiction has had on a person’s life can be an emotional experience every day, so those who wish to enter this field should have a temperament that mixes empathy with patience.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 18.4% employment growth for substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors between 2022 and 2032. In that period, an estimated 71,500 jobs should open up.

There isn’t a firm academic threshold one has to meet to enter the occupation, although a majority of states require a form of certification. But as Stephen Gumbley, director of the New England Addiction Technology Transfer Center, notes, the incorporation of behavioral health into the field is upping the ante for education. "The scope of the work has widened," he says, explaining that counselors over the past 15 years not only have knowledge about substance disorders, but also their strong correlation to mental disorders. That crossover has led many entering the field to obtain bachelor’s and master’s degrees rather than rely squarely on work experience. Still, even with the uptick of counselors with degrees, individuals working as recovery support specialists often rely on real-world experience.