An alcohol and drug counsellor may also be known as a substance abuse or substance misuse worker. Alcohol and drug counsellors work with people with substance misuse problems to help them overcome their addiction.

There are many areas which the work of an alcohol and drug counsellor may cover, including:
» Outreach work Alcohol and drug counsellors may work with those with substance misuse problems and encourage them to use the support services which are available.
» Counselling An alcohol and drug counsellor may work in a therapeutic context where they provide addiction counselling either on a one-to-one or group basis.
» Education Many alcohol and drug counsellors will support patients to help them get back into work. This may include education in a specific area or help with CVs and job applications.
» Healthcare Some alcohol and drug counsellors work in clinics and GP surgeries prescribing addiction treatments and managing needle exchanges.
» Advice Alcohol and drug counsellors may provide advice and guidance in a number of settings including drop-in centres, day centres, for voluntary organisations and in prisons.

There are qualifications which can help with gaining entry to becoming an alcohol and drug counsellor. However, the main thing which employers look for (link to counselling/job opportunities page) is evidence of the ability to work with vulnerable people and experience in the area of substance misuse. Sometimes people who have successfully undergone drug and alcohol treatment then go on to become drug and alcohol counsellors themselves.

All alcohol and drug counsellors must undergo a Criminal Records Bureau check.

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