{"id":21380,"date":"2020-08-18T07:18:19","date_gmt":"2020-08-18T14:18:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/?p=21380"},"modified":"2020-09-03T15:08:51","modified_gmt":"2020-09-03T22:08:51","slug":"substance-abuse-counseling-degrees-online","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/substance-abuse-counseling-degrees-online\/","title":{"rendered":"Online Substance Abuse Counseling Degrees: A Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When people hear about substance abuse, hushed tones and nervous glances follow. In our society, there is still an unfortunate stigma surrounding those who suffer from substance abuse. With stigmas come misconceptions, misunderstandings, and even outright prejudice and discrimination. Those with a substance abuse counseling degree work to break this stigma while also helping those in need.
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Making a positive impact in the lives of those suffering from addictive behaviors can be extremely rewarding. It can also help break the stigma of drug addictions. Earning substance abuse counseling degrees online is the perfect opportunity to reach out to your community.
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Addiction professionals use counseling skills to help families and individuals in need. They also do instrumental work on treatment planning with clients and help shatter the misconceptions surrounding substance abuse and drug addiction.
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Receptors and Dopamine: A Quick Summary on Drug Addiction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Let\u2019s take a closer look at what drug addiction is and what it does to the brain.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What Is Drug Addiction? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Individuals suffering from drug addictions seek out and compulsively take substances. Those suffering from drug addiction often gain their fix boldly and compulsively. It also often severely affects one\u2019s social life by alienating family members and other loved ones.
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As powerful as the brain is, things like substance abuse and drug addiction can easily throw it into turmoil. Those who ingest drugs activate the brain\u2019s reward system, allowing a massive flood of dopamine. This eventually short circuits the brain\u2019s reward system. This skews the brain\u2019s ability to produce adequate dopamine.
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Those suffering from drug addiction will experience less potent effects of the drug. This causes compulsive behaviors to dominate their lives to achieve a more significant dopamine release. That potential dopamine release then consumes every part of their waking life, with often unsatisfactory and tragic results. That\u2019s where you can step in as a substance abuse counselor and help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can Anyone Get Addicted to Drugs? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not everyone gets addicted to drugs. The propensity for drug use has no concrete explanation, but rather a list of risk factors. It\u2019s a mixture of biology, environment, childhood development, and other factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Working Through the Stigma: What Does a Substance Abuse Counselor Do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Addiction counselors assist individuals struggling with addictive behaviors and substance abuse in order to improve their lives.
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Now that certain aspects of drug addiction may be somewhat more apparent, what does a substance abuse counselor do? How does one go about helping those with these compulsive and potentially destructive behaviors?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Methods of a Substance Abuse Counselor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Substance abuse counselors work alongside those struggling with alcoholism, drug addiction, and other compulsive behaviors to help manage their issues. They can achieve these goals through a mix of therapy, treatment planning, and more.
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Depending on the client, substance abuse counselors may engage in one-on-one or family therapy. In addition to engaging with patients, they engineer some treatment planning to assist with the individual\u2019s recovery from drug addiction. 
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Be warned: this can be an extremely taxing career. You will put a lot of time and energy into helping others, with no guaranteed success. However, it is a career that will speak to the compassionate individual bent on making the world a better, more understanding place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to Enroll in Substance Abuse Counseling Degrees Online<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Jobs in social work and treatment planning may require a substance abuse degree.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Keeping the educational requirements in mind, here are some of the best places to hone your skills. In no time, you can become a fully-fledged substance abuse counselor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drexel University: Online Master’s Degree in Addiction Counseling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Drexel University places heavy emphasis on the importance of dedicated addiction professionals, citing the ever-growing opioid epidemic. 
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By the end of Drexel’s online degree in substance abuse counseling, graduates will be masters of their craft. They will be able to effectively administer treatment, provide counseling, supervise family, and assist those suffering from drug addiction. 
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Some core classes offered through Drexel’s 45-credit curriculum are:
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