Things to Consider Before Becoming an Addiction Counselor in Arizona

The addiction counseling field is growing more so by the day. As awareness of addictions has come to the forefront and the need for addiction therapy increases, so does the need for educated, empathic and motivated addiction counselors. But who have what it really takes to become one? Do you have the right skills, experience and most importantly personality traits to become a long lasting addiction counselor? Do you want to make a difference in this way? Before becoming an addiction counselor in Arizona and endure the lengthy process of its coursework, training and state exams, consider some of the following.

Are You a People Person?

Although it doesn't seem like it, it's actually quite easy to enter into a field without taking into account what personality traits are most important for the field. An addiction counselor not only offers insight and assists with observations for the patient on their often detrimental addictive behaviors, but has the patience to help them set small milestones. Do you enjoy working with people in a patient and encouraging way? The addiction counselor not only helps them to set milestones but encourages them along when they meet them and has the commitment to their career for the long haul. Since the process of obtaining a certification at the master's level in Arizona to become an addiction counselor isn't a quick or speedy process, it's vital that you analyze what traits you have and may not have before entering into the process. One of the biggest factors that sets great addiction counselors apart from the not-so-great is being a people person. Do you enjoy people? Ask yourself if you work best as a team player and enjoy seeing progress from another or if you work better and more efficiently independently.

Are You Willing to Go Through the Process?

Unlike some other career paths that require getting a associate's or bachelor level degree, being an addiction counselor is more extensive. It's important to ask yourself whether or not you have the motivation and time commitment to finish your studies, lengthy training, recommendations and state certification. Decide what level of certification you want. Will you go for the basic certification that requires just an associate's degree and training hours but can be fairly limiting in the types of opportunities you will qualify for or is getting a master's degree and "going all the way" most important to you? And, if so, do you have the time, energy and commitment level to complete it without quitting halfway through? Becoming an addiction counselor is something that you shouldn't take lightly and although it will involve a few years of your life as you become educated, it's a rewarding career that for the right candidate, will give back much more than you can ever imagine.

What Stage of Life Are You In?

Some people have always known what their career focus is. From the time they graduate college or earn their associate's degree and move on to a more advanced degree, they know through past experience with addiction or simply a passion to help people with addictions in general, that their "calling" is becoming an addiction counselor. Other addiction counselors come to this conclusion later in life and after one or two career changes. Addiction counselors are from many different age groups, and all possess similar qualifications and motivations for becoming one. Are you young and with a vibrant energy to become an addiction counselor or are you contemplating a career change in your 50's? Whatever stage of life you may be in; the facts about this career are the same: do you love making a difference? Can you see yourself in this career for the long haul? Does your drive to help people overshadow the amount of time and dedication it will take to become a licensed addiction counselor? Do you have the resources to become an addiction counselor and the support of loved ones to see you through the challenging moments?

In a Nutshell

Many people have the personality traits, the ambition and the ability to become excellent addiction counselors. They enjoy helping people make small changes in their life that will ultimately help them to function easily and increase their overall happiness. As you move through your training and coursework, consider what being an addiction counselor means to you. Is becoming a counselor more of a professional of a personal satisfaction? What will drive you to help addictive patients for the rest of your career? Ask these questions as you decide on your career path, answer them to the best of your ability and most of all, and realize that only you can decide what's right for you.