AOD counselor employment to grow 21% by 2018
US Department of Labor
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11, Bulletin 2800
Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office


Significant points identified within the US Department of Labor report

• People interested in counseling should have a strong desire to help others and should be able to inspire respect, trust, and confidence.

• Education and training requirements vary by State and specialty, but a master's degree is generally required to become a licensed counselor.
• Projected job growth for substance abuse counselors is expected to grow by 21 percent between 2008 and 2018, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

The report notes that as society becomes more knowledgeable about addictions, more people are seeking treatment, and drug offenders are increasingly being sent to treatment programs rather than to jail.

Within the section titled "Job Outlook," the BLS reports that "Job opportunities should be favorable because job openings are expected to exceed the number of graduates from counseling programs, particularly in rural areas."  And it concludes that, "Substance abuse counselors should enjoy particularly good job prospects."

What does this mean for the prospective or current alcohol and other drug (AOD) counselor?

• Complete your education and get certified at the highest level possible by a recognized and, preferably, nationally-accredited agency (such as Breining Institute).
• And, if you are seeking to be licensed for private practice, earn a related masters degree within the behavioral health field.

A copy of the complete report is available by selecting the picture of the report cover to the left, and is also available directly from the US Department of Labor by pasting the following link into the URL address line of your browser: http://bls.gov/oco/ocos067.htm