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Become a Substance Abuse Social Worker

Become a Substance Abuse Social Worker
 

Become a Substance Abuse Social Worker  

Addiction is a social problem, but what does this mean? Addiction is defined as a “social disease” and a brain disease since environmental factors and neurobiological factors play the primary role in the physical changes that take place in the brain. Social problems inflicted by abuse may be child abuse or violence, stress or financial strain, and risky behavior like drugged driving. A substance abuse social worker is often necessary since they help individuals reduce or recover from adverse symptoms.  

The Roles of an Addiction Social Worker  

A substance abuse worker specializes in helping people identify their drug problem, which may also inflict a mental health disorder. Mindfulness based cognitive therapy may be necessary if a person is showing signs of both substance abuse disorder (SUD) and mental health issues. Mental health and substance abuse social workers educate their clients and work as an advocate to encourage new skills that can help the client avoid cravings, triggers, and adverse effects.  

 Social workers will conduct assessment interviews, evaluate patients, and determine their condition's severity to establish a treatment plan that fits their recovery goals. During treatment, the social worker will do regular check-ins and observe the client's status. Treatment may include motivational interviewing or solution-focused brief therapy, and the social worker will track the patient's performance and establish a relapse prevention strategy.  

Substance Abuse Social Worker Salary 

Working with substance abuse clients, a social worker may arrange transportation to appointments or treatment. They will focus on educating and counseling their patients while acting as a liaison with other specialists and licensed therapists. Salaries will differ and can range between $29,000 to over $80,000 a year. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national median wage is $51,600. However, the average may be higher in specific states like New Jersey or California.  

The income of a social worker for drug addiction may depend on the exact duties performed and the personal skills the person acquires. Quality personal skills include decisiveness, being capable of confidently facing conflict and being able to quickly problem solve, manage a crisis, kindness, and being emotionally and mentally stable.  

Requirements to Become a Substance Abuse Social Worker  

Firstly, a person must have a bachelor’s degree in social work or a similar field and begin pre-social work studies. Social science like psychology and sociology are expected during the education process. Next, receiving a master’s degree in clinical social work will provide more opportunities, higher pay, and the ability to work freely with clients. Training and licensed requirements are necessary, and a master's degree is required to apply for a license.  

Recovery at Banyan Treatment in Massachusetts  

At our drug rehab in Massachusetts, our specialists, including our substance abuse social workers, are well prepared to design a treatment plan that best fits your recovery goals and safely gets you through the detox process. From reality therapy treatment to addiction treatment, we offer the unique and necessary resources and services to help you safely recover. Working with professionals helps you to stay consistent, and after recovery, a relapse prevention plan is established to help you maintain sobriety. 

 

Speak to a specialist now at Banyan Massachusetts. Call 888-280-4763 and ask about our faith-based counseling and partial-hospitalization program to get started today!  

 

Related Readings:  

How to Find a Good Rehab Center  

How to Become an Addiction Psychiatrist  

Alyssa, Director of Digital Marketing
Alyssa, Director of Digital Marketing
Alyssa is the National Director of Digital Marketing and is responsible for a multitude of integrated campaigns and events in the behavioral health and addictions field. All articles have been written by Alyssa and medically reviewed by our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Darrin Mangiacarne.