A Day in the Job

Role of Chemical Dependency Therapists
  • Assist chemically dependent persons in their recovery process
  • Interview and counsel individuals, families, and groups
  • Write, maintain and update treatment records and assessments
  • Have knowledge of how chemical addiction affects the lives of individuals and families
  • Have knowledge of current counseling theories
  • Have knowledge of the effects of chemical use on human biological systems and human development
  • Know the principles of various self-help groups: Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-anon, Al-ateen, and Narcotics Anonymous, etc.
  • Have knowledge of adjustment issues of Adult Children of Alcoholics
  • Have knowledge of sexual dysfunction resulting from the effects of chronic chemical abuse
  • Have knowledge of physiological and psychosocial factors on recovery and relapse
  • Have knowledge of local chemical dependency and behavioral health treatment providers
  • Know how to interface between the legal/criminal justice system and service providers
  • Know how to interface on behalf of the client with medical and insurance providers

Work Setting

Chemical dependency therapists work in a variety of therapeutic settings:
  • Government agencies
  • Private and public behavioral health agencies
  • Hospitals
  • Halfway houses
  • Rehabilitation centers
  • DUI
  • Education programs
  • Prevention programs

Career Possibilities

Since substance abuse affects the lives of so many people in so many ways, there is a critical need for people trained in chemical dependency to work in many fields of employment which may include:
  • Human resources
  • Civil courts
  • Criminal justice
  • Education
  • Social-service case managers & caseworkers
  • Welfare services
  • Adolescent & child services

A background in chemical dependency also provides a great educational start, for people planning to continue their education in: law enforcement, law, medicine, nursing, education, social work, counseling and psychology.