Alcohol and drug counseling is a career specialization within the human services field.

• Diploma in Substance Abuse Counseling: 6 months - 1 year to complete
• Associate Degree in Alcohol and Drug Counseling: 2 years to complete
• Bachelor's Degree in Alcohol and Drug Counseling: 4 years to complete
• Master's Degree in Chemical Dependency or Addiction Counseling: 2 years to complete
• Doctorate of Philosophy in Psychology (with a concentration in Addiction): a minimum of 4 years to complete

The level of education attained will greatly effect potential earnings and job opportunities. While those with an associate degree can be eligible for an alcohol and drug counseling position, they will need several years of supervised experience before licensure can be attained. The associate degree normally takes two years of full-time study to obtain, and is offered in community colleges and technical schools. A four-year bachelor's degree program will offer students many of the necessary skills to start working in the field. Courses will include topics such as assessment and diagnosis, pharmacology, and family counseling.

A graduate degree specifically in alcohol and drug counseling is not offered at many universities. However, those who choose this route will have a great understanding of addiction as a mental disorder and all the components included. Students will take courses on treatment, prevention, contemporary issues, and group counseling. The official licensure and certification requirements for alcohol and drug counselors vary greatly according to state. The majority of states require a higher degree as well as certified experience. However, an upper level degree can be substituted for more experience in some cases. For example, in Hawaii, alcohol and drug counselors with a high school diploma must have taken and passed 270 hours of ADAD-approved substance abuse courses, 400 hours of supervised training, plus 6000 hours of supervised work experience. A bachelor's degree can substitute 2000 hours of work experience, and a master's degree can replace 4000 hours of work experience. (Department of Health)

In Washington, counselors need four hours of HIV/AIDS courses, an AA degree in a human services related field, and between 1000 to 2500 hours of direct supervision depending on degree attained. (Washington State Department of Health) The Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network website allows users to search licensure requirements per state.

• Techniques in Group Therapy and Treatment: This class introduces you to the very precise ways in which group counseling must take place. This course is advanced; look to take it in the latter half of your studies.
• Substance Abuse and Dependency Interventions: Some individuals require extreme measures in order to provoke positive change. This course teaches you how to lead and execute interventions so that they are successful.
• Contemporary Studies in Addictive Behavior: The nature of alcoholism changes with the times, and this class helps you acknowledge and respect that fact. Some classes will cover the ways that social networking impacts addiction.
• Personality Theory: Addiction is tightly intertwined with personality, and thorough knowledge of this classic psychology concept is key for counselors. This is a fundamental course that you will likely take early on.
• Human Sexuality: Though sex may not seem relevant initally to addiction, this class will quickly help you understand otherwise. This formal class exposes you to the complex nature of sexuality's position in society.

In a way, yes. Many programs in alcohol counseling do not obligate students to show up in person in order to complete the training. (For your information, several well-regarded programs mandate participation in on-site colloquia and internships.) Nevertheless, the requirements for licensing -- letting you actually work as a counselor -- demand that you complete hundreds or thousands of hours of work that are supervised by a licensed professional.

Clinical Psychology: Clinical psychologists work in a variety of settings, from hospitals to private offices and in governmental positions. They are proficient in diagnosing and devising a treatment plan for patients inflicted with mental disorders. Clinical psychologists can also specialize in different areas, such as family therapy or marriage counseling.

Christian Counseling: Christian counselors provide guidance to those in need with a spiritual slant. They rely heavily on the Bible to offer patients suggestions on how to overcome problems and move forward in their lives. Some may work specifically as heads of youth groups in which they offer spiritual leadership to young people within a particular church.

Child Psychology: The role of a child psychologist varies greatly. They can be responsible for determining and treating learning disabilities and issuing IQ tests in a school setting. Child psychologists can also be found in private offices and hospitals, treating young people that have behavioral disorders, eating disorders, or other mental problems.

Social Work: Social workers act as a first line of support for individuals suffering from a number of social issues. They may work with the homeless or unemployed, or work strictly with children in the foster care system. While they actively help people in the field, they may also deal with large amounts of paperwork as well.