The need for Behavioral Health And Counseling professionals is at an all-time high. From the opiate epidemic to rising numbers of teen drug use, substance abuse and addiction are out of control.
Are you ready to answer the call and help the world with your talents? Solving the issues of addiction and substance abuse will not be easy, especially in today’s society, but with a degree in Substance Abuse Counseling that’s rooted in a Christian worldview, you can be part of the solution for this terrible modern plague.
Why A Degree In Substance Abuse Counseling?
There is nothing more Christian than ministering to those who are suffering. As Jesus tells us in Matthew’s Gospel “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” Mt 25:40.
What better way to care for one of the least of Christ’s brothers than ministering to them while they are battling an addiction? Choosing a Substance Abuse Counselor career is a direct response to Jesus’ call to go out and heal the world.
What does the path to becoming a Substance Abuse Counselor look like?
How do you even begin to deal with a large problem like addiction?
To begin your path toward a career in substance abuse and addiction counseling, you first need to be trained and educated. Remember, Jesus didn’t just send the Apostles out without any direction; he trained them first!
As we hear in Matthew’s Gospel Jesus directly commands the twelve, giving them authority and power:
“Then he summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness” Mt 10:1.
The same authority Jesus gave to his twelve apostles, he has conferred upon all the faithful through Baptism.
The only thing missing for you now is your training…and that’s where a degree in Substance Abuse Counseling comes into play!
Unlike a degree from a secular University, Christian colleges like Grand Canyon University or Regent University, understand that your choice to become a Substance Abuse Counselor is driven by faith. As a result, the faith-based curriculum ensures you are trained and educated in a way that helps you in your newfound vocation.
What Field Of Study Does Substance Abuse And Addiction Counseling Fall Under?
For most universities, studying to become a counselor of any kind falls within the sciences. More specifically, most counselors, especially those trained to be substance abuse counselors, are trained and educated in the field of Psychology.
Psychology plays a pivotal role for substance abuse counselors as the root cause of addiction is often a deeper mental issue. Whether it’s a past trauma or a mental block that is preventing a patient from getting well, having a firm grasp on the human psyche is paramount for properly treating someone dealing with addiction.
What Kind Of Degree Do I Need To Become A Substance Abuse Counselor?
Grand Canyon University offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Science in Counseling program emphasizing substance abuse and chemical dependency treatment. In this program, students can study:
- The root causes of and contributing factors to substance use disorders
- The role and application of Psychopharmacology in addiction treatment
- Co-occurring disorders, including depression, anxiety, and HIV/AIDS
- Case management, crisis intervention, and relapse prevention
Grand Canyon University offers its undergraduate students a well-rounded bachelor’s degree program that “offer[s] an exploration of ethical considerations within this profession…covering topics like working with family members and providing multicultural counseling services.”
In some states, a bachelor’s degree in counseling is all that is required to become a certified substance abuse counselor. However, other states do require a master’s degree, and many states require licensing certifications as well.
A master’s degree in substance abuse counseling, like the one offered at Grand Canyon University, will provide you with an in-depth look at counseling theories, the nature of addictions, and group counseling techniques that allow students to develop stronger assessment and diagnostic skills. In addition to classroom work, you’ll receive hands-on training as an intern and learn therapeutic treatment skills from a licensed professional.
Are There Other Christian-Based Schools?
Each of these universities offers Substance Counseling degree programs that integrate counseling theories, practical training, and a Christian perspective to equip students for careers in helping individuals struggling with substance abuse and addiction. These programs prepare graduates to address the holistic needs of clients and provide effective counseling and treatment in a compassionate and faith-based manner.
- Liberty University: Liberty University offers a Substance Counseling degree program to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to help individuals struggling with substance abuse. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on training and practical experience to prepare students for counseling, therapy, and addiction treatment careers. Liberty University’s curriculum focuses on evidence-based approaches and integrates Christian principles into counseling.
- Regent University: Regent University provides a Substance Counseling degree program designed to train students in helping individuals overcome addiction and substance abuse issues. The program emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of addiction, counseling techniques, and treatment modalities. Regent University’s curriculum integrates psychological theories with a Christian perspective, preparing graduates to address clients’ spiritual, emotional, and psychological needs.
- Colorado Christian University: Colorado Christian University offers a Substance Counseling degree program that combines theoretical knowledge and practical training to prepare students for careers in substance abuse counseling. The program emphasizes an integrated approach to counseling, considering psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of addiction and recovery. Colorado Christian University’s curriculum incorporates biblical principles and values to provide a holistic understanding of substance abuse counseling.
- LeTourneau University: LeTourneau University provides a Substance Counseling degree program that prepares students to work with individuals struggling with substance abuse. The program combines coursework, experiential learning, and internships to equip students with the necessary skills for effective counseling and addiction treatment. LeTourneau University’s curriculum emphasizes a Christian worldview and integrates faith-based perspectives with evidence-based practices in substance abuse counseling.
- Indiana Wesleyan University: Indiana Wesleyan University offers a Substance Counseling degree program focused on training students to help individuals recover from substance abuse and addiction. The program provides a comprehensive understanding of addiction’s physiological, psychological, and sociological aspects. Indiana Wesleyan University’s curriculum integrates biblical principles with evidence-based practices, equipping graduates to address the complex needs of individuals struggling with substance abuse.
- Crown College: Crown College provides a Substance Counseling degree program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to assist individuals in overcoming substance abuse and addiction. The program emphasizes a Christian perspective and integrates biblical principles with contemporary counseling theories. Crown College’s curriculum combines theoretical coursework with practical training, including supervised internships, to prepare students for careers in substance abuse counseling.
What Are The Potential Career Paths For Someone With A Degree In Substance Abuse Counseling?
Those with a degree in Substance Abuse Counseling can choose from various career paths ranging from hospital work and private practice to roles in mental health and rehabilitation facilities.
Here are some of the common positions those with a degree in Substance Abuse Counseling choose:
- Substance Abuse Counselor
- Addiction Therapist
- Case Manager
- Prevention Specialist
- Program Coordinator
- Clinical Supervisor
- Researcher or Educator
What is the difference between a normal degree in substance abuse and a Christian-focused degree?
In Luke’s Gospel, we hear about how Jesus called his disciples together and gave them authority to drive out unclean spirits and cure the sick:
“He summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal [the sick]” Lk 9:1-2.
This scriptural passage makes it evident that Jesus himself desires for us to go out as disciples and heal those who are afflicted.
Anyone who has ever encountered addiction can give testimony to the reality that addiction is a sickness the afflicted person is powerless against. Those who are suffering from addiction, are tormented, diseased, and in desperate need of help. Some have even compared their addiction to feeling like a possession.
As Christians, we are called by our Lord to help those in need, and in order to answer that call He gives us the power to go out on his behalf and heal those who are afflicted.
The major difference between a secular degree in substance abuse counseling and a Christian degree in substance abuse counseling is that the power of Jesus Christ backs a Christian degree!
When it comes to the efficacy of driving out the demons of substance abuse and healing those sick with addiction, there is no substitute for Jesus.
Are you ready to help change the world?
If you’re considering a career in Behavioral Health And Counseling, we recommend the Substance Abuse Counseling program at any of the schools mentioned. Not only does their in-depth exploration of substance abuse offer a faith-based curriculum to train you in your vocation, it also provides you with the educational foundation you will need to truly change the lives of your future patients.
There is a desperate need for faith-based Psychologists who understand Jesus’ call to go out and heal the sick. Find a faith-based university that has answered the call…will you answer the call by enrolling?
