It’s impossible to think about the start of a new year and not think about new beginnings or ways to continue to improve. If you are a substance abuse counselor, you are likely wondering how to apply this mindset to your practice. In fact, you might be wondering how you can improve your connection with your clients, how you can stay on top of the latest research, or what mistakes you want to avoid in the future. The following tips will help you make some positive changes in the upcoming year.

In recent years, there has been a startling increase in opioid addiction among college students. With young individuals already at a higher risk of addiction, it is unsurprising that opioid-addicted students presently make up one of the largest groups of drug abusers nationally.

Substance abuse counselors work tirelessly to help individuals who struggle with addiction to lead healthier and happier lives. However, with millions of people struggling with addiction every year, the work of a substance abuse counselor is much more complex than it may appear. On one hand, it is undoubtedly rewarding helping people discover new meaning in life when they are independent of drugs and/or alcohol. On the other, there are financial commitments, time constraints, and other responsibilities that come along with pursuing a career in this field. Below are some of the key skills and responsibilities of being a substance abuse counselor.