Addiction is a difficult problem for any person to live with, but fortunately they can seek professional help to address and manage their challenges in a healthy way. Recovering from any addiction, whether it involves substance abuse, alcohol, gambling or another factor, is a journey, and addictions support workers are there to help individuals reach the next step.
Progress in treating someone’s addiction can lead to long-term recovery and deeper or renewed social engagement with family, friends and the community. Addiction workers can help the person suffering from the addiction and work closely with their family and friends to provide more comprehensive support. Read on if you’re interested in a career as an addictions support worker and want to learn more.
What are the Responsibilities of an Addictions Support Worker?
Addiction counsellors talk through their clients’ fears, doubts, challenges and future goals—and help them stay on track during the rehabilitation process. Enrolling in a CSW course provides lessons on the symptoms and effects of addiction as well as specific methods and techniques involved in the rehabilitation process, such as intake treatment assessment, referrals and group education or therapy sessions.
Addictions support workers value commitment, perseverance and support
Primary responsibilities for addictions support workers involve:
- Individual outreach for support with immediate needs
- Designing personalized treatment plans
- Counselling and addressing the causes of addiction
- Referring clients to support groups or health care professionals
- Providing education and advocacy to individuals’ families and the community at large
The primary goal for addiction counsellors is to provide respectful, confidential care that supports each client on their path to sobriety.
What Kind of People Become Addictions Support Workers?
Addiction support workers must have certain qualities that make them suited to address the needs of their clients. Being awarded with a CSW diploma means that you are equipped with technical skills and knowledge, such as how to spot addiction and address obstacles on the road to recovery, and that you also have a personal touch which emphasizes empathy, a non-judgmental attitude, patience and commitment to persevere along with your client for a better quality of life.
A CSW course can’t teach compassion, but it can help build the skills you need
Your CSW Diploma Can Diversify Your Career
Addiction counsellors can find work in many different settings, including private and public treatment centres, non-profit agencies, hospitals and correctional facilities. The differences between public and private work as well as the demands of individual workplaces may mean that your duties change depending on the environment you want to work in or where your services are most needed.
A recent and growing trend of provincial and federal initiatives to expand mental health services makes for a positive career trend in the future. Although the unfortunate fact of recovery burnout, relapse and emerging addictions mean that more people will need help, this also means that you will be able to address their needs and offer guidance and support on their road to recovery.
Do you want to begin a rewarding career helping those who struggle with addiction?
Contact Oxford College to learn how you can earn your Community Service Worker Diploma.