Features of Addiction Treatment

A therapist specializing in childhood sexual abuse would not likely divulge his or her

experience with a similar trauma. Instead, the therapist would most likely have a

doctorate in psychology, counseling, or social work, and would take an objective role i

n

therapy. However, this is not the case in addictions treatment. In fact, it was not until the

mid

-

1970s that licensure of addictions counselors became common practice. Prior to

that time, it was common for addictions counselors to enter the field with a

history of

substance abuse. Today, however, many view the treatment of addictions as a complex

process requiring specialized skills and education.

The practice of recovering substance abusers serving as addictions professionals is one

unique feature of the

field of addictions. Addictions professionals should understand

both sides of this argument and be familiar with other unique aspects of the addictions

field.

Project

Post

your response to the following question: Does personal history of addiction and

treatment make counselors more effective? Provide a

n informed argument based on the

week’s Learning Resources and any other factors you have identified. Finally, describe

two other aspects of the addiction field that are uniquely different from the general field

of mental health, and explain why they are d

ifferent.

A therapist specializing in childhood sexual abuse would not likely divulge his or her

experience with a similar trauma. Instead, the therapist would most likely have a

doctorate in psychology, counseling, or social work, and would take an objective role in

therapy. However, this is not the case in addictions treatment. In fact, it was not until the

mid-1970s that licensure of addictions counselors became common practice. Prior to

that time, it was common for addictions counselors to enter the field with a history of

substance abuse. Today, however, many view the treatment of addictions as a complex

process requiring specialized skills and education.

The practice of recovering substance abusers serving as addictions professionals is one

unique feature of the field of addictions. Addictions professionals should understand

both sides of this argument and be familiar with other unique aspects of the addictions

field.

Project

Post your response to the following question: Does personal history of addiction and

treatment make counselors more effective? Provide an informed argument based on the

week’s Learning Resources and any other factors you have identified. Finally, describe

two other aspects of the addiction field that are uniquely different from the general field

of mental health, and explain why they are different.