Is There a Job That Helps People Who Are Addicted to Drugs or Alcohol?

Question by : Is there a job that helps people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol?
I have always wanted to go into law enforcement (federal and a detective) but I have been experiencing the affects of alcoholism and possibly some drug use in one of my parents. I go to alanon but my mom is in denial. I’ve been thinking of helping those addicted to drugs or alcohol to get better (off drugs and stop drinking). What jobs are there that would have me do this? And what type of degree would I need? I am currently a first semester freshman in college and my major is criminology and criminal justice with a concentration in community corrections

Best answer:

Answer by Nathan
You could always be a counselor or something else dealing with mental health. To tell you the truth, I’m a psych minor that’s pretty f**ked in the head himself, which is a pretty interesting experience when you get into the abnormal and developmental psychology. I suppose if you really want to help people in the manner that you describe, you should get into psychology. It’s a burgeoning field with many possibilities.

Answer by Henry
Its really great that you want to help people because of the affects substance misuse has had on you! Like other people suggested, perhaps you may like to be a councellor. There are many private treatement centres in the US and perhaps state outreach projects too! Volunteering is always a great way to gain experince in a field that you are passionate in, you may even find a job through volunteering that you can strive towards. You may find some opertunities here- http://www.nacoa.org/affiliates.html

I just wrote the following to the question you wrote about ‘leaving a bad enviroment’. I didnt realise that that the question was resolved, but thought my response may still be helpful:

You are completely right, it’s very normal to feel strange after you have left an abusive environment. If you think about it like this; perhaps you’ve been living in a house where you are always on high alert. You’re constantly worrying about the abuser, and constantly treading on egg shells just searching for a solution. When you leave this environment you have a chance to reflect on what’s happened, such as things that have been said, situations where you have been scared. When you lived in the abusive home, there was no time to reflect. You need time to adjust to your new environment, without repressing the past. Face it head on and get the support you deserve. Statistically children who have alcoholic parents are more likely to suffer from depression after they have left the abusive environment. This is why it’s so important to get the right support, so that you can cope with the abuse you have faced in the past. You have been extremely brave dealing with such a circumstance, you really have!!
If there are times when you feel like you need to talk to someone, there is a charity called NACOA (National association for Children of Alcoholics.) They are trained volunteers who offer support to individuals who are dealing with any type of problem concerning alcoholism and abuse. You can contact them on [email protected]. They won’t judge you and your correspondence will be completely confidential. You are not alone and none of this is your fault. Like I said before you have been very brave to get through such a situation. The website www.nacoa.org.uk may also be helpful for advice.

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