Counselors in public and private alcoholism and drug abuse Treatment Programs

A survey of 1,328 individuals providing counseling and therapy in public and private alcoholism and drug abuse treatment programs in Massachusetts found a diverse work force. Men (47%) and women (53%), recovering (46%) and rionrecovering (54%), and therapists with (45%) and without(55%) graduate degrees, use their unique skills and experiences to help alcoholics and drug abusers initiate and maintain a life of sobriety. Male, recovering, and nondegreed counselors, however, worked primarily in residential and detoxification treatment settings. Women, nonrecovering, and graduate trained therapists, on the other hand, were more likely to be found in outpatient programs. Thus, within treatment modalities there was relatively little diversity, and a greater variety of counselors in specific settings may be desirable. Residential patients, for example, may beneftt hrough increased access to professionally trained theraprsts while outpatient clients may gain from more exposure to the personal experience and enthusiasm of the recovering counselor.