Substance Abuse Social Worker — A Master’s for the Greater Good

Earn your Master of Social Work 100% online and explore the opportunity of working in the substance abuse field with a degree from NMSU Global Campus.

What Does a Social Worker Do With a Substance Abuse Specialization?

Most professionals working within the sphere of social work may address clients that struggle with substance abuse. However, there are specialties within the field of social work that specifically address cases for people that are seeking to overcome alcohol and substance abuse addictions. According to Drug Abuse Statistics, unfortunately, 20.4% of Americans are struggling with alcohol use disorder, and drug use among Americans 12 years and older has increased almost 6% year-over-year. 

The need for professionals that are dedicated and trained in addressing addiction-specific issues is in high demand. As a Substance Abuse Social Worker, your responsibilities may include:

• Assessing the needs of clients
• Developing treatment plans
• Providing individual or group therapy
• Social work practices with families

You’ll work closely with clients to address root causes of addiction and provide support in their path to recovery. Substance Abuse Social Workers also collaborate with other professionals, such as doctors, psychiatrists, and support groups, to ensure comprehensive care. Additionally, they may offer various types of child welfare services to support families in need.

Becoming a Substance Abuse Social Worker

Dedicated to aiding individuals and families dealing with addiction issues, professionals in this field play a pivotal role in guiding clients toward recovery. With an MSW, you can work as a counselor or therapist and make a difference in the lives of clients.

This role requires compassion, active listening, and connecting with those experiencing addiction struggles. Choosing a substance abuse social work specialization can significantly impact your clients’ lives.

Steps to Pursue Substance Abuse in Social Work Education

To become a child and family social worker focusing on substance abuse, you must earn a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) first. NMSU Global Campus offers an excellent online MSW program to help you achieve your career goals. This program provides remote learning opportunities, making it accessible for individuals from various backgrounds and locations.

Get information on our MSW program here if you’re considering pursuing it at NMSU Global Campus. The program offers affordable tuition, and scholarship opportunities may be available to help you fund your education.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Work Job Outlook and Earnings

The mental health and substance abuse social work field is in high demand. As society becomes more aware of the importance of mental health, the need for trained professionals is on the rise. Substance Abuse Social Workers can expect a promising job outlook with diverse employment options, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, government agencies, and private practices.

In terms of earnings, the salary of this professional can vary based on location, experience, and education. On average, they earn a competitive salary, often reflecting their critical role in helping individuals overcome addiction and mental health challenges.

Do You Need an MSW to Work in the Field of Substance Abuse?

While a bachelor’s degree in a related field — such as the Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Community Psychology from NMSU Global Campus — can open some doors in substance abuse work, earning an MSW offers even more significant career opportunities. An MSW equips you with advanced knowledge and practical skills to address complex addiction and mental health issues.

Can You Become a Substance Abuse Counselor With an MSW?

Yes, you can become a Substance Abuse Counselor with an MSW. Having an MSW can set you apart in this field, as it demonstrates your commitment to professional development and your capacity to provide comprehensive care to individuals and families dealing with substance abuse issues.

Is Substance Abuse Social Work a Good Career?

Substance Abuse Social Work is a noble and fulfilling career. It allows you to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives and communities by assisting them in overcoming addiction. A career in this field can be gratifying if you possess the necessary skills, such as empathy, communication, and a dedication to helping others.

What Skills Are Beneficial If I Want to Pursue Mental Health and Substance Abuse Work?

To excel in mental health and substance abuse work, you should possess strong communication skills, empathy, and the ability to establish trust with your clients. Additionally, active listening, problem-solving, and resilience are vital attributes for effectively assisting individuals on their journey to recovery.

While obtaining your degree in social work, you may be trained in all of these areas:

• Human behavior: Discover and identify how people behave and interact in society, and how this can be adversely affected by addictions, income status, and other challenges, such as monetary struggles that prevent access to adequate care. 
• Social welfare policy and practice: Understand how to find adequate resources and support for someone. This may mean helping someone obtain housing vouchers or food stamps. 
• Basic psychology: Co-occurring mental disorders are common among those battling with an addiction. Learning about basic needs and necessities for mental health is imperative for working in this field. 
• Research skills: Finding resources and services that help meet clients’ necessities is critical. 

Obtaining a master’s degree can help ensure the right skills are met to enter into specializations like substance abuse care. An MSW can give you advanced training in research capabilities, clinical skills that allow you to perform assessments and counseling, and increased specialization to become an expert in addiction-specific social work. 

NMSU Global Campus: Master’s of Social Work

NMSU Global Campus is New Mexico’s ONLY R2 University for Social Work and a national leader in the field. Their MSW program offers remote learning, making it accessible to many students, including career changers and individuals seeking to advance.

A master’s degree in social work specializing in mental health and substance abuse can open doors to a fulfilling career helping individuals and families in need. NMSU Global Campus provides an exceptional MSW program, offering remote learning and affordable tuition with scholarship opportunities. If you’re considering pursuing an MSW at NMSU Global Campus, we encourage you to explore more about the program. For detailed information about this, you can find MSW degree requirements here.