What Is Substance Abuse Social Work?
Substance abuse social work involves substance use therapy, advocacy, and more. Learn how to become a substance abuse social worker.
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Substance abuse social work involves providing therapy, advocacy, and other important services to help people with substance use disorders. Learn more about therapy to treat substance abuse and how social workers can become trained and licensed to work in this important specialty.
While we typically refer to “substance use” as a best practice for conscious language, this guide will follow the more commonly used terminology.
How Does Substance Abuse Therapy Work?
Substance abuse therapy involves a comprehensive psychosocial assessment and evidence-based treatment to address substance use concerns. Therapy can be provided by clinical social workers who are licensed in their state and specialize in treating this unique population.
Treatment often includes:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Medication
- Twelve-Step Facilitation Therapy Models
- Motivational Interviewing
- Contingency Management
Substance Abuse Social Worker Education Requirements
To become a substance abuse social worker, you must first meet certain educational and licensing requirements.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in social work or addiction and recovery counseling, you will need to earn a master’s degree in social work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program. Some MSW programs offer a specialization in substance use counseling, providing training in topics like motivational interviewing, group therapy facilitation, and crisis intervention.
As an MSW student, pursuing a field placement at a facility that treats substance use disorders can provide additional training in this practice specialty. After earning an MSW degree and entering the field, many social workers who are passionate about substance use treatment pursue additional training and certification in this area of specialty.
Though not required, getting credentialed through an organization like the NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals, is another way to focus your career as a substance abuse social worker and continue your education.
After earning an MSW degree, you will need to pursue clinical licensure in your state if you want to provide substance use therapy to clients independently without supervision.
Obtaining Licensure
You will need to obtain a clinical social work license in your state to provide substance use therapy. Each state has its own unique requirements and application process, so check with your state’s social work licensing board to learn more.
Generally, most states require social workers to first obtain a limited license after earning an MSW degree, which allows you to work with clients under the supervision of a fully-licensed clinical social worker. After approximately two years (or 3,000 hours) of full-time supervised practice, including 100 hours of direct supervision, you can apply for full clinical social work licensure. You will also need to pass the ASWB Clinical Social Work exam.
If you are interested in working in substance abuse social work as a case manager, you may not need clinical licensure. Specific educational and licensure requirements will depend on your personal career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Social workers possess well-rounded training that uniquely equips them to provide support to people and communities facing substance use disorders, from case management to individual and group treatment, and community-wide prevention efforts.
