Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Alcohol and Drug Counselor
The consumption of alcohol and use of hard drugs, especially among the youth, has been a serious menace in the current social order. The effects of alcohol and drug consumption have been felt in all sectors of life, ranging from education to the productivity of the labor force of a country. For this reason, such careers as alcohol and drug counseling have become popular in both public and private universities. As the alcohol and drug specialists join the helping profession, there is hope that the menace will reduce and have the wasted youth become useful members of society (Rothwell et al, 2005). The alcohol and drug counselors are important members of the society concerned with rehabilitation and counseling of addicts and near addicts. As part of the counseling function, counselors advise and educate vulnerable groups such as the high school and college youth. This paper is my career and life plan.
As part of my ultimate plan, I endeavor to become a prominent counselor concerned with drugs and alcohol eradication among the youth, as well as such susceptible groups as young couples. Drugs and alcoholism have been at the root of divorce cases and family breakage. These are among the social menaces driving me to pursue this career. I endeavor to work in institutions as well as on private practice as a way of reaching out to the millions of victims suffering in silence. Worth noting is the actuality that the consumption of drugs and alcoholism are not innate behaviors (Perkinson, 2003). They are learned traits and, therefore, can be attributed to the environment. Since the environment is not easily manipulated, it is possible to manipulate the thinking of the people such that they do not pick the negative teachings of the environment.
There is more to all professions than just being a law abiding taxpaying citizen. Careers not only give an individual a source of income, but also make them role models. Researchers and social scientists argue that in the helping profession, the counselor should be a perfect example and role model to the victim (Brown & Lent, 2004). In straight forward terms, I endeavor to be a role model to all the affected individuals. In being a role model, I will effortlessly work on my personality, something that will make me a better person. Worth noting is the point that the ultimate goal or what I refer to as my professional objective function is to have an institution offering clinical services as well as rehabilitative services. I plan to run this organization in conjunction with likeminded social groups and nonprofit organizations. Victims addicted to methamphetamine, arguably the most dangerous drug in the world, are among the groups I plan to give special attention.
As part of my career, counseling couples that are on the brink of giving up because of drug use and alcohol abuse will be a central idea. This way, I will be helping many people, especially the children that are bound to suffer, leading a life without the cohesive relationship of a family and the parental love of the absentee parents. Currently, a substantial percentage of the children in the streets of the downtown areas of many cities and towns are there because they belong nowhere is the sober world (Perkinson, 2003). They are not affiliated to any place they can call home. Apparently, children will prefer a life on the streets to a life in a violent home. I endeavor to have such children counseled and fitted into the useful sectors of society. In developing my career, I will not be reluctant working anywhere in the country in giving equal service to all. Research indicates that various parts of the country are affected differently and to varying extents. In fact, working in such vulnerable states as Nicaragua will be more useful than working in safer places.
Other advantages of pursuing this career include the opportunity to promote education and normal schooling. As mentioned earlier, drug and substance use are among the primary deterrents of healthy schooling. In my efforts to do away with drugs among the youth, I will be in a position to help many people access school. Such opportunity will help the youth shape their future. This is the best definition of service to the people. As far as academics are concerned, I endeavor to pursue my education beyond Bachelors level. I have a grand plan to do my masters degree. Apparently, education is the epicenter of career development. Learning beyond Bachelors, perhaps to PhD level, will enable me become an instructor or a university lecturer. Apparently, this will be an opportunity to develop my career while making the community aware of the importance of the profession. Much like other people in the learning profession, I will acquire skills for better parenting through researching the reactions of various victims to guidance. Completion of my PhD will mark the climax of my career as far as education is concerned. Owning a facility offering both clinical and rehabilitative services will mark the climax of my career as far as professional practice is concerned.
References
Brown, S. D., & Lent, R. W. (2004). Career Development and Counseling: Putting Theory and Research to Work. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.
Perkinson, R. R. (2003). The alcoholism & drug abuse patient workbook. Thousand Oaks: Sage.
Rothwell, W. J., Wang, A. W., & Payne, T. D. (2005). Career planning and succession management: Developing your organization's talent; for today and tomorrow. Westport, Conn: Pager Publishers.
