Need for Certified Addictions Professionals

“Our country is on the verge of a crisis:  an inadequate supply of workers trained in substance abuse treatment.”
-Workforce Issues Policy Brief 2006

"If current drug use initiation rates continue, demand for treatment will double by 2020."
-Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, 2005

"More than half of substance abuse treatment providers are between the ages of 40-55" (approaching retirement)
-National Association of Alcohol and Drug Addictions CounselorsPractitioners Services Network

"5,000 new addiction professionals are needed each year just to replace those leaving the field."
-Lewin Group

"The picture is clear: Increased demand for treatment, but a retiring workforce. The need for new substance abuse counselors is staggering.
-Florida Addictions Institute, 2006

In Florida, for every addictions professional, there are two jobs available.
-Florida Workforce Group, 2006

Increasingly, employers only hire addictions professionals who are officially certified by the Florida Certification Board. Some typical employers are:

•Drug abuse inpatient, residential, & outpatient treatment facilities
•Psychiatric inpatient, residential, & outpatient treatment facilities
•Treatment programs for eating disorders & compulsive gambling
•Hospitals
•Mental health centers
•Substance abuse prevention organizations
•Youth-serving organizations
•Schools and universities
•Faith-based organizations
•Family-serving organizations
•Private practices
•Employee Assistance Programs
•Law enforcement
•Probation/Corrections