SARATOGA
SPRINGS — The state has obtained $500,000 in
federal stimulus dollars to train people in the
fast-growing field of substance abuse and
behavioral counseling.
Since the repeal of Rockefeller Drug Laws, more
people with drug problems are going to
institutional and community-based treatment
centers instead of being imprisoned, creating a
demand for help in those facilities.
The state projects a 22 percent increase in
counseling positions for the period from 2006 to
2016. At present, the average age of counselors
is 53, meaning a large number of openings will
be created through retirement.
“We need to increase treatment resources in the
state,” said Judy Ekman, executive director of
the Saratoga Prevention Council. “For treatment
to be effective, it needs to be delivered by a
person who has the training and credentials
needed to provide these services. These programs
are going to have to grow.”
There are an estimated 2.5 million people in New
York state who need addiction services. It’s
believed that veterans coming home from Iraq and
Afghanistan will need addiction services at a
much higher rate than the general population,
also creating demand for new counselors. The
state is currently preparing 100 inpatient beds
to serve returning veterans, all of which need
staffing.
Counselor training will be offered in a variety
of settings, from community colleges to
community-based programs. Locally, training is
offered at Adirondack and Hudson Valley
community colleges and the Addiction Care Center
of Albany.
Training is specifically designed to help
low-income, unemployed people find well-paying
jobs. Funds will be awarded through the state
Labor Department to cover tuition costs for
income-eligible students. Funding is expected to
provide training for up to 125 people — about
$4,000 per student. Training will take from six
to 18 months, depending on the individual.
Seven years ago, a Saratoga County drug court
was established that provides alternative
sentencing for substance abuse cases.
Participants undergo evaluations to determine
the level of treatment needed and are subject to
regular screenings. Once they’ve completed
treatment and have recovered, they’re released
with probation.
“Drug courts have been very effective,” said
Becky Dixon, the program’s coordinator. “That’s
why people have been staying in treatment
longer. In this culture, we definitely have an
issue with drug abuse. We definitely need more
beds and more counselors out there.”
Many substance abuse counselors enter the field
in their mid-30s as part of a career change.
Some people become counselors because they or a
family member have recovered from drug
addiction, or they just want to help others.
The state Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse
Services oversees a network of more than 1,550
programs dedicated to prevention, treatment and
total recovery.
“Those entering the addictions profession need
to be properly prepared to meet the diverse
needs of those suffering from drug, alcohol or
gambling addiction,” Commissioner Karen
Carpenter-Palumbo said. “It is important to
obtain the necessary education and training in
order to provide the most effective, quality
care.”
Individuals with substance abuse problems who
need help may call a 24-hour, toll-free hotline,
1-877-8HOPENY.
