| The problems of overcoming addiction are something | | | | become addicted. Drug addiction is not a required |
| only one who has overcome them can completely | | | | course or training step in becoming an expert in the |
| understand. Others can study addiction, work with | | | | field. Talented and well trained counselors who |
| addicts and even live with addicts and begin to see | | | | themselves have never used, still help people escape |
| what the effects of addiction to drugs or alcohol are. | | | | drug and alcohol abuse and compulsions everyday. |
| But there is a vast difference between truly and fully | | | | They save more lives and improve the lot of more |
| knowing something and merely knowing about | | | | families than workers in nearly any other field. |
| something. The addiction scholars can study for years | | | | But, in my experience, the counselors who are well |
| and never completely understand the life of the | | | | trained and dedicated AND have overcome addiction |
| addict. | | | | themselves have an extra something, an added |
| The drug addicted person has experiences that | | | | dimension that can help them to get inside the mind |
| others can only study. The overwhelming urges and | | | | and life of their cases and often this can make the |
| cravings that the addicted person feels are | | | | difference between success and failure for the |
| something that he cannot fully explain to anyone | | | | addict. |
| who has not felt them personally. But just being | | | | So, while it is not necessary for a counselor to be a |
| addicted does not make him or her an expert on | | | | recovered addict, and someone who has recovered |
| addiction! In fact, many drug dependent individuals are | | | | is not automatically an expert, the combination of the |
| completely in the dark about what is happening to | | | | two can sometimes make a real powerhouse of a |
| them and why they continue to use drugs or drink | | | | guide. One who can lead drug addicts and alcoholics |
| themselves into oblivion every chance they get. | | | | through the dark times and into the light of drug-free |
| In order to be a drug counselor, you do not have to | | | | living. |