Are you considering a career in addiction recovery? Becoming an addiction counselor is a fulfilling path that allows you to make a significant impact on others' lives while achieving personal growth and professional development.
In this interview, Chelsea Cronin, CAC1, shares her inspiring journey and how ACTS Consulting's online courses have been instrumental in her career. Discover how these courses can equip you with the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in addiction counseling.
Diane: What is your current professional title?
Chelsea: I am an Addiction Counselor, CAC1.
Diane: What motivated you to pursue a career in addiction recovery?
Chelsea: My own recovery journey and the desire to learn all I can about the disease, were my primary motivations.
Diane: Which courses did you take with ACTS Consulting ? Were they online or in-person?
Chelsea: I took the Addiction Counselor Training Course, which was predominantly online.
Diane: Do you think the education received from ACTS Consulting has prepared you for your professional role?
Chelsea: Absolutely, and even more than I expected!
Diane: What were the strengths and weaknesses of your online education compared to traditional in-person learning?
Chelsea: Online education provides flexibility and location independence, making it easier to balance work, life, and commitments with continued education and professional development. It also allows for self-paced learning, which reduces the stress of strict deadlines. However, a weakness is that when work and life get busy, it’s easy to put education on the back burner longer than anticipated. Nevertheless, this experience has pushed me to develop my self-discipline and self-motivation.
Diane: What strategies do you use to stay updated with the latest research and best practices in addiction recovery?
Chelsea: I am a member of GACA and NAADAC, receiving their eNews and eUpdate emails. These provide access to research publications, webinars, networking opportunities, and notifications about upcoming professional development training. I also utilize online databases for research articles and attend networking events and meetups with other organizations and addiction professionals. Additionally, I seek out free or discounted courses or workshops where I can earn CEUs at my own pace.
Diane: What are your long-term career goals in addiction recovery?
Chelsea: I am currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in psychology to advance to a level 2 certification. After that, I plan to continue my education and pursue a master’s degree to further my career.
Diane: Are there any specific courses you recommend for individuals entering the field of recovery and addiction counseling/coaching, aimed at preparing the next generation of professionals?
Chelsea: I highly recommend courses covering an overview of Substance Use Disorders, core competencies, Skills, Brief Interventions, Motivational Interviewing and Stages of Change. Treatment Process/Clinical Practices from Evaluation through Discharge Planning, Referrals and Coordinating Continued Care. Then there’s Cultural Awareness and Diversity, Ethics and Professionalism including HIPAA and Legal Aspects, Telehealth, and the Science of Addiction and Pharmacology. Also, education on Psycho-Synthetic Substances.
ACTS Consulting offers a comprehensive and flexible online education program that prepares future addiction counselors for success. If you are passionate about helping others and want to make a meaningful impact, consider enrolling in our online classes today. Your journey towards a rewarding career in addiction recovery starts with the right education.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Sign up for an online class with ACTS Consulting today and start your journey towards becoming a certified addiction counselor. Explore our website to learn more and enroll now!
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