Ashleigh Gilbreath HSE-350 Southern New Hampshire University May 8, 2024 1-1 Journal: The 12 Core Functions Do you feel ready to be a substance abuse counselor? As someone who has experienced addiction and has dealt with family members battling addiction, I do feel that I have a unique perspective when going into this career. I feel that I am indeed generally prepared for what this career entails counseling-wise, but I do not feel as if I am prepared yet for the paperwork and reporting aspect. With a little instruction, I know I will get there. My years as an addict and years in recovery will help me better understand the needs of clients. A wise counselor told me once that addicts in recovery make some of the best counselors because it is easier to relate to someone who has gone through the process, and I strongly believe this to be true. Hopes, strengths, reservations, and limitations concerning substance abuse counseling. After learning about the 12 core functions, I decided to take a look within to see if I feel I am prepared for this career. I hope that I can make a difference in clients' lives. I think that is the goal most people have when going into a career like this. As stated previously, my strengths
include being an addict in recovery. Anyone can read a book and learn the steps to take to counsel someone, but having a personal connection to the topic can build a bond with a client. I believe the fear of judgment is a reason for the lack of treatment for some, and if you can tell your story, it removes some of that fear. I am concerned that I will compare my journey to the client's journey. Everyone has their own path to follow to recovery and sometimes each path is drastically different. Using my journey to help clients open up, and then putting my journey aside will be difficult.