Going to School for Alcohol and Drug Counseling

I am an older person and I decided to go back to school. I have faith that I will get a job at my age. I am looking for a program that will except me during my externship work I have to do. I know this what I should be doing, but it almost took  me a lifetime to get to the decision of becoming a drug and alcohol counselor. There was so many obstacles. I need to here some stories from you guys about anybody you know who have started out doing something constructive at a late age. Please share, need to hear some hope. This world and rules always seem to want young people to work the jobs. So I'm praying and I'm going to keep on going to school and know that when you do the work, you have to see some kind of outcome. So, are any of you older guys and gals changing your careers or doing anything similar. Is too late for me? or should I keep going? My brother says at my age is just right for counseling.

[IBKleen]

If you don't mind my asking, how old are you? Please don't say 39 because I'll have to hide my head under the bed. Only kidding, I am just curious as to what you think is old.

Also, what prompted you to become a drug and alcohol counselor?

[killmypain]

I am 34 and just starting back in school.... I don't think I'm old, just doing this a little later in life. I think that if you feel in your heart that this is what you want to do with your life, you can't go wrong. Keep going. Education is a good thing.

[avisg]

I will say this This is just my personal opinion if you want to be an addiction counselor you need to been in long term recovery .How can u help others if you are using .Now thats not saying you are using I don't know I just think its really  vital for an addiction counselor to be clean themselves.I also do think you are ever too old to go back to school I am going to be 40 in oct and I am going back to school.Good luck I am sure u will do fabulous

[shearlea]

I am well over 50. What encouraged me is I have been in recovery since 1985 I have not always been clean but I stay with the program and do believe that is why I am still here. I don't really know anything else. I understand a lot more of my story now and know that I did get myself in a lot  of trouble by using. What got me started was mostly relationships and being in that environment, not knowing the difference and really not listening to the people that meant me good. I was always choosing what was wrong for me. Now i know better and think I have the opportunity to be on the side of the solution.

[spanky595]

       I went back to school also got GED and then went on and got my Human Services degree was 45 when I started I finished when I was 49 It was not so bad I learned how to counsel with clients seeking help with there problems.  They do the talking I do the listening and occasionally I will talk. Being a little older want to bad I had so fun talking with other class mates some younger some older it was a challenge and that's what I like.  Also learned how to write, type, word processing. and other things so yea it will be good to do this.

[leggs469]

I am 53 yrs old and still trying to detox off of methadone. My counselor at my program is always telling me to go back to school to become a counselor. Think about it, who would you listen to more, an ex-addict or a book learning counselor? Your never too old to begin over. I cheer you on sister. Keep it up cause you give people like me hope. Methadone programs prefer counselors who are ex-addicts. I would love to go back to school to be a drug counselor. I think I have alot to offer and I certainly have the back ground. Your giving me real hope. Thanks,  Leggs

[nurseinstead12]

These are some Benefits of not drinking:

    My relationships would probably improve.

    I’d feel better mentally and physically.

    I’d have more time and energy for the people and activities I care about.
Try to avoid drinking.

[darlenedaisy]

Hi,
That is fantastic that you want to go back to school, and congrats on your clean time !
I just went back to college for 2 years at age 43. I was 3 years clean at the time.

In terms of taking this type of course, the college I went to required at least 2 years clean and sober, because of the issues that come up in the courses.

Just be careful not to take on too much too soon. No need to rush, better to get really strong foundation first...
Wishing you all the best