Addiction Therapists

Some addiction therapists have traditional 9:00-to-5:00, Monday-Friday schedules, but many offer evening and Saturday hours to accommodate their clients’ schedules. A therapist who works at an inpatient facility may be required to work evenings, nights, or weekends. At some employers, therapists experience excessive caseloads, which can be frustrating and tiring.

Careers in addiction therapy can be very stressful because therapists must listen to their patients recount painful episodes of sexual abuse, violence, or other trauma, yet still be able to respond in a professional and helpful manner. In some instances, patients may relapse and need to be readmitted to treatment programs. Some may even die as a result of an overdose, spousal abuse, or for other reasons. These developments can be emotionally overwhelming to therapists. For that reason, some therapists participate in support groups with other professionals to address these issues. Therapists also receive extensive training to help them respond professionally to heartbreaking stories and developments. Despite these challenges, many therapists enjoy their work because it has a direct impact on improving the lives of their patients.