bigguyslimm

Well I'm now 2 months shy of being 6 years sober. It really feels great to have made it this far. I believe the last time I posted I was starting to intern as a substance abuse counselor. Well since then I've completed all of that and am now a certified full time substance abuse counselor. I currently work for an organization that mainly deals with DUI classes and counseling, but I also do outpatient treatment for substance abuse. It feels great helping others, and it is truly rewarding.

I always hope that someone that reads this is at the beginning of their sober journey. For those people, I want to wish you the best of luck, and I want you to know that it is doable. Only you can change your life. I was in the same place as you back in 2011. I was newly sober, I was scared, and I was an anxious mess. Do know that it will get better and easier with time.

SteveAlex

I wanted to do that too but I believe you need 2 years sobriety at least before you can in Oregon. Congrats!

bigguyslimm

Yeah I do believe that it's 2 years in most places. Keep up your sobriety, and you'll be there before you know it.

least

Congrats on nearly six years sober! Thank you for your message of hope.

Opivotal

I couldn't be happier for you, bigguyslimm!

Thank you for the update.

Dee74

Congrats Bugguyslim

D

Eastcoaster20

Congrats!!! And thanks for giving us newbies hope!

comtnman740

Congrats! How do you go about getting certified? I've mulled around the idea of making a career change to something like that.

bigguyslimm

I live in California. I had to do 6 months of college,I know some places it's 10 months of school. From there I registered with CCAPP which is one of the main certification places for California. Once registered I began interning for free, and I did that for 8 months. You have to complete 255 hours. From there you put together a portfolio and submit it. Then you get scheduled for a test, which is 3 hours long, and then you're certified.

Soberwolf

Congrats

PurpleKnight

Fantastic!!