Onewithwings

A friend of a relative (don't want to specify) "was" a drug addict, and very strongly wants to become a drug counselor. He does give good advice at times, and I think that, although I honestly can't stand the guy for other reasons, he would be a decent drug counselor IF it weren't for the fact that he still uses drugs on a daily basis! I don't understand HOW someone can counsel another person on drug addiction, when they have not given up drugs themselves, and have no intention in doing so. How can you give advice on living drug-free when you yourself have chosen not to do it?

What do you think, would you see a drug counselor who uses drugs? Do you think such a person could ever be a success in such a field?

Boleo

This is no small deal for a drug counselor. While there are many excellent
ex-drugusers working as counselors, one who still uses has not bottomed-out yet. This is like the Fox guarding the Hen-house.

hereigo

That's a good one....c'mon...is your question serious?

langkah

Of course he hopes he'll get the job...drugs are expensive.

Onewithwings

Well, I figured of course that there would be a resounding NO. I'm just curious if there is ANYONE who is actually in recovery thinks this would really work. He apparently does! And I doubt that, when applying for such a job, he would disclose his drug use, that would make him seem as illogical as he actually IS! I'm sure such a position would require drug testing anyway, don't you think? I find his self-assuredness on the subject laughable at best and downright scary at worst.

Onewithwings

and yes, my initial response was "HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! .... oh wait, you're SERIOUS?!"

hereigo

Absolutely ludicrous...laughable...outrageous. Historically, it is not unheard of for junkies to pose as healers. It has happened often, many times. I will refrain from naming individuals, but I have a list.

Peas and loaf, peas and loaf

2granddaughters

As my friend used to say "Take my advice.. I'm not using it".

davidf938

The only place he could be a counselor that I know of is as a sponsor in a 12-step program. This would not be a paid position. Every treatment center that I know of requires random drug screens. A positive screen generally means termination. So no, I don't think it would work out.

BlueMoon

1 - absolutely NOT

2 - very doubtful

NYCDoglvr

Is this a trick question?

anew

Poor guy is delusional.

DeadAZ

^^exactly...

stugotz

Only when I couldnt find my dealer. Just sayin...

GrinningSoul

I'm sure he thinks that he's fine, he has no problem and can be rational and able to see things clearly. Not the same as such, but when I got therapy I thought I was clear enough to be thinking straight as I wasn't high in those sessions.

Now I'm clean I realize how twisted my analysis' were about the things I was talking about in my past and present. So therefore in my view, his advice and analysis towards patients will be distored by his drug use.

Spawn

I think that once an addict or alcoholic gets some quality clean time they do have the potential do be a good counselor.............while in active addiction what kind of help are they bringing to the table?

Spawn

good one

Olivia333

ummmm probably not the best idea.. maybe he has good intentions but it would be like the blind leading the blind.

GrowingDaily

After you've cleaned yourself up? Sure. I personally wouldn't trust a counselor who hadn't gone through it.

During... haha... nope.

jojoba

If he doesn't have a problem with those substances, and doesn't use them during the counseling sessions in front of you, there's no issue. I've met people who can do a toot once in a awhile and don't go off the deep end.

Would you refuse to go to a counselor who has a glass of wine now and then?