A survey of training needs of experienced certified addictions counselors

The alcohol and other drug abuse field has, more often than not, determined the topics of education and training be directed by published authors and associated authority figures. Rarely do workshop instructors ask the field what they would like to see presented, or how they prefer the information to be conveyed. A recent survey was conducted by The Pennsylvania State University and the Pennsylvania Chemical Abuse Certification Board to address these questions. The results indicate a preference for training topics that encompass cultural issues, alternative forms of treatment and relapse prevention. The preferred style of delivery was that via discussion groups and lectures. Data such as this needs to be weighed into future drug and alcohol education.