Alcoholism and drug abuse counseling: State of the art consideration

Alcoholism and drug abuse counseling occupies a central place in the multidisciplinary, multifaceted and multi- situational responses to drug dependency issues. The origins and development of this profession/specialty are examined in the light of present realities and changes occurring within the profession itself and within the overall drug dependency field. A recent survey [1991] of professionals in the field identified such issues as primarily issues of professional identity and of credentialing; these issues are placed in an historical context.