Discovering the rewards of supporting Mainers in recovery

What do you do as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor or CADC?

I work as a CADC in the criminal justice system and go into jails to help that population recover from substance use disorder. I generally work in groups but also help people one on one when needed. We work on issues like peer support, relapse prevention, how to manage triggers, and determine what resources they’ll need when they are back in the community.

How did you get into this line of work?

I went to school to get my degree, but there’s plenty of other opportunities that you can train for and work your way up.

What do you enjoy about your work?

This career has changed my life. It gives me the opportunity to get the fulfillment that comes from giving back to the community. I think a lot of people look at me and don’t realize that I’m in long term recovery myself – doing this work helps me on my own journey. Before recovery, I was wandering aimlessly out there. Now that I have a goal of helping others, it fills my cup and it’s so rewarding. When I’m helping someone, I feel so empowered that I’m actually making a difference in this world.

There’s also a lot of flexibility, which can be helpful for someone with a family or other jobs. There are even opportunities for telehealth, which helps people access treatment if they live in rural areas or cannot meet in person.

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in getting into the field?

I would encourage anyone to consider it. There is a lot of opportunities for people to get into the field. It doesn’t matter what stage you’re at in life – anyone can do it. You can always start with training and eventually progress to something more advanced.