This free survey is powered by QUESTIONPRO.COM
  1. Surveys
  2. 2015
  3. February
  4. E
  5. Experiences of Substance Abuse Counselors
0%
 
 
Hello:
You are invited to participate in the survey of The Experiences of Substance Abuse Counselors Working with Incarcerated Substance Abuse Offenders. In this survey, approximately 10 -15 counselors will be asked to complete a survey that asks questions about their decisions to choose the profession of substance abuse counseling and  their experiences as relates to substance abuse counseling. It will take approximately 45 minutes to complete the questionnaire.

Your participation in this study is completely voluntary. There are no foreseeable risks associated with this project. However, if you feel uncomfortable answering any questions, you can withdraw from the survey at any point. It is very important for the researcher to learn your opinions.

Your survey responses will be strictly confidential. Your information will be coded and will remain confidential. If you have questions at any time about the survey or the procedures, you may contact Constance Johnson at 478 290 3833 or by email at the email address specified below.

Thank you very much for your time and support. Please start with the survey now by clicking on the Continue button below.
 
 
Please respond to the following questions based on the experiences as a substance abuse counselor working with incarcerated substance abuse offenders and non-incarcerated substance abusers.




Note:-

True - reflective of my experience

Fales - not reflective of my experience

True False Not sure
I worked as a substance abuse counselor for 1 or more years
I worked in non-prison settings as a substance abuse counselor
I worked in prison settings only as substance abuse counselor
I participate in trainings for substance abuse counseling profession
I participate in trainings for substance abuse counseling for offenders
I enjoy working with individuals with substance abuse disorders
I am comfortable working with substance abusers
I enjoy working with incarcerated substance abusers
I am comfortable working with incarcerated substance abusers
I worked in other areas of counseling profession
 
 
Please respond to these questions based on your past or current experience with the decision to enter the counseling and substance abuse counseling profession.
True False Not sure
I choose to work in the counseling profession because I like to help people
I was encouraged to work in field of addiction because of a personal decision
I was encouraged to work in field of addiction because of a professional decision
I was told that there was a need for substance abuse counselors in field of addictions
I was informed that my education background was a value in field of addictions
I received education that emphasized addictions studies
I received educational training to become a substance abuse counselor
I am a certified addiction counselor
Completing the credential requirements for certification was a complicated process
Passing the addictions certification exam was not problem
I think the addictions education and training process for certification of counselors is fair and just
I was offered adequate financial assistance to help me complete certification process
 
 
Please respond to the following questions based on your past or current experiences of working with incarcerated substance abuse offenders.
True False Not sure
Working with offenders is empowering to me
The method and trainings are/were relevant and prepared me well for the real interactions with offenders
Many of my personal and professional experiences have been integrated in working with offenders
The correctional environment encourages my experiences and perspectives as a substance counselor
Offenders from different cultural backgrounds are perceived as potential resources in my development as a substance abuse counselor
The correctional environment provides the opportunity for me to be active in offenders treatment services
The correctional environment provides the opportunity for me to improve my skills and knowledge as a substance abuse counselor
 
 
 
Reflect on your work experience. Think of a professional and/or a colleague that has been influential in your profession as a substance abuse counselor. Which of the following attributes about the individual  did you most like:
 
He/she was knowledgeable
 
Enjoyed working with people
 
Has a gift or passion for helping people
 
Has personal experience with substance abuse problems
 
Knows someone who has substance abuse problems
 
Had no clear goals
 
Very engaging and likeable
 
Did not understand the treatment process
 
Other
 

 
 
 
Think of a past counseling experience while working with incarcerated substance abuse offenders in which you had negative feelings. Check up to 6 items that contributed to these feelings:
 
It was boring
 
It was difficult
 
I felt disconnected to the process
 
The offender did not care
 
I was a nobody/ignored
 
No one knew about my background or experiences
 
I was identified/labeled negatively
 
No one liked me or cared about me
 
I was not good on this subject
 
There were struggles and issues at home
 
I could not share my thoughts or opinion
 
I did not understand the materials
 
No one was interested in my or my thoughts and opinions
 
Other

 
 
 
At what age did you first realize that you want to become a  substance abuse counselor?
 
5-10
 
10-15
 
15-20
 
20-25
 
25+
 
 
 
Who or what do you think were your primary forces of influence on your decision to become a substance abuse counselor?(Select up to 6 items that apply the most)
 
I had great professors
 
I had great trainers/supervisors
 
Someone in my family was a counselor
 
I always know I will be a counselor
 
I enjoy working with people
 
I experienced helping others learn
 
I have the gift
 
I have something special to contribute
 
My family encouraged me
 
My professor(s) influenced me
 
My friends encouraged me
 
I have experienced past substance abuse problems
 
I know someone who has substance abuse problems
 
I saw ads for substance abuse counselor
 
I thought it might be interesting
 
I had no clear career goal
 
I thought I will try it for a while
 
I identified strongly with one counselor
 
I have no idea!
 
Other

 
 
 
Was there someone in your family who is/was a substance abuse counselor? If applicable, please identify the person's relation to you.
   
 
 
 
* What came to your mind as you thought of becoming a substance abuse counselor? (choose up to 3 that are most applicable)
 
Helping others
 
Empathizing with others
 
Making a difference
 
Making my family proud
 
Doing something meaningful
 
Other
 

 
 
 
What was the reaction of people around you when you made your final decision to become a substance abuse counselor?
 
My parents/family were proud
 
My parents/family were indifferent
 
My family thought it was too difficult, too "farfetched"
 
My family believed I could make it
 
My friends were supportive
 
My friends tried to talk me out of it
 
No one had any particular or strong response

 
 
 
In your perspective, how is a substance abuse counselor perceived and defined?
 
Highly respected
 
Not respected at all
 
Enjoy high social status
 
Looked up as role model
 
Same as other profession
 
Other
 
 
 
In general, my experience as a substance abuse counselor working with incarcerated substance abuse offenders are: (choose up to 3 responses that most applicable)
 
Relevant - I acquired knowledge and skills to prepare me to work with the offender substance abuse population
 
Exciting - I was inspired to find creative ways to work with substance abuse offender
 
Validating - I was encouraged to value my background and experiences as a person
 
Empowering - I had meaningful interactions with supervisors and offenders where my voice and perspectives were heard and acknowledged
 
Non-relevant - I felt that much of what I was learning did not prepare me well for my counseling profession
 
Methodic - I was taught processes and procedures to follow
 
Invalidating - My perspective and opinion were not understood or accepted by others

 
Survey Software Powered by QuestionPro Survey Software