The Impact of Substance Abuse Training and Support on Psychologists\u27 Functioning as Alcohol and Drug Counselors

Alcohol and other drug (AoD) problems occur at epidemic levels in society, yet many individuals do not receive adequate treatment. Research suggests that psychologists are disinterested in AoD counseling, and have AoD training, attitude, and skill deficits. The current study examined the role of AoD training and professional support on psychologists\u27 functioning as AoD counselors. The ultimate purpose of the study was to determine what interventions may be useful for improving psychologists\u27 ability to provide AoD counseling. One hundred and seventy-eight members of four divisions of the American Psychological Association were surveyed using a measure developed by the author based on prior research. Regression analyses confirmed the hypothesis that AoD training would be predictive of psychologists\u27 functioning as AoD counselors and that professional support would make a unique contribution to the prediction mode