"I actually did not start my career path as an addiction counselor. My career path began when I was an addict. Like many people, I started out using once in a while and those 'here and there' moments turned into several times a week and often daily. I suffered physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I went through more than I can tell you in the time an interview allows, but what I can say here is, when I hit rock bottom, I promised myself if I could crawl out of the hole I was in I would help others as much as I could. I got into an inpatient rehab program, then did outpatient therapy and joined support groups. When I got healthy again, I started pursuing a career in addiction counseling. I made a promise to myself and I intend to keep it as long as I live. It's one thing to know the facts; it's completely another thing to live them. I am living proof that someone can overcome addiction and live a better life."

In almost all interviews, the employer will ask why you chose this specific career. Everybody has his own story to tell, and the interviewer wants to hear yours. If you had some experience that led you to this career choice, this is a good time to share that. Remember, though, this is an interview, not a conference where you are a guest speaker. Tell your 'why' and tell it with passion, but be conscientious of the time that you are being given.

"If someone had told me many years ago that I would have chosen a career dealing with addiction, I would never have believed them. I love psychology and have always wanted to help people. It wasn't until I really began to research the different types of counseling that are available that I realized the critical role that many addiction counselors have in the lives of those who are struggling with addictions. The more I researched, the more I felt like this is what I was meant to do."