OBSERVATIONS ON THE RECENT HISTORY OF DRUG-USER COUNSELING

The drug user counselor role is explored in terms of its changing natu re over the course of the past 25 years. Initially, the drug user coun selor could be characterized as a professional based on his or her exp erience, or as an ex-addict paraprofessional in the language of that t ime. Working very largely with a heroin-using clientele, the counselor was the advisor and role model who could not be conned and, thereby, the essential counterpart to the mental health professionals who were entering the drug misuse field. Over time, these latter professionals based on education have become increasingly evident and die ''professi onals of experience'' have become less so in accord with changes in th e demography, drug-using characteristics, and psychological functionin g of drug user clients. Nonetheless, studies that support the particul ar efficacy of counselors of education for all but drug user clients w ith significant psychopathology are lacking. Moreover, aspects of ther apeutic interaction that are more largely engaged in by ''professional s of experience'' are threatened by the diminution in that group's num bers and the credentialing out of nontraditional job functions. Over t he past few years, awareness of the significance of the contributions of ''professionals of experience'' has been reawakened by the threat o f AIDS and the recognition of counselors' contributions to outreach an d AIDS prevention counseling.