Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors

Right now, most of a substance abuse counselor’s work still needs a real person. However, AI tools are starting to help with things like record-keeping. For example, new “AI scribe” software can listen to sessions and write progress notes, which can save time and reduce paperwork ^{[1] [1]}.

Researchers have even tested AI chatbots in therapy. In one study, a chatbot version of Woebot (originally a mental health app) helped people with substance use disorders and found it was “acceptable, feasible, and safe” – and users reported using substances less often ^[1]. Another team at Dartmouth built “Therabot,” an AI therapy app for anxiety, depression and addiction; they found it could help people when therapists are in short supply ^{[2] [2]}.

But these tools are just early tests and often work together with human oversight. Tasks like planning aftercare or working with courts and doctors have not been automated – they rely on counselors’ judgement and teamwork with others. In short, AI today is mostly an assistant (helping with notes or giving supportive chats) rather than a replacement for the human counselor.

AI tools in counseling might grow faster in some ways and slower in others. On the plus side, there’s a big need for more care. Experts note that even if we trained many more therapists, it wouldn’t cover all people who need help – so science leaders are eager to try new things ^{[2] [1]}.

AI can potentially make services more personalized and reach people online, which seems promising. However, therapy relies on human empathy and trust, so many expect AI to aid counselors rather than replace them. Professional reviews say AI can “augment” care by analyzing data and personalizing advice, but it must be paired with human skill ^{[1] [1]}.

Also, clinics worry about privacy, mistakes, and the cost of new tech. In short, AI tools (like smart apps or notes helpers) will be used more, but they’re likely to work alongside counselors. Humans still lead the way in the sensitive, caring work of helping patients recover.