After working in administration for 16 years, Iris, a resident of El Cajon, didn’t expect to transition into SUD counseling. To her surprise, a spark of interest led her to a path of helping others reclaim their lives. When she learned about the apprenticeship program through SDWP, she seized the opportunity to accelerate her education. Now registered through the California Association of DUI Treatment Programs (CADTP) and awaiting her state exam, Iris is on her way to becoming a certified addiction counselor. Below she tells us about her journey from Administration to Substance Use Counseling.
After working in administration for 16 years, I never expected to transition into substance use disorder (SUD) counseling, but a spark of interest led me to a path of helping others reclaim their lives.
While working as an administrator at McAlister Institute’s Adult Detox, I observed one of the counselors interacting with patients and asked my program director how I could also work with people in this capacity. There is a significant need for counselors in San Diego, and with my director’s support, I enrolled in the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) program at San Diego City College, financing my classes out of pocket.
The team at McAlister Institute embraced my ambition and began training me to become a counselor. The journey was gradual – I initially trained closely with other counselors and then conducted supervised appointments with patients. After completing my training, I was able to lead group sessions on my own.
When I learned about the apprenticeship program through SDWP, I seized the opportunity to accelerate my education through Tarzana college, with the program covering the cost of my classes. Instead of graduating in three years, I could graduate in just nine months. The program covered my tuition and even helped pay for my exams.
As a mother of two, balancing everything wasn’t easy. I had to do schoolwork late at night and pick up my kids from their activities. Having online classes really helped me coordinate everything and stay organized. Along the way, I also learned how to set boundaries, practice self-care, and avoid taking the emotional toll of my work home with me. Thankfully, the program also provided services like childcare and helped me purchase a computer, which made balancing school, work, and family life so much easier
Working in detox is both inspiring and challenging. Seeing people change was so rewarding, but not everyone makes it – there are relapses and overdoses. However, just talking to someone one-on-one and letting them know that someone is here to help makes all the difference.
This work became more than just a job for me; it became my calling. Now, I’m registered through the California Association of DUI Treatment Programs (CADTP) and am awaiting my state exam.
Even though I no longer work at McAlister Institute, I would have never discovered my true passion if it weren’t for them.