In response to the increased number of casualties, "burn-outs" and relapses among alcohol counselors, the author maintains that large numbers of entering counselors lack the personal and professional skills needed to become quality counselors in the field. Some enter the field with insincere motives -- martyrs looking for souls to save. Others cannot tolerate the stress. Persons who become counselors on alcoholism through personal and professional experience stand a better chance at becoming quality counselors in the field. Usually they are recovered alcoholics who practice A.A. principles and who have developed a "forever student" attitude about their role in the alcoholism profession. (NWS)