This chapter discusses current issues and future perspectives in relation to substance abuse counseling. Current issues include: abstinence versus controlled use; coercive versus voluntary treatment; and career development and counseling with clients with substance abuse problems. Future perspectives include: the impact of managed care; the refusal of insurance companies to cover inpatient treatment; medical breakthroughs improving medications; cultural diversity; accreditation, credentialing, and standards of practice; and counseling and counselor education on-line. These trends test the limits of the ethical and professional beliefs and practices of counselors who work with substance abusing clients. Like clients, professional counselors, no matter what the counseling setting, must look inward to grow. With exploding change on the horizon, counselors must empower themselves. They must take risks, experiment with innovative new strategies and technologies, yet remain grounded in the experience of their pasts. Also included is a facilitator's manual which is a practical guide for teaching content through guided experiential projects. Four objectives are listed, and two student exercises are provided. (MKA)