I, like many of us, looked into becoming an alcohol and drug counselor after I got sober. I mean who better than to counsel alcoholics and addicts then someone in the program-and get paid! The problem I see over and over is when you interweave financial stability or ego in with sacred service, it is automatically tainted because I am now doing it to make money instead of selfless service.
I do however think it is possible to do-if that person is actively working all three parts of the program, including sponsoring, expanding on their spirituality and service outside the job they are getting paid to do. I mean this person has to be pretty freaking on it. I couldn't, I know my limits. I know of 2 people who successfully do this-I know of over 10 who couldn't. One committed suicide -he was doing AA workshops and a "life coach"-it's very sad.
When I was newly sober I was living with a friend, and her friend came over, she was a therapist. I was in the room with them as they were conversing and having drinks, and OMG, was this lady's life a mess!! I immediately thought, WOW, I certainly wouldn't want this chick as my therapist!! I know, I know...I'm just being honest as to my mind set back then. I still thought people had to be perfect or at least pretend to be for God sake (my grandma speaking)...LOL!!
My point is that some people (especially women in my experience), take positions like that to fix themselves but do not want to humble themselves and ask for help. I certainly didn't. I was absolutely mortified that I was reduced to having to go to an AA meeting...Thankfully my brokenness outweighed my incredible over inflated ego.
If a person in recovery is right sized, and practices the principles in all of their affairs-great, if not, I wouldn't go that route. As for me it would become too much and my own recovery would automatically take a back seat. I'm just so glad I didn't have to find that out the hard way like I do everything else! I am grateful for our service centers and special workers doing what I am not personally designed to do.