When she was in her early 20s, Lucky Giron, of Butler, used up to 10 baggies of heroin a day. She is now sober and a straight-A student in her first two semesters as a social work major at BC3. She is among the first students to enroll in a new 33-credit addiction recovery certificate program, designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in residential and outpatient recovery facilities. Giron intends to become a drug and alcohol therapist.

A new addiction recovery certificate program starting this fall at Butler County Community College is designed to prepare graduates to work in residential and outpatient recovery facilities.

Graduates of the 33-credit program can work in a field helping those with addiction.

“I am excited that a lot of the students who are coming in are going to consider addictions from a different perspective,” said Karen Stubenbort, a BC3 associate professor of humanities and social science. “They are not going to look at it as a character flaw. They are going to realize that there are medical, neurobiological and experiential things that come together in such a way that using substances or some sort of process numbs them to the pain.”

BC3's program will focus on substance addictions, such as those related to drug and alcohol use, as well as process addictions, such as gambling, gaming and eating disorders.

Developed with guidance from representatives of governmental agencies, treatment centers and BC3 social work faculty, the program will introduce students to addiction counseling and motivational interviewing, including an inaugural six-credit guided practicum, said Dr. Nichol Zaginaylo, BC3's associate dean of humanities and social science.

“Compassion and boots on the ground isn't something you can learn in school,” said Linda Franiewski, executive director of the Ellen O'Brien Gaiser Center in Butler. “You learn it in facilities like ours.”

Franiewski called the new program a “fabulous” addition to the course offerings at BC3. Gaiser was one of several local agencies that provided the college with input about the certification program's development. She is most excited about the idea of partnering with the college to give students real-life experiences through practicums.

“It's so badly needed in our community,” Franiewski said of the growing need for addiction recovery counselors. “This is a great way to get introduced to the field. You have to have passion and experience.”

Courses in the program also include college writing, general psychology, principles of sociology, addictions and family violence across the life span. The program aims to prepare students for entry-level positions in treatment facilities.

One facility helped to change the life of one of the new program's first enrollees — Lucky Giron, 29, of Butler.

The former Kittanning resident is nearly halfway through her pursuit of an associate degree in social work. She hopes to be able to help others who find themselves in situations similar to her own.

“Miserable, alone, lonely,” she said, recalling her struggle with heroin addiction in her early 20s.

Her addiction led to lost jobs, lost residences — even lost freedom when she was incarcerated. Over time, she lost her self-respect after addiction led to stealing to support her habit, which cost upward of $120 a day.

Giron got sober in an Armstrong County outpatient treatment center and found the direction for a “full life” through her education at BC3.

The single mother plans to graduate in May 2021 with the addiction recovery certificate accompanying her associate degree. She hopes to become a drug and alcohol therapist.

“I have a purpose now,” Giron said.

The practicum will provide students with opportunities to observe those working with clients in residential and outpatient recovery facilities.

To improve the quality of life in its communities as part of its five-year strategic plan, BC3 began a series of noncredit classes confronting opioid addiction in 2018 under Tracy Hack, coordinator of community leadership initiatives. More than 350 participants have attended “Hope is Dope” courses in Butler, Lawrence and Mercer counties as well as its “New Eyes” courses in Butler County.

Students learn about techniques considered most effective, treatment formats, case management, intervention approaches, assessment and placement.

BC3's new motivational interviewing course will teach students about the evidence-based treatment for individuals in addiction recovery.

“They are getting training building up to that (practicum) experience and then they get to put that training to practice,” Zaginaylo said, emphasizing field work is an important aspect of the program. “They will get that experience with people who are struggling in our community.”

Butler Eagle staff contributed to this report.