There is no doubt that around the country there is an addiction problem, whether it be opioids, alcohol or heroin.

“We are in a crisis – around the United States, in New Jersey, and here in Warren County,” said Dr. Nancy Wilson-Soga, Professor of Psychology at Warren County Community College (WCCC).

This crisis has unfortunately necessitated a need for an increase in certified alcohol and drug counselors. Responding to this need, officials at WCCC, with major input from the Warren County Addiction Awareness Task Force, is launching a new program, which should be fully implemented this fall: an Associates Degree in Science for Addiction Counseling. Upon completion of the 2-year degree program, students will be well prepared to take the New Jersey Certification Exam to be certified as Alcohol and Drug Counselors.

“America’s spiraling opioid epidemic does not discriminate,” said Douglas Steinhardt, who is co-chairman of the Warren County Addiction Awareness Task Force along with Freeholder Jason Sarnoski. “All of us are susceptible to it. Addiction destroys families and futures, strips people of their dignity, and robs them of their hopes, dreams and lives. Together with faculty and staff at Warren County Community College we proposed the creation of an Associate Degree in Social Science for drug and alcohol addiction counseling, to educate and produce the next line of defense in NJ’s fight to end addiction. Jason and I are excited about the opportunities this program creates.”

Added Sarnoski, “It was Doug’s concept initially and we all agreed it was a great idea. The College has really taken the leadership role on this and we’ve already seen the interest out there. There is a need in the community for this (type of program).”

Steinhardt noted, “Although a handful of other NJ community colleges offer certificate programs in drug and alcohol counseling, WCCC will offer the first of its kind Associates Degree in NJ. It is our belief that by developing a degree program in social sciences, drug and alcohol addiction counselors can seek more competitive employment or continue their education by pursuing their Bachelor of Science Degree.”

“It’s a visionary program,” said Sarnoski, ” and something that has our full support.”

WCCC’s addiction counselling program continues the College’s tradition of pioneering programs, like VIPER, added Steinhardt.

“With this new program we are committed to doing our part to tackle the addiction epidemic,” said Dr. Will Austin, President of WCCC. “After much research and discussions with professionals in the community and with the Addiction Task Force’s valuable input it was clear to us that this was an opportunity for the College to get involved and make a difference.”

The college is currently offering some general courses in the major, but come fall, there will be a full complement of required courses for those seeking this degree. The full description of the major is as follows:

The A.S. in Addictions Counseling provides students with a foundation in general education with a concentration of course work focused on the knowledge and practical skills needed to support the recovery of a person with addictive disorders. Addictions Counseling may begin at the Associate in Science level and can advance through a baccalaureate program, a master’s degree and doctorate in related fields. Rewarding career potentials exist at all levels. Careers are available in inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment facilities, community mental health centers, psychiatric rehabilitation and numerous other areas.

“It’s a very exciting – and important – endeavor,” said Wilson-Soga, who also serves on the Coalition for Healthy and Safe Communities committee in Warren County. “A lot of people (in the community) are talking about it. They are excited as well.”

The degree will encompass many aspects of addiction counseling. For those so inclined to go to a 4-year college, this degree will lay the ground work to help them when seeking degrees in social work, psychology, and other related majors.

However, Wilson-Soga, who is also an RN, makes it clear that upon earning an Associates and then attaining a certificate, graduates will be ready for a job market that could include entry level placement in rehab/treatment centers, community programs, mental health facilities, school systems and in departments of correction.

“Our goal is to turn out well qualified individuals who can be hired as staff in any number of programs,” said Wilson-Soga.

“Together we can make a difference, one life at a time,” concluded Steinhardt.

For those interested in the addiction counseling degree at WCCC, contact Nancy Wilson-Soga at the college, soga@warren.edu or 908-835-9222. For additional information about this and other degree programs at WCCC, visit www.warren.edu.