Breckenridge Texan

TSTC alumna helps others overcome substance abuse

TSTC alumna helps others overcome substance abuse
September 27
16:56 2019

We all need a helping hand at one point or another. Texas State Technical College alumna Laura Weaver has found that offering a helping hand has become her passion.

Weaver graduated from the Brownwood campus in 2016 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Chemical Dependency Counseling. She is now a licensed chemical dependency counselor for the Alcohol & Drug Abuse Council for the Concho Valley (ADACCV).

“People reached out and helped me in my time of need, and now I want to make a difference and help people understand they’re not alone,” Weaver said. “At ADACCV, we can take clients with no money, no insurance — nothing — and help them to recovery.”

The facility is part of the Texas Department of Health and Human Services. It offers free recovery and counseling services through grants.

TSTC offers an associate degree in Chemical Dependency Counseling at its Breckenridge, Brownwood and Abilene campuses. For those who already have a degree in the human services field, the college offers a certification that requires just 24 credit hours to complete and will enable the student to secure his or her Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Intern credential.

Some of the careers available to those with a Chemical Dependency Counseling degree include
substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors, mental health counselors, mental health and substance abuse social workers, and psychiatric technicians.

Weaver has been in recovery for 15 years and says she has found a home working alongside those trying to better themselves.

“Everybody has to choose their own recovery. I provide a road map, but it’s their choice. I don’t take credit for their successes because that’s all them. I am here to be empathetic and guide them,” Weaver said.

Weaver is excited to help others every day, but the month of September holds a special place in her heat. September is National Recovery Month, a time to celebrate people living in recovery and promote education about substance abuse disorders and mental health.

“This month is so important because it shows a focus on an issue that is so prevalent, it’s shocking,” Weaver said. “It’s extremely important that we celebrate those in recovery, but also share resources. Because when I was going through it, I had no clue there were facilities that offered free services.”

Weaver hopes that this month will serve as a reminder for people not to be afraid to ask for help.

“There is such a stigma around recovery. People are terrified to ask for help, but there is help available at good facilities,” Weaver said.

To those with a passion for helping others, Weaver encourages them to consider a career in CDC.

“There is so much happiness in getting up and loving your job and knowing each day is going to be different. This is my calling. I am so thankful to be here, and we need more people here because people will always need help,” Weaver said.

National Recovery Month is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

For more information about National Recovery Month, log on to recoverymonth.gov.

To learn more about TSTC, go online at tstc.edu.

 

Story by Sarah Trocolli/TSTC

Cutline, top photo: Laura Weaver is a Texas State Technical College Chemical Dependency Counseling alumna who has dedicated her life to helping others. (Photo courtesy of TSTC)

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