Frances Black

Singer. Graduate

Sunday Independent Oct 5th 2008

"Receiving her diploma in Addiction Counselling from the ATI Addiction Training Institute in January 2006 was, she says, "better than any of the awards I got for my records". That year, she went on the Late Late Show and talked about her addiction in the hope that her story might help somebody else regardless of "my shame". Click here to read the full Article.

Ger O'Rourke

3rd Year Student, BA Applied Addiction Studies, Athlone

Family Project Worker

The subjects covered are intense but very interesting.

The various tutors have been of the highest standard

Learning about self has been encouraged throughout the past 3years and together with the combination of academic theory and practical experience students are given a great grounding for working in the addiction field.

Kathryn Joyce-Whyte

3rd Year Student, BA Applied Addiction Studies, Athlone

"I began my studies in Athlone Institute Of Technology in 2006 with a brief 10 week certificate course on Addiction Counselling delivered by Addiction Training Institute, this was where I would consider my journey began, to explore my own perceptions of addiction and treatment and systems that exist but also to see did I have an interest in the arena and could I commit to 2 or 3 years of study?

I 'm now in my final year 2008-2009 ,with my focus firmly on completing a degree and perhaps a Master's who knows?

The career pathway I have taken has been enhanced by both my primary degree in Nursing and a second degree in Business Studies Health Care Management.

In terms of my progression to date, I am currently settling into a new challenging role of Team Leader, Family and Community Support Services and Harm Reduction in the Midlands for Merchants Quay Ireland.

The knowledge and learning and self-development that I have encountered and actively participated in with regard to past learning has been strengthened by this Degree and has had a positive impact on my career to date".

Eugene Mellett

2nd Year Student, BA Applied Addiction Studies, Athlone

The course has challenged me to look at myself and to get to know the real me and my experiences in the classroom and in placements has given me the courage to make positive changes in my life.

I have just explained to my 18 year old daughter what I am trying to do and she said, you have changed since starting the course, I feel that we get on much better?

I did not know what to expect when I started this course, I love the challenge and the changes that have happened in my life during this course and also the many new friends that I have made.

I can truly say that it is one of the best things that I have ever done so far in my life. I say so far because now I feel that there are many opportunities out there for me and this course has given me the ability to seek those opportunities.

Martina O’Connor

Year 2 Student, Applied Addiction Studies. Tralee

I love this course, its both emotionally and intellectually challenging, but worth every second of it. I have discovered strengths and resources within myself I never even imagined I had……

Barry Costello

Year 2 Student, Applied Addiction Studies, Dublin

"This course has been very beneficial to me. I have found it very interesting and it has expanded my knowledge of addiction and opened my mind to different forms of treatment. I have gained employment working as a group facilitator in a treatment centre since starting to study with the ATI. This course is highly recognised in the field of addiction."