Other drug abuse services ignored

A front-page article on Monday, Oct. 27, states “no services are available locally” and describes how on outsider from New York is coming here to Elizabeth City to help our local substance abusers.

Pathways Counseling Center has been offering services for both mental health and substance abuse since 2000. Pathways is a state-licensed facility and has three master-level counselors who are working daily with the clients mentioned in this article. We currently have offices in Edenton, Elizabeth City and Barco. We are certified to provide the assessments mentioned in the article; in addition, we also offer classes/counseling/groups for persons who are dependent on alcohol and/or drugs.

I am registered and certified with the N.C. Substance Abuse Board as an addictions specialist. My supervisor, Marvin Gill Haddock, is one of a handful of certified clinical supervisors in this area and is also an addictions specialist. In addition we have substance abuse counselor interns who are currently pursuing their certification.

The article did not mention that it takes approximately two years to become certified after a person is educated in substance abuse. Also, education alone does not make a substance abuse counselor. It also takes heart, love, and dedication to helping these clients.

PATRICIA READING

Edenton