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Counselor available to discuss, promote addiction recovery

Through his book, he hopes to change stigmas about treatment
August 10, 2014

For Wil Singleton, Certified Drug and Alcohol Christian Counselor, recovery is about being goal-oriented. A self-motivated man with more than 18 years’ experience in the field, Singleton enjoys focusing on aftercare with clients who are looking to maintain their sobriety and make continued strides in their lives after intensive outpatient therapy. What he finds interesting about his work is how willing people are to change, but he also finds a paradoxical nature to addiction recovery.

“Society says, ‘If you are doing drugs, your life is worthless and so are you,’” says Singleton. There is a clear stigma attached to seeking treatment for addiction, and he wants to help break through the misconceptions that plague those going through the process of addiction recovery.

He notes that when people are in the aftercare portion of addiction treatment, they have actively made changes, yet this is when society can be most judgmental. Ironically, societal attitudes about addiction reflect a sense of shame, when most of us know a friend or family member affected by addiction whom we would never want to disparage.

Singleton realizes that overcoming addiction - no matter what the drug of choice - is a difficult process. He wants to engage clients from a place of positivity. He works with clients to identify their goals and help them realize their potential. This approach comes from a belief in the human spirit, but also from personal experience.

Singleton knows all too well how addiction can impact a person; he has lost over 100 pounds and battled his own addiction to food, a formidable opponent so many of us can identify with.

Just like with illegal drugs or alcohol, which he is also personally familiar with, Singleton faced the task of overcoming major insecurities that go along with recovery, in his case weight loss. Addiction of any kind impacts self-esteem and self-confidence, which can lead to interpersonal problems for couples as well as impacting other relationships. Bottom line? Overcoming addiction of any kind can be scary.

Unlike traditional programs, Singleton takes a one-on-one approach that leads to what he feels is the most effective treatment. “In groups, it can be harder to share deeply personal things and to get the one-on-one care that families are desperate to have. My goal is to have them reunited with loved ones and break through the fear.” By getting into details, Singleton helps clients actively deal with issues associated with addiction and recovery, such as relationships, parenting and career choices.

He hopes that his speaking out about the commonalities of addiction and treatment people will feel less stigmatized by seeking treatment, and therefore be more confident in recovery. Whether seeking treatment for addiction to food or cocaine, addiction should be seen less as a weakness and more as a strength that catalyzes change.

To these ends, he’s written a book, “The Desert of Addictions,” that champions his philosophies on addictions and offers advice to those seeking support. The book, available in paperback through Amazon, and on Singleton’s website, has a five-star rating and is meant to inspire change. He hopes by sharing his book and taking on speaking engagements locally, he can help turn the tide when it comes to society’s attitude toward addiction.

To contact Singleton or purchase his book about addiction and recovery, go to www.corecounselingstrategies.com or contact him via email at services@corecounselingstrategies.com or by phone at 330-904-1574. Singleton is currently accepting new clients at his Millsboro location and is available for speaking engagements of all kinds.

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