Millsboro Counselors treat depression, addiction

William Singleton, an addictions counselor, knows first hand the ravages of alcoholism. Singleton, a recovering alcoholic, has turned his experience in overcoming his demons toward helping people who are facing the same problem.

For two years, Singleton has worked for Millsboro-based Barnes & Associates, a comprehensive counseling center that has four counselors on hand. Singleton’s expertise extends beyond the alcoholics or drug addicts themselves to include the families affected by addiction.

“Addiction affects the whole family. I work toward teaching how to improve relationships. Everybody is part of the recovery as well. We examine how the alcoholic got into the addiction in the first place. It’s a real healing experience for everybody,” he said.

Singleton moved to Delaware nine years ago and took a full-time position with Thresholds, a Georgetown-based substance-abuse counseling center founded in 1985. Funded by the Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, Thresholds also has a Lewes satellite office where Singleton works.

After meeting Barnes & Associates founder Rosa Barnes, Singleton was encouraged by Barnes and Patsy Boyce to set up his own private practice in Millsboro.

Singleton adds addiction counseling to the Millsboro center’s expanding areas of mental-health expertise.

Caseloads increase during the holidays, and the dismal economy has also brought more clients through his door, he said. “The holidays are always stressful. Our coping skills are not that great,” said Singleton.

He said with families working and many times taking second jobs, children are often neglected, leaving them to turn to drugs or alcohol too.

“In high school, we’re not taught how to cope. Instead, the focus is on work, work, work,” said Singleton. “That’s why a lot of our kids are unintentionally affected. Keeping up with the Joneses is a whole new stress.”

Singleton, a certified drug and alcohol counselor, began his studies in psychology at the University of Ohio at Akron. Today, he’s working toward completing his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Wilmington University.

Through yoga, exercise and church-related activities, addicts can avoid turning to alcohol and drugs to relieve stress.

Soon, Singleton said, he will hold an open house for families struggling with depression. “Although there’s more awareness with addiction, many people still see it as shameful. I’ve been sober nine years. I wear my alcoholism as a badge of honor, not a badge of shame,” said Singleton.

Barnes & Associates is at 6 Chelsea Square in Millsboro.

To make an appointment, call 302-934-7807 or 330-904-1574. For more information, visit thinkaboutyourthinking.com or visit thresholdsinc.com