Pubdate: Thu, 07 Aug 2003 Source: Herald-Sun, The (Durham, NC) Copyright: 2003 The Herald-Sun Contact: http://www.herald-sun.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1428 Author: John E. Freifeld Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n1172/a02.html Note: The writer is a private psychologist in Durham. PROGRAM HELPS ADDICTS I write to add to comments in the editorial section [Herald-Sun, Aug. 3] about Urban Ministries and the hope it offers addicts. I myself am a recovering addict and I work to help others who are in recovery. We know it is a lifelong journey. We can't talk about where we end up because there is no end to our journey. We know that healing sometimes hurts but that the pain passes. The people I've worked with have had similar problems with self-injury and many are survivors of childhood rape or other forms of abuse. I teach people to get past that pain. The Urban Ministries is to be commended in all they provide for the homeless and needy. Many clients of mine have been housed there and I personally have brought more than one person to the shelter following discharge from our state's psychiatric hospitals. I have recognized that sometimes a person needs someone available at any time. This is why I established the 12-step forums online at www.12stepforums.net There is always someone there to talk to who can relate to your issues. Don't give up. John E. Freifeld Durham - --- MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk