Counselor brings addiction services to Wellington

By Gary Raham
Wellington Correspondent

Nancy Watkins has a story posted on her bulletin board at her basement office at the Wellington Community Church. It begins this way:

A Native American grandfather was talking to his grandson about how he felt. He said, "I feel as if I have two wolves fighting in my heart. One wolf is the vengeful, angry, violent one. The other one is the loving, compassionate one."

Watkins can relate to these feelings as a recovering alcoholic, sober for 29 years. Alcohol or other drugs often seem to be the catalyst that releases the violent angry wolf in those suffering addiction. Watkins' goal is to help people recognize and stop addictive behavior and to provide necessary services to people whose addiction has brought them into conflict with the law - specifically people with driving under the influence, or DUI convictions.

Watkins has 10 clients since beginning her practice in January, and the number is growing. Watkins was urged to start her own practice by Sharon Huntoon in Lafayette, who runs a program called Men and Women Seeking Empowerment. State licensed, this organization specializes in helping those with alcohol or other drug problems in small communities. Huntoon recognized that Watkins had the training, experience and dedication to become an outstanding counselor. Watkins realized that she felt most alive when helping others through problems that she, herself, had battled.

When Watkins talked with those working in law enforcement and the judicial system, they pointed to serious needs in Wellington, she said.

DUI convictions put both emotional and monetary strains on individuals and families. Addictive behaviors may result from or be intensified by family stresses and interactions. The costs mandated by courts can unnecessarily add to the problem unless services can be provided conveniently, because clients can no longer drive themselves to take breathalyzer tests or get counseling.

These costs can be substantial. It costs $40 for the initial "new intake" process, which involves psychological and drug screening tests and other paperwork. Each counseling class costs $25 and the court may mandate anywhere from 48 to 86 weeks of classes, depending on the number of convictions and blood alcohol levels. There is a $15 charge for a counseling manual, urine analyses are $14 each, if required, and 30 days worth of breathalyzer tests run $45. Previous to Watkins' business, DUI clients had to arrange for daily trips into Fort Collins to have these services performed.

Nancy's eyes light up when she describes the rewards of helping people tame their "violent wolves." She said she has found her clients to be wonderful and has "loved working with the people here." She hopes to help Wellington be a safer community by helping her clients understand not only how to change their behaviors, but to help them see the consequences of their actions within the community.

Although Watkins is not affiliated with Wellington Community (Federated) Church, she is very grateful to have its support in providing a place to house her business until she can find permanent quarters. Currently, she meets people by appointment and can be reached at 970-377-0838. Courts refer some people, but lawyers often suggest that clients be proactive in seeking help themselves before going before a judge.

Here's how Watkins' bulletin board story ends:

The grandson asks his grandfather "Which wolf will win the fight in your heart?"

The grandfather says "The one I feed."