Executive Suite: Christine Epifania
Christine Epifania, executive director of Alternatives Counseling, outside a Southampton location. (Feb. 17, 2012) Credit: Randee Daddona
Ripple effects from the weak economy are boosting the need for substance abuse counseling, says Christine Epifania, executive director of Alternatives Counseling, an agency offering outpatient counseling and drug prevention outreach in Southampton and Riverhead.
She says she's seeing more men ages 19 to 27 -- often unemployed or underemployed -- who've been caught abusing drugs and alcohol and are being sent for counseling by court order.
Epifania says she's also seeing a rise in middle-class families coming for treatment, and more young children are telling Alternatives counselors that they're worried because mom and dad are fighting more.
With funding remaining static and expenses and mandates increasing, Epifania, 62, is using her knack for long-range planning to keep fulfilling her agency's commitment "to really serve this community."
Another thing is to tell doctors and dentists in our community, "Don't overprescribe." And at community events where kids are going to be present we can demonstrate that you don't necessarily have to drink to have a good time.
Out East Show: LI Aquarium, Patty's Berries and Bunches, Palmer Vineyards NewsdayTV's Doug Geed shows us some great spots 'Out East' to visit this summer.
Out East Show: LI Aquarium, Patty's Berries and Bunches, Palmer Vineyards NewsdayTV's Doug Geed shows us some great spots 'Out East' to visit this summer.
