Dr. Neill Neill
"Alcoholism and Alcohol Rehab" is a new resource I’m creating in response to reader requests. You have made frequent pleas for help for your functioning alcoholic spouses who want to stop alcohol abuse, but can’t seem to quit drinking.
Alcohol abuse is one of the toughest and most pervasive issues confronting family life in North America and beyond. It affects both men and women and it cuts across all income levels.
More on Conquer Alcoholism: Help for Functioning Alcoholics and their Families
Dr. Neill Neill
People addicted to alcohol drink compulsively and often claim to have an addictive personality. It is a convenient myth.
I heard of a dentist who approached his dental work with compulsive attention to detail. His crowns had to fit perfectly. He was fanatical about bite adjustment and his workspace cleanliness was impeccable—all things I like to see in a dentist, because I do not like pain… or recalls.
Unfortunately, when his compulsive cleanliness extended to his front office and the waiting room, he could not keep his staff. His marriages didn’t last, because he imposed his compulsive orderliness on his family.
More on An “Addictive Personality”- The Alcoholic’s Convenient Myth
Dr Neill Neill
We meet people everyday who have recovered or are in recovery from a major life changing event. Some deem themselves as survivors, and some just positively live their lives looking forward to the future (a thriver). What are the differences between a thriver, a survivor and a person in recovery?
A thriver is someone who grows vigorously, flourishes, or realizes goals despite circumstances. Thrivers are active agents in creating their futures. They look forward to an ever better future. They have a knowing that when setbacks come, they will land on their feet.
A "survivor," in contrast, is someone whose identity incorporates a past wound such as sexual abuse, torture, cancer or some other horrible condition.
More on Thrivers, Survivors and People in Recovery
Filed under Addiction Recovery, Addiction Rehab by Dr. Neill Neill
Dr. Neill Neill
Mutual support can be a double-edged sword. Joining a support group can lead to renewal, likening it to pressing the REFRESH button on life. However, a support group can also keep you stuck pressing the REPLAY button and hearing the same thing over and over. The picture of your life can get out of focus.
Human beings are social creatures. We need to support one another and we need support. Barak Obama is right when he says we need to work together. Businesses are failing. People are losing jobs and even homes. There is a lot of pain out there; and wherever there is pain, you will find support groups…
More on The Support Group Groupie
The following is an interview I participated in on IdeaMarketers.com for National Recovery Month.
September is National Recovery Month. A month dedicated to the message that recovery from alcohol or drug abuse is possible. There are many people who live with the secret that they have an alcoholic in their family. These same people struggle with questions on what they can do to help their partner and family.
In recognition of National Recovery Month, Dr. Neill Neill has submitted his responses to common questions partners may have in regard to an alcohol problem in their family. Dr. Neill Neill is an
alcoholism expert. He is a psychologist, columnist and author, who maintains an active psychology and life-coaching practice in Qualicum Beach, BC, Canada. He is consulting psychologist to a private addiction rehab facility for men. A significant part of Dr. Neill’s practice is with individuals and families touched by alcohol and drug abuse.
Question: You use the term "functioning alcoholic." What does that term mean, and how does a "functioning alcoholic" differ from an "alcoholic?"
More on National Recovery Month: Is There Help for My Alcoholic Partner?
Dr. Neill Neill
I am delighted to see my friend Bill Urell’s latest post on addiction recovery, "7 Great Tips To Help You In Early Drug Addiction Recovery." It would be good to reread Bill’s article right away any time you notice yourself with any of what I call "The Big Four Relapse Warning Signs."
Keep up the good work Bill.
Psychologist Dr. Neill Neill maintains an active psychology and life-coaching practice on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. He focuses on self growth, healthy relationships and life enhancement after addictions. He is the author of Living with a Functioning Alcoholic - A Woman’s Survival Guide. Get on his list for notification that he has posted a new article and receive his free report, "Addiction and Codependency Simplified."
Dr. Neill Neill
Awareness is key to building a healthy, meaningful and fulfilling life after rehab. You need to be alert and aware to spot the early warning signs of relapse into addiction and take whatever action is necessary to maintain your recovery. Watch for what I like to call, "The Big Four Relapse Warning Signs."
If any one of them sneaks back into your life, take it as a warning to redouble your resolve to stay the course of your recovery.
More on After Drug or Alcohol Rehab: Four Relapse Warning Signs
Dr. Neill Neill
My regular readers will know that I write articles on a variety of subjects in practical psychology, including alcoholism. I have a particular interest in the well-being of families of alcoholics and other addicts. I am such a family member myself.
I came across a new website today called Addiction Recovery Basics by Bill Urell, who works with people recovering from addictions. Check it out. He has good articles on chemical dependency, 12-step, and the depression that so often accompanies substance-abuse and recovery.
I expect that over time our writings will complement each other.
On a personal note, there are a few parallels between us, although I may be a bit longer in the tooth than Bill. Just before Christmas I was honored with a cake for 30 years of sobriety at the alcohol and drug treatment center where I am the consulting psychologist.
Bill says he bought a convertible. I bought a motorcycle last year. (Is this a male thing or a stage-of-life thing?)
Anyway Bill, congratulations on your new internet venture!
Neill
Psychologist Dr. Neill Neill maintains an active psychology and life-coaching practice on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. He focuses on self growth, healthy relationships and life enhancement after addictions. He is the author of Living with a Functioning Alcoholic - A Woman’s Survival Guide. Get on his list for notification that he has posted a new article and receive his free report, "Addiction and Codependency Simplified."
Filed under Addiction Recovery by Dr. Neill Neill
