Comments on: For Alcoholics, Higher Power Makes A Difference http://www.freedomfromalcohol.com/blog/2008/10/27/for-alcoholics-higher-power-makes-a-difference/ Presented by FreedomFromAlcohol.com Fri, 09 Jul 2010 10:01:18 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Michael Pearlman, M.D. http://www.freedomfromalcohol.com/blog/2008/10/27/for-alcoholics-higher-power-makes-a-difference/comment-page-1/#comment-5541 Michael Pearlman, M.D. Mon, 22 Dec 2008 20:56:57 +0000 http://www.freedomfromalcohol.com/blog/2008/10/27/for-alcoholics-higher-power-makes-a-difference/#comment-5541 Thank you for your comments. The personality traits in early recovery are not all that much different from the traits prior to cessation of alcohol. The process of recovery and return to health and well being is variable in everyone. The recovery personality is dependent on the personality prior to excess drinking. So, if someone is gracious, loving and wise - that will, after a time, emerge. Likewise if someone has a less developed personality - that too will emerge. In any event, there is great hope that following the principles and practice of a good recovery program - all may experience the joy, freedom and gratitude that come with meaningful invovement in a recovery program. Family members often need counseling and or guidance as they have been at the effect of an active alcoholic and that may leave some resentments and scars. The Alanon program is an excellent resource - as are books on co-dependence. As to the definition or understanding of 'control' in alcoholism recovery - that is an individual determination - it is really in the eye of the beholder - either one does or does not feel: controlling, in control or controlled. The answers are all 'valid' - and suggest room for discussion. The questions I ask patients are: How comfortable are you with your life? What's going well in your life? What would be ideal? and What's not working in your life? The answer to these questions suggest areas that need attention. I hope the above will help you in your search for understanding of the complex process of 'alcoholism'. Dr. Pearlman Thank you for your comments. The personality traits in early recovery are not all that much different from the traits prior to cessation of alcohol. The process of recovery and return to health and well being is variable in everyone. The recovery personality is dependent on the personality prior to excess drinking. So, if someone is gracious, loving and wise – that will, after a time, emerge. Likewise if someone has a less developed personality – that too will emerge. In any event, there is great hope that following the principles and practice of a good recovery program – all may experience the joy, freedom and gratitude that come with meaningful invovement in a recovery program.

Family members often need counseling and or guidance as they have been at the effect of an active alcoholic and that may leave some resentments and scars. The Alanon program is an excellent resource – as are books on co-dependence.

As to the definition or understanding of ‘control’ in alcoholism recovery – that is an individual determination – it is really in the eye of the beholder – either one does or does not feel: controlling, in control or controlled. The answers are all ‘valid’ – and suggest room for discussion.

The questions I ask patients are:
How comfortable are you with your life?
What’s going well in your life?
What would be ideal? and
What’s not working in your life?
The answer to these questions suggest areas that need attention.

I hope the above will help you in your search for understanding of the complex process of ‘alcoholism’.

Dr. Pearlman

]]> By: Daisy May http://www.freedomfromalcohol.com/blog/2008/10/27/for-alcoholics-higher-power-makes-a-difference/comment-page-1/#comment-5353 Daisy May Tue, 16 Dec 2008 10:43:27 +0000 http://www.freedomfromalcohol.com/blog/2008/10/27/for-alcoholics-higher-power-makes-a-difference/#comment-5353 When an individual has stopped drinking went into treatment remaining sober what are their personality traits? Are they moody, do they have headaches, are they grumpy and sensitive most of the time? What can a family member do when their moody, grumpy, having headaches become easily angered when asked of a question. How does a recovering alcoholic define the word control? Why would they think a lovely person is controlling when the person is not? What does controlling mean? When an individual has stopped drinking went into treatment remaining sober what are their personality traits? Are they moody, do they have headaches, are they grumpy and sensitive most of the time? What can a family member do when their moody, grumpy, having headaches become easily angered when asked of a question. How does a recovering alcoholic define the word control? Why would they think a lovely person is controlling when the person is not? What does controlling mean?

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