Comments for Alcohol Freedom Blog

Comment on Three Ways to Avoid The Temptation of Alcohol This Holiday Season by mike

mike — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:43:38 +0000

thanks for the post.
your tips are great to get through the holidays.

The 2nd one I try to practice at least monthly.
What is my perfect day? What would make me happy today? I don’t always get to do it but they are always worth striving for. This way I know what makes me happy!

Comment on Silencing The Alcoholic Mind by bluefire

bluefire — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 03:36:17 +0000

I just recently separated with my husband. We fought day and nite. If I didn’t start he did. I reacted in every bad way possible. Took my disgust and anger and made myself feel better by hurting him verbally and now he resents me. We love eachother very much but it became too toxic. I feel so much better with out him physicaly here. It wasn’t a marriage anymore. Is it normal for him to be away while he recovers? I’m starting alanon and meetings with a therapist for my emotional and anger issues. He is working on his. I fear I will be ten steps ahead of him…I love him so. Is this normal?

Comment on Coping With The Holidays – How To Determine If You’re Drinking Too Much by Alcohol Freedom Blog » Three Ways to Avoid The Temptation of Alcohol This Holiday Season

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 13:02:47 +0000

[...] my post last week, I mentioned the challenges of coping with the holidays. I’d like to share some ideas with you that I think will help take you away from bad habits this [...]

Comment on Coping With The Holidays – How To Determine If You’re Drinking Too Much by Mike

Mike — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:18:23 +0000

Thanks for the post.
A lesson I learned long ago was that I didn’t need to be out on the street to be considered, or accept that I am, an alcoholic. I can tell you though, I honestly was ready to go there to prove myself wrong. Somehow through the grace of God I found my way earlier…well before I was close to being on the street.

Comment on Codependency And The Problem Drinker by exDrunk

exDrunk — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:36:14 +0000

Good article! I really like your site.

Typo: last paragraph.

The only person who can really change is the addict or dysfunctional individual ? and by their own admission.

It should read:

The only person who can really change is the addict or dysfunctional individual is the dysfunctional person.

or:

The only person who can really change is the addict or dysfunctional individual and by their own admission that they have a problem.

Comment on Regaining Lost Trust While In Alcohol Recovery by RAV

RAV — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:56:46 +0000

My wife is in recovery out of the home. Friends for 27 years and married for 22,
her illness has been devastating. I really appreciate this article as it gives me insight that her closest family, me and the kids, may be the last relationship she may rebuild. I dont understand that but, then again…??

She has been advised to move out of the house and into her own place by AA counselor because of how bad the drinking has been around the house. I don’t like that but, she remembers every closet and every corner and every bag she hid her booze, and where I found them over and over again. She probably remembers every fight and every evil word I spoke, and never heard my good words or saw my love.

She is working on garbage bags full of issues that started from the age 9, I assume that she has to come to terms with that before she can work on other relationships.
Alcoholics are terrible at relationships and communication. For some reason, I hope we make it. I dont want to throw away half of my life because, the girl I married and the wonderful things that I saw are still inside of her.

I sent divorce papers a month ago, 3 months into recovery, and she hasn’t accepted them because she wants to eventually come home, I think? I dont know what she wants. We argued and debated for two weeks and then found a calm and I decided to let her recover and just be happy she is alive. I think I just wanted to throw away all of the pain and years of destruction.

The family and I are amazed that she is rarely in contact with our teenage boys, is it because she is too afraid or not ready to rebuild our family until she rebuilds herself? I think she knows or trusts that deep down I am loyal and patient and she trusts the kids are safe and taken care of. I dont know when we will be a part of her recovery or when she will rebuild us.

She is sober for 18 weeks as of 11/01/09 and I am glad she is alive. She keeps contact every other day or so, and we see each other once a week. She says that being away is what she has to do to learn a new life and become a productive person. She finally got a small job in retail and she is very proud of herself and I am proud of her too.

Thanks to your articles and Al Anon, I am learning and finding myself becoming a person again too, a rebirth for both of us is what I am looking for and possibly the best marriage ever.

Comment on Live And Let Live – Coping With People Who Drive Us To Drink by Randy

Randy — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 16:12:31 +0000

This is another great article. I am a “strong personality” and my wife is the “i”. SHe is in recovery and sober for 18 weeks today and has removed herself from our home.
This does hurt, but it is probably for the best, and reading this article shows that is exacly what she has done, she has “walked away”.

I am not the only cause for her drinking most of her disorders start back when she was 9 years old, and there are garbage bags full of debris for her to go through, but she has said to me that I make her want to drink. I will start to change my reactions to her egocentric personality as she is doing exactly what your article explains she should do “finding calm”.

Eventually I hope we have a great marriage to continue both becoming better people.

Comment on The First Step Is The Most Important, But The 12 Step Program Is Not Right For Everyone by SNYC

SNYC — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:12:03 +0000

I’m kind of amazed at the degree of medical and spiritual irresponsibility exhibited on this “blog”. (I place the word “blog” in quotation marks because this is clearly an ad campaign masquerading as homespun advice tailored for Joe Q. Executive). My consolation, however, is that anyone who has experienced true recovery from alcoholism will immediately recognize that the information in this “blog” is dangerous and almost entirely contrary to the fundamental notions of recovery from alcoholism.

It is ridiculous to suggest that “professionals” don’t have time to devote to an honest and thorough recovery – if they had the time to drink, they can make the time to get sober. Meetings are an hour long – a mere fraction of the time that most active alcoholics spend drinking on a daily basis. I know many, many “professional types” who are active and contributing members of AA – many of them, in fact, credit their success at work to their personal development as a result of the AA program.

It is unbelievably condescending of you to suggest that “professionals” represent a different CLASS of alcoholic – class divisions of this kind are actively (but peaceably) discouraged among alcoholics sharing the common goal of sobriety. Your tone suggests that people who have not been conventionally successful “belong” in AA, because of their inherent lesser value to the world at large, whereas conventionally successful “manager” types need another form of care that will allow them to stay at work, this keeping the wheels of the world turning for the rest of us. What absolute crap.

AA meetings are not groups of sad, underachieving losers sitting in dank basements crying in their coffee while the “real” people get help elsewhere. AA is all-inclusive and offers the same promises and the same program to each and every member – be they “management” material or (gasp) those less successful or less educated.

I encourage anyone reading this to try the divisive, non-inclusive, close-minded form of recovery described in this blog. And when you do, and it fails utterly, I hope to see you in a meeting sometime.

I’m an not an AA fanatic (in fact, I could use some more meetings myself), nor am I someone who routinely comments angrily on blogs. However, the snake-oil salesman tone of this blog entry prompted me to make my feelings known.

I bear you no ill-will personally, but I hope for the sake of alcoholics everywhere that no one buys this crap. Also, if you are a “manager” or “executive”, you ought to know – AA represents a much better return on your investment. It’s free, it does not create needless divisions between people, and…oh yeah…it actually works.

Comment on Flying Drunk – How Alcohol Almost Destroyed an Airline Pilot and 93 Other People by Coachdad

Coachdad — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:14:16 +0000

Just came out in my own blog as an alcoholic. Glad I found this site. Thank you!

Comment on Flying Drunk – How Alcohol Almost Destroyed an Airline Pilot and 93 Other People by Coachdad

Coachdad — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:11:50 +0000

Just came out on my blog as an alcoholic. Glad I found this site and I will continue to come back.

Comment on Alcohol Withdrawal – Don’t Try This At Home by Aaron Wintergreen

Aaron Wintergreen — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:01:03 +0000

Alcohol detox offers the suffering alcohol a chance to take advantage of the help of a licensed professional. Being sober isn’t always easy, but with some assistance it can change your life for the better.

Good luck with your treatment and ongoing recovery

Comment on Flying Drunk – How Alcohol Almost Destroyed an Airline Pilot and 93 Other People by Sarah Keeney

Sarah Keeney — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:24:26 +0000

Thank you for bringing attention to this matter.

You can read more about Flying Drunk author Joe Balzer, and view recent media clips, on his website here http://flyingdrunk.com

Sarah Keeney
Savas Beatie LLC

Comment on Flying Drunk – How Alcohol Almost Destroyed an Airline Pilot and 93 Other People by Aaron Wintergreen

Aaron Wintergreen — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:16:13 +0000

I heard about this at work the other day. I can’t believe they were on their laptops. It sounds like a joke. Fortunately alcohol treatment facilities exist for those that are struggling to get sober. It is a surprise how many lives they put in danger. Denial is very powerful, hopefully this will shed light on their addiction.

Comment on The Selfishness And Self Pity of Recovering Alcoholics by anon

anon — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:12:27 +0000

I am tired of hearing alcoholics described as charming rogues. I left a well paid job because both my boss and a work-colleague were alcoholics. They displayed all the classic character traits: selfishness, jealousy, childish self-pity, mood-swings, memory loss (and false memories), vindictiveness… need I go on? Oh yes, and the shaky hands in the morning (I say “morning”, but they’d both weigh in late after I’d already done several hours of work on my own), followed by non-regulation extended lunch breaks at – you guessed it – the bar. Due to the stress of working with them, I was drinking so heavily I was in danger of joining them! Now I am stress-free and down to a bottle of wine with meals at the weekend. Poorer, but healthier and happier.

Comment on Flying Drunk – How Alcohol Almost Destroyed an Airline Pilot and 93 Other People by Mike

Mike — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:41:49 +0000

Thanks for the post.
I know a number of recovering addicts who came to believe about their addiction due to what they were doing to their loved ones.

Comment on Baclofen vis-à-vis Alcohol Cravings and Withdrawal by Louise

Louise — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 17:26:39 +0000

According to The End of My Addiction, a book written by doctor Oliver Ameisen, who himself was a severe alcoholic until he discovered baclofen totally suppressed his cravings and he was able to stop drinking (for 4 years now), you are not taking a high enugh dose. Only 5 mg/day or even three times a day is not anywhere near a therapeutic level. Get his book and see for yourself, and good luck to you.

Comment on Meet Michael Pearlman, M.D. by Alchol

Alchol — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:12:22 +0000

Hey.

I really appreciate what your doing with this blog. It has some great information and is very informative. Keep up the great work.

Comment on Alcohol Treatment and the Role of Anti Craving Medications by Alcohol Freedom Blog » Flying Drunk – How Alcohol Almost Destroyed an Airline Pilot and 93 Other People

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:25:02 +0000

[...] we’ve discussed in a previous post about alternative alcohol treatments, alcoholism is a progressive disease that forces most people to hit bottom before they get help. [...]

Comment on The First Step Is The Most Important, But The 12 Step Program Is Not Right For Everyone by Mike

Mike — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 16:02:23 +0000

thanks for the post.
Yes, going away for treatment is not always an option for some. However, hitting an outpatient detox and rehab is a GREAT alternative!

Comment on Baclofen vis-à-vis Alcohol Cravings and Withdrawal by Maurice

Maurice — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 10:01:22 +0000

I reduced my alcohol consumption from 100 units per week to 5 with ease – using 60 – 80mg of Baclofen per day. I have recommended it to friends who had the same result. It is astonishingly effective. I drank excessively for 30 years. It may be some individuals need to use higher doses.

Comment on I’m a Banker, Stock Broker, Accountant, CEO; Not an Alcoholic! by Jordy

Jordy — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:12:31 +0000

It’s funny, when I started attending AA meetings regularly that’s when I began to understand that alcohol brings everyone down.

I remember sitting in meetings thinking of how I had always though of an alcoholic being the person living on the streets. I think that Foster Brooks impersonations of a drunken person and Saturday Night Live’s homeless man that lived in a cardboard box had something to do with my idea of what an alcoholic was like.

You are totally right on. Alcohol has no respect for anyone.

Comment on When It Comes to Your Drinking, Think Like a Manager, Not an Alcoholic by Jordy

Jordy — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 02:01:44 +0000

I can relate very well to what you are saying here about an alcoholics problem affecting their work. Before I quit, I would have enough alcohol in my system by noon to cause me to sleep until about two. Then, I’d get up and have another, work a while and take another nap. It was a horrible cycle. I almost lost my business completely because of my battle. Thank God and AA, I have been free from the stuff for eleven years now.

Comment on Am I A functioning Alcoholic? Three Clues to Look for Today. by Mike

Mike — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:22:19 +0000

Thanks for the post.
this is a good list…hopefully someone can be willing to do this. It is an honest assesment.

Comment on I’m a Banker, Stock Broker, Accountant, CEO; Not an Alcoholic! by Mike

Mike — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:50:26 +0000

thanks for the post.
there are so many functioning active alcoholics out there. I was one of them. I still function, I’m still and alcoholic, but I am just not an active one.
Recognizing signs of alcoholism is important and unfortunately the signs can be clouded through denial.
If someone has an active addict in their life they need to do the right thing and confront them from a position of love.

Comment on About The Freedom From Alcohol® Method by Hoot Hooten

Hoot Hooten — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 22:04:34 +0000

What a wonderful site. I’m stuck here at the house, then I found you. Just like a meeting; almost. I hope the alternatives to AA and other methods of “quitting” drinking prove positive. Mention that to a lot of AA’ers and you’ll get an accusation or a warning of moving closer to a drink rather than farther from it.

For me the choices were AA – period. Finally in a surreal and amazing spiritual experience, combined with AA, I was able to finally put the plug in the jug. My experience in Hawaii, blew my mind and turned my life around in one afternoon. So, I know there are other options and I think every single opportunity should be made available to someone who still suffers.

Thanks for the share.

Hoot

Comment on When It Comes to Your Drinking, Think Like a Manager, Not an Alcoholic by Hoot Hooten

Hoot Hooten — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 21:35:39 +0000

Ironically, the highest rate of alcohol abuse by categary is: Construction, where heavy equipment and dangerous tools are utilized.

One of the problems is, there are so many employers and heads of personel that are “gun shy” about being politically incorrect, that they’re reticent to confront the employee.

As a one time employer and a recovering alcoholic, I took the evidence straight to the employee and gave them an option – Do something about it or you’re out. Twice I told different employees to “Give me 90 meetings in 90 days.” One made it the other didn’t.

The wife of the one that didn’t, blamed me for putting so much pressure on him. Not long after, his disease took him so deep that he blew his head off with a shotgun. God rest his soul. He was a good man.

Thanks for letting me share. It’s all in my book, Drunk & Disorderly, Again

Comment on When It Comes to Your Drinking, Think Like a Manager, Not an Alcoholic by Mike

Mike — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:42:47 +0000

thanks for the post.
I love stats and list when it comes to addiction.
I especially like the list you blogged regarding what happens after sobriety at work.
It is so very true. I know I rarely had a six day in the 17 years I’ve been sober. I won’t say I am perfect in any of it but my stats are much higher!!!

Comment on Am I A functioning Alcoholic? Three Clues to Look for Today. by Alcohol Freedom Blog » When It Comes to Your Drinking, Think Like a Manager, Not an Alcoholic

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:38:49 +0000

[...] are quick to deny that they have a drinking problem and as we’ve discussed in previous posts, functioning alcoholics don’t realize they are in the grasp of alcohol until it is too late. It’s unfortunate because [...]

Comment on The Functional Alcoholic by Krissi B

Krissi B — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:23:16 +0000

Dear Jenny,
I could feel your pain when I was reading your letter. I, too, know how much the “love” comes into play in these situations. I have an alcoholic husband as well.
The VERY BEST thing you can do, is locate you local Al-anon group and start attending as soon as possible. There, you will be around people who are dealing with the same thing and who understand COMPLETELY what this feels like. They are designed to help the families of addicts. Alcohol or other.
Many of the people in my group are still with their addicts. The difference is the person has learned techniques and skills to cope with the situation. The single most important thing is TAKING CARE OF YOU. I know it is hard to take the focus off of them, when this has been going on for so long… but it is do-able! You can do this. And only then can you decide without co-dependence, if this is where you truly want to stay.
Good luck, my sister.
Krissi

Comment on I’m a Banker, Stock Broker, Accountant, CEO; Not an Alcoholic! by finance_guy

finance_guy — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 20:43:36 +0000

I have to thoroughly agree with this post.

Comment on 6 Things to Do Today to Reclaim Your Life from Alcohol by Cari

Cari — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 05:08:47 +0000

I have been sober for almost 90 days, but I took your alcohol screening test with answers that I would have given three months ago. My result: “In your case, 89.5% of the adult American public including 82% of women is consuming less alcoholic drinks a week than you have reported drinking in your answers.” Scary. I’m glad I’ve decided to quit.

Comment on Alcoholic Induced Blackouts – A Defective Consciousness by Tiffany

Tiffany — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 01:07:09 +0000

Dear doctor,
Within the past few months of my life it has become disturbing the number of alcohol related blackouts I have had. Not only am I hurting people I love, but I am hurting myself. It is absolutely not any part of my nature to act in these manners and it seems as if it doesnt matter at all how much I drink. . . . .something happens and I will have no idea what happened for long periods of time. It is as if at one point in the night my brain just stops. . .leaving me to wake up in fear of what may have occured. I have experimented with eating alot versus not eating anything. . .either way….blackout. Two shots and stop or ten….blackout. This sort of thing never occurs when I drink beer. Can you help me figure any of this out or possibly give me ideas to repair the damage done. It has become a promise to all that I care about that liquor of all kinds I will never consume again. I know that it is start. What can I do?? What has done this to me??? If it means anything. . . .these blackouts staring occuring 6 months ago. Is it mental problems????

Comment on The Selfishness And Self Pity of Recovering Alcoholics by Sandra

Sandra — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 17:27:48 +0000

I have recently separated from my BF of two and a half years, who is alcohol dependent and also takes valium daily to sleep (a habit that stretches back over 20 years, I found out recently). He is also a heavy smoker (at least 40 cigarettes a day). The irony is he that he works in mental health area and regulary treats people for addiction related problems. He is apparently a caring person, but has extremely low self esteem and reacted aggressively (verbally) throughout our relationship when I broached the subject of his drinking and pill taking (this mixture is potentially fatal) and its effect on our relationship. Promises to cut down on drinking and stop smoking have never been met or, after some initial effort, have lapsed. I admit that at times I have enabled his problems.
He has had two disastrous previous marriages – not helped I would imagine by the aforementioned problems. In each case he has firmly placed himself in the role of victim to his (in his words) manipulative, neurotic and money grabbing former wives (he earns very well). I recently found out he was having an affair with a younger girl who works in the same area of mental health and split with him immediately. Phone conversations following this split consisted by insults directed at me (accusations of taking financial advantage of him – history repeats itself), lashings of self pity concerning him and incoherent rationalisation of his actions. On top of all this he told me the relationship he was (or still is) having “wasn’t even that serious” but if he feels like sleeping with young girls he will. He´s told me he’s now joined a gym, has cut down on drinking and is going to psychoanalysis sessions and is “on the way to recovery” (why is me telling me this?). I am slowly recovering from this sad episode, but really wonder if my ex is really capable of recovery and facing the very real, long term problems he has.

Comment on Astronaut Buzz Aldrin Admits Bout with Alcoholism by Ted

Ted — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 02:44:10 +0000

Hi!, I have compiled a list of the top Alcoholism blogs, and yours was included! check it out at http://thedailyreviewer.com/top/Alcoholism

You can claim your link badge at http://thedailyreviewer.com/pages/badges

Comment on Astronaut Buzz Aldrin Admits Bout with Alcoholism by Addiction Help

Addiction Help — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 18:29:15 +0000

Alcoholism is a serious medical condition that is very hard to admit to having. It is very personal. I’m glad to hear that Buzz Aldrin was able to face his sickness and get help for it. It is great when alcoholics are able to speak out and share experiences with others to help others realize and decide to seek professional help. Thanks!

Comment on 6 Things to Do Today to Reclaim Your Life from Alcohol by Health Rose

Health Rose — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:51:17 +0000

Simply superb.
Your Six steps are really needed for anyone wishes for alcohol recovery.
Very much useful for alcohol addicts.

Cool blog and keep it up.

Comment on The Functional Alcoholic by peppermintpatty

peppermintpatty — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:52:12 +0000

Run as fast as you can so you will be able to have hopes of a “normal” life.

Comment on Alcohol Dependence – My Life As I Planned It by Bill4Sobriety

Bill4Sobriety — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:08:07 +0000

For anonymity sakes please feel free to call me Bill, I am an alcoholic whom has been through rehab twice and am discovering the beauty of sobriety.

Great blog post!

Bill

Comment on 6 Things to Do Today to Reclaim Your Life from Alcohol by Jeremie

Jeremie — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:07:10 +0000

nice ill be back to check up on updates

Comment on 6 Things to Do Today to Reclaim Your Life from Alcohol by Ramsmango

Ramsmango — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:31:01 +0000

Thanks for your tips. I decided to follow.

Comment on Functioning Alcoholic by Chelsea

Chelsea — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:35:55 +0000

This is great information! It is important to acknowledge that many alcoholics or excessive drinkers are members of society – and seen as productive members at that. Alcoholism is a major problem and has been verified to be a serious medical condition. It is quite hard for alcoholics to seek treatment as they are usually not willing to acknowledge they have a problem. In order for one to accept and fully embrace treatment, the sufferer must first accept that they are at high risk and have a serious problem and then be open to getting help.

Alcoholism is a major problem, and the more education and information available, the higher the likely of helping those a greatest risk.

Comment on Is Vivitrol Right For You? by Tonya Lappel

Tonya Lappel — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:35:23 +0000

I’ve learned a lot from this site – I hope you continue writing because I love your stuff!

Comment on Alcohol Dependence – My Life As I Planned It by Anamika

Anamika — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 04:59:48 +0000

Good job you are doing by spreading awareness about alcohol addiction. Many people just start in for fun, show off or to get acceptance of friends or society but then get trapped in this bad habit and go to the extents of ruining health by making it an addiction.

Comment on Silencing The Alcoholic Mind by Michael Pearlman, M.D.

Michael Pearlman, M.D. — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 13:06:37 +0000

Thank you, carribeanblue – the picture you describe of your husband is a classic example of the ‘alcoholic mind’ – with its obsessional nature. This is why meaningful involvement in the Steps of AA is an essential tool for recovery. Without the spiritual, consciousness raising or purpose driven part of recovery, we have essentially an alcoholic who does not drink.

Another point is that the ego is the ‘alcoholic’ and it is restoring the ‘Soul’ that the work of recovery is done. Restoring balance is a key feature of those who work their program – or use other resources such as coaching, therapy or return to religious or spiritual practices.

Finally – it may a wise decision to work with a prescribing psychiatrist who could diagnose, your husband – prescribe the correct medications and perhaps you could participate with this treatment to see that medications are correctly taken. Best wishes with your husband. I would love to hear how it is going.

Comment on Silencing The Alcoholic Mind by sober living california

sober living california — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 01:11:28 +0000

My friend is an alcoholic, he always tell me if he is drinking beer or brandy he is very active and mentally alert and he feels good he never sick. But once he didn’t drink alcoholic beverages he is always sick. He treated alcohol as a vitamins and medicine.

-jomie-

Comment on Silencing The Alcoholic Mind by carribeanblue

carribeanblue — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:53:13 +0000

Dr. Pearlman, I wonder if you might discuss switching additions. The alcoholic mind cannot deal with life; once alcohol is removed, other addictions flare to fill the void. Despite AA and counseling, my alcoholic husband–now sober for almost 2 years–has switched to compulsive over-exercising, overeating/overdieting (starving all day, then pigging out), and is also switched to sex addiction. He is addicted to movement/agitation; if he is still the TV must be on, at the very least. He tries meditation, but too infrequently to help much. He does not know how to be still, how to simply BE…

Comment on Silencing The Alcoholic Mind by teen alcohol treatment

teen alcohol treatment — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:43:05 +0000

Thank you for this blog,I like the way you explain such things like that and i’m sure many will helped by your post. I’ve learned a lot. Looking forward to your next post.

-mj-

Comment on Alcohol Treatment and the Role of Anti Craving Medications by ilija

ilija — Wed, 27 May 2009 05:38:23 +0000

awesome stuff

Comment on Alcohol Treatment and the Role of Anti Craving Medications by Robert

Robert — Wed, 27 May 2009 03:32:56 +0000

How do I get a prescription?

Comment on Alcoholism – Progressive, Malignant And Fatal by Chuck

Chuck — Tue, 26 May 2009 20:21:21 +0000

You’re helping a lot of people with this blog, including me. I’ve just started on my journey to sobriety (7 days now — yea!) and it has been so helpful to read blog posts like this. I still don’t get the higher power thing, but I definitely understand that every cell in my body is hard-wired for the booze. Reading your post about the many ways in which alcohol can kill helped me get through today. Thank you!

Comment on Alcohol Cravings Medication – Prescription vs. Over the Counter by Tricia

Tricia — Fri, 22 May 2009 04:59:26 +0000

Will you please send me more information on the OTC methods for helping with alcohol cravings. I would like to try this method before venturing into rehab. My alcohol dependence has increased over the past 6 years and it is at the point where it is destroying my life. I have intense cravings for alcohol even though I know it is harming my marriage and my well-being. Will please forward to me the proper levels of Puerarin, Daidzein and Daidzin and where to purchase Kudzu I would be eternally grateful.
Tricia Barron

Comment on Silencing The Alcoholic Mind by awake

awake — Tue, 19 May 2009 05:10:27 +0000

just wanted to say thanks Mike. I am 23 years old with similar situations, finally wanting and working towards sobriety. You truly are a big help. Appreciate your angle.

Comment on Alcohol Treatment and the Role of Anti Craving Medications by Julie

Julie — Fri, 15 May 2009 15:54:39 +0000

Thank you so much for posting this. I am researching this topic for a private matter and this is very helpful and informative.

Comment on The Functional Alcoholic by Jenny Whitson

Jenny Whitson — Sat, 02 May 2009 10:16:17 +0000

I’ve just read the above article and want to reply. My husband has been an alcoholic since before I knew him, he was recovering when I met him but he still drank, for the most of the five years together there has been a cycle of three to four months of sobriety and then a relapse which lasts between 2-3 weeks, he cleans up and it happens all over again, however the last year or so he hasn’t had many relapses but he has still been drinking, every so often I search the house, he has some regualr hiding places, and I always find bottles, I show them to him, they get throw out, he promises it won’t happen again and then two months later I search again and more bottles are there. He tries to hide it or lie to start with my making me believe that they must be old ones I never found, then after an hour or so he crumbles and says yes, he was drinking but not anymore, then after another hour or so he comes completely clean telling me yes, all the bottles are recent and he starts crying and telling me he’s so sorry. I suffer from depression, for nearly 15 years of my life, and I do feel that when he’s been discovered he uses my depression to fool me and make me feel guilty. I’ve recently discovered more bottles today and over the past few weeks noticed strange behaviour from him but put it out of my mind as he had spent weeks lecturing me on not trying to get better, making me feel awful when I have been trying to get happy, but it’s so hard. Now I know that he has been drinking throughtout the day for weeks, I feel disappointed and betrayed that he was telling me all that, getting really nasty about it and incredibly harsh, telling me he will leave if I don’t start being happy when he was probably laughing inside because he knew he was drinking and making a fool out if me. I feel that I’m fighting a losing battle and I’m either going to be miserable for the rest of my life or I leave him and I don’t want to for all his drinking I love him. He’s tried AA, ended up in hospital with liver failure and told he was going to die, been given antabuse, been made to take them but still some how got around it and antidepressants. It’s like since he didn’t die from drink, he feels he’s invincible and just tries to push it, he’s 40 and I’m scared. I’m only 26 and I don’t think I should have to deal with this kind of thing.

How do I help him, I always have to find out and comfront him, why doesn’t he come to me when he starts drinking? Why does he have to play me all the time? How do I help him stop this?

Comment on Alcoholism – Progressive, Malignant And Fatal by Michael Pearlman, M.D.

Michael Pearlman, M.D. — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 12:28:06 +0000

The power of alcoholism to corrode the fabric of our lives, our families and our society can not be under-estimated. The power of the healing available from A.A., recovery programs and most of all through our re-connection to our source energy, i.e. our higher power – can not be denied. This is the season of our experience of ‘resurrection’ overcoming our experience of ‘crucifixion’! Peace and joy to you.

Comment on Baclofen vis-à-vis Alcohol Cravings and Withdrawal by terry

terry — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 01:01:23 +0000

Hi I am currently using baclofen and naltrexone to assist me in overcoming my alcohol overuse.

I have used naltrexone alone in the past and I had one injection of Vivtrol (sp?) The use of naltrexone alone helped my with my cravings for 8 days. Vivitrol helped for three days. Then I went back to 24/7 drinking.

With the addition of baclofen, I have had better success with my cravings. I believe it helps me keeps my mind level, I do not get emotionally stressed.

Now, however, I am experiencing cravings. I have been taking 5 mgs of Bac 3 x a day since December 26th 2008, and 50 mgs Nal per day.

I had had 40 days alcohol free, then stopped my meds. for 14 days. I restarted my meds and had 15 more AL free days.

Now I am drinking and trying to follow the Sinclair Method. Do you know of this method?

There is a web site where people from around the world in english speaking countries are committed to the Sinclair Method.

We are always searching for more information to assist us in our quest to be free of the burdens of AL.

If you have any help or ideas for us, we would appreciate your ideas. Thank you.

Comment on Alcohol Cessation Medication Must Be Combined With Counseling by medication detox

medication detox — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 04:44:25 +0000

Making sure someone safely comes off alcohol without issues from DT’s other other alcohol related withdrawal symptoms is important, although ridding the body of all the harmful residues is important as well. I agree that it is necessary to get the individual into a treatment program but at the end of the day the person needs to cleanse their body as well. What good is recovery without a clean body and mind? While results can happen in a short amount of time it is also important that the person be slowly rehabilitated back into society to help with a full recovery.

Comment on Silencing The Alcoholic Mind by mike

mike — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 23:05:31 +0000

im 50 , i have been drinking since i was 13, i just got another d u i , its been 12 years since the last one , thank god , this will count as a fisrt offense.reading your description of the progressive stages fits me to a tee, like many of the other responses stated. it has not only beat me ,almost to death, but cost me my wife and kids and family. i am on the verge of being homeless because of it , i am living with an angel now, my jail time will be coming all to soon and not looking forward to it, i feel like i am a good guy like im sure everybody else feels, i have wrecked too many cars to count ,but thanklfuly never hurt anyone but myself. corection,it has affectd everybody in my life in one way or another, i wish i could go back 40 years with what i think i know now and start over, what im am hoping to do is ,first get control of my life and then help some of the younger people avoid a life of of ,shoulda,coulda,woulda.

Comment on Alcoholism – Progressive, Malignant And Fatal by Linda Joy Allan

Linda Joy Allan — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:14:06 +0000

I am/was an alcoholic but I never considered alcoholism a disease. I know there will always be people on both sides of the issue but to me, the important thing is for the person with the alcohol problem to get off the alcohol however they can.

I think some have an easier time of getting help if they think it’s a disease. Personally, I couldn’t have been helped by thinking of my alcohol problem as a disease. I also wouldn’t have been helped by A.A. I’m not better than anyone, it just wouldn’t have helped me personally. I think A.A. is a wonderful program.

I quit on my own (and God) and I haven’t had a drink in over 21 years. But again, the issue is for the person to get off the alcohol which is destroying his or her life. Having not drank in so long, I look around at all the people who still have a drinking problem and wish I could tell them how wonderful freedom from alcohol is….

Comment on Alcoholism – Progressive, Malignant And Fatal by Mag

Mag — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 02:01:33 +0000

Great writing!
I think that this should be posted at an AA meeting of some kind.

Comment on Silencing The Alcoholic Mind by Michael Pearlman, M.D.

Michael Pearlman, M.D. — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 17:36:45 +0000

’scotch’, you are not alone. Your key statement is, ‘to keep the faith’! There are three components to recovery as well as much of life: body, mind and spirit. All three need balance and a focus.

In the best of all possible worlds, the doctors treating alcoholism are informed by the latest in alcohol treatment of withdrawal and residual issues of anxiety and depression and offer optimal guidance in their understanding of a patient’s situation, condition and prescribing options. So, assuming only so-so medical management you do need to have some additional mental and spiritual tools to guide you.

Of course the fellowship of A.A. works wonders for those so inclined to benefit from the fellowship and principles of their meetings. I found them to be of enormous support during my early days and years of recovery – to set up the learning and understanding of my ‘disease’ and offer a path to wholeness, i.e. recovery. Further, if A.A. is palatable for you, the program is a great springboard to a ’spiritual’ path. Otherwise there are so many other options to set up a daily spiritual connection.

If the idea of ’spirituality’ is off putting, consider the idea of becoming more conscious of your vision, purpose, mission and goals in life and set up daily rituals to clarify and realize these desires.

With my warmest best wishes, Michael

Comment on Silencing The Alcoholic Mind by scotch

scotch — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 09:29:07 +0000

The early sobriety, anxiety, racing thoughts, insomnia are a pathway to drinking again every time for me. I have tried everything suggested that is supposed to help, some relief but never enough. Prescription meds help some but have scary side effects, and addiction to these is horrific re: benzos, which I find make you crave alcohol, though they do wonders for anxiety, anti-depressants worsen anxiety in my case, and though they say they are not addicting the withdrawals are a nightmare. Alcohol withdrawal is a picnic compared to some of these medications. Most make you a fat, pre-diabetic anxious mess and docs just want to keep adding adjuncts – and before you know it your taking three of four different useless meds and you fell like dirt. I have never found these medications to improve the situation in anyone’s life, never! It is a revolving door of different meds, some of which help a little and some that do nothing, with most having side effects that are worse than the original problem, so my quest continues , two months sober this time, I’ve had a year, 3 years , 4 months and on and on the anxiety gets me every time, but trying to keep the faith….

Comment on Regaining Lost Trust While In Alcohol Recovery by Michael Pearlman, M.D.

Michael Pearlman, M.D. — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 17:25:18 +0000

Jeff, your comments speak volumes! There is much help available for your search to become sober again. As you had been sober – the path you used in getting sobriety, hopefully, will still be available. Further, there is A.A., your physician network, your insurance company will have resources for you, as well as programs like http://www.freedomfromalcohol.com (which has useful links within the web-site) and many others via ‘yellow pages’ and Google searches with you zip code. I hope this will be of help. I wish you success on your journey to sobriety. Michael

Comment on Regaining Lost Trust While In Alcohol Recovery by Jeff King

Jeff King — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 23:24:48 +0000

Want to be sober again and rebuild relationship w/my wife & family. Hurt a good friend today for the first time due to drinking.

Comment on Regaining Lost Trust While In Alcohol Recovery by Jeff King

Jeff King — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 23:23:20 +0000

Needs help in becoming sober again

Comment on Silencing The Alcoholic Mind by Michael Pearlman, M.D.

Michael Pearlman, M.D. — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 15:05:28 +0000

‘Rathernotsay’, thank you for your honesty – thank you for sharing your situation. The word that comes to my mind is – ’surrender’. You have a choice here – either your better nature takes over and you seek help because you can no longer continue on your path – we call that in recovery circles as ‘being tired of being sick and tired’ – or your life is irrevocably impaired. If you are there in the grace of surrender, and I truly hope you are, then you will take the leap to recovery and freedom from the bondage of your alcohol obsession, which is making your life a dead thing’!

Here, you will seek whatever help you can; tell your parents – yes, tell them your truth, ask for their help, go to AA meetings, ask for guidance, sponsors, etc., go to your doctor ASAP, go to an alcohol treatment center in your area or perhaps to a local emergency room and ask for help as you do not want to have seizures or to die from this disease. Of course, at a minimum, keep asking your higher power for guidance – such as you have asked here at this blog.

The decision is yours. I was lucky in having a family intervention because I was not ready on my own or perhaps I was so sick I could not help myself.
Please know that help and the path to health, happiness, joy, freedom and a wonderful life are within your grasp. Just like the Tom Hanks’ movie ‘Joe Versus the Volcano’ – in the movie he was suffering from ‘terminal brain cloud’ – similarly, you are suffering from the terminal disease of alcoholism – and the leap to freedom is the one that you and you alone must make. Do it! Do it now! All of the universe awaits your leap to freedom – just ‘ask and you shall receive’!

All my good wishes go with you. Michael

Comment on Silencing The Alcoholic Mind by rathernotsay

rathernotsay — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 02:40:05 +0000

I would like to start off by saying, thank you!! This site is amazing I really love how you have described my life almost exactly. I am not quite at the recovery point yet. I realized last year that I had a drinking problem. My friends noticed it actually. I am 18 and drank everyday since 6th grade. On average when I’m not partying, I have 18 shots a day. It starts in the mooring when I get up and straight till I go to sleep (most nights I drink myself to sleep).
Seeing as how I am only 18 I feel like I cant get professional help, my parents would kill me and I just don’t want them to know. I’ve managed to hide it all this time I’m not going to stop now. that being said, I would love to be sober. I tried stopping all together but I started experiencing massive withdrawal symptoms and decided it isn’t worth it.
If you could give me some advice on how to do this alone that would be much appreciated.
Thanks.

Comment on Meet Michael Pearlman, M.D. by Michael Pearlman, M.D.

Michael Pearlman, M.D. — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 17:18:22 +0000

John, thank you for your comments. While you are indeed correct that there is a lot of misunderstanding of the disease of addiction, the good news this that fora such as this and many, many other sites offer a variety of voices to help clarify the problem.

My opinion is that the internet is another leap in the ability of mankind to learn and to expand its consciousness – in doing so there is a lot of ‘nonsense’, of course, however the dialogue of many voices, many ‘mental models’ – may serve, I trust, to help others to a fuller and more complete understanding of addiction with all its complexities. Michael

Comment on Meet Michael Pearlman, M.D. by Michael Pearlman, M.D.

Michael Pearlman, M.D. — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 17:10:53 +0000

Matt, best wishes on you site: http://www.duifoundation.org/newyork. I trust you will be successful in your mission to educate anbd server those struggling with alcohol and its devastating effects. The good news is that there are many sites like yours offereing support and guidance. Michael

Comment on When Alcohol Used As A Crutch – Problem Drinking Can Worsen by Michael Pearlman, M.D.

Michael Pearlman, M.D. — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 17:06:54 +0000

Thank you, Eric. For me the thrill of recovery was not only the return of skills I lost but developing the ’spiritual’ connection to ‘happiness, joy and freedom’. I, and so many of us in the throes of alcohol or drugs, could not access these ‘graces’.

For me the healing of myself, learning new ways to live and connecting with the experience and then the ‘knowing of peace, joy and love were the great gifts of my recovery. It is wonderful to share this with others on the ‘path’. Michael

Comment on Meet Michael Pearlman, M.D. by John

John — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 12:09:13 +0000

Hi, I’m John and I think the perception people have about alcohol and other addictive drugs is wrong. Alcoholism isn’t a complicated subject that people make it out to be. Many of the so-called experts cloud the problem in such a way that they even confuse themselves. The real truth is that even the so-called experts don’t understand drug addiction.

Comment on When Alcohol Used As A Crutch – Problem Drinking Can Worsen by Eric Starost

Eric Starost — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:05:54 +0000

This paragraph to me is the most important thing I need to come to realization with.

***We all find ourselves in these situations on occasion, so why is it more difficult for some people to manage them than others? Why do some feel the need to artificially stimulate their courage in order to deal with these conditions? As a method of coping, alcohol and its intrinsic ability to calm us down is something we find early on through our experiences with it.

Remember having a couple extra drinks in order to ask a pretty girl to dance or going to a party as a teenager or young adult and heading straight for the nearest cooler or keg? We knew it would ease our anxiety, and at an early age we failed to learn the necessary coping skills in order to have the confidence to meet these situations with self assurance and aplomb.***

I know I have to rebuild these coping skills that I have let alcohol control for far too long. I missed out on some major emotional growth because I took the easy way out. Great article.

Comment on Silencing The Alcoholic Mind by Michael Pearlman, M.D.

Michael Pearlman, M.D. — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 15:26:59 +0000

Thank you for your comment. It is said that the mind is a wonderful servant but a cruel master. Quieting the ‘cruel’ mind after a long period of our inflaming it with the corrosive effects of alcohol and neglect leaves us with a difficult challenge.

My path was to chase the program of Alcoholics Anonymous where I, gratefully with much eagerness, went to almost daily meetings for the first several years of sobriety. I was impelled by the distress I felt at my mind, my ‘cruel master’, and how awful and fearful I felt by it’s relentlessness to intrude into almost every waking moment of my life. Happily, I always felt a sense of peace, calm and rationality at my meetings and through the many and frequent calls I made to others in the AA program. At the beginning period I would make as much as 13 calls a day to different AA members and engaged in a dialogue with them that invariably served to calm me and begin the task of managing my troubled mind.

I also eagerly spoke up at every chance at every AA meeting I attended. I found the desire to share the workings of my mind at these meetings relived me greatly. The sharing of my thoughts also gave me a chance to observe, as I shared, what I was really thinking. The ‘airing’ of these thoughts revealed the true nature of my mind and by exposing them to the ‘light’ of the meeting tended to ‘heal’ them. The burden I carried of my sick and cruel mind lessened over time. The sharing of my thoughts also seemed to help others in the meeting who identified and laughed along with me at the ridiculousness of my ‘thoughts’ and patterns of behavior.

Today, I have a daily discipline of meditation, reading sections from spiritual books and very importantly, to me, keeping what I call a ‘Focus Journal’ to help me craft my path in life. I am willing to write down and edit as I gain daily clarity as to what I am wanting and what I am not wanting in my life. Thus I feel a sense of alignment more and more often as my ‘inner knowing’ (my spiritual and personal goals) and my outer actions become congruent – and my mind is returned to me as my servant not a cruel master.

Again, thank you for your comments and my very best wishes to you on your path. Dr. Pearlman

Comment on The Functional Alcoholic by Michael Pearlman, M.D.

Michael Pearlman, M.D. — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 14:53:36 +0000

Debbie, the heart of the ‘problem’ with your ‘ex’ – is, of course, that he doesn’t think he has a problem. In situations like this it is important for you to take care of yourself and be very ‘tough loving’ about your limits and boundaries.
Enabling an alcoholic can be as corrosive to you as to the alcoholic.

Finally, when and if your ‘ex’ is ready – there are many paths out of addiction. They simply must be chosen as part and parcel of the desire that arises from being sick and tired of being sick and tired.

Best wishes, Dr. Pearlman

Comment on Silencing The Alcoholic Mind by living sober 3yrs+

living sober 3yrs+ — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 20:18:15 +0000

This blog is wonderful and I thank you Dr. Pearlman for posting this. This is the 1st real blog I have found that really summed up how I felt to almost a T. It was so closely related to how I felt and still feel that I forwarded this link to my loved ones. Being in recovery now for going on 4 yrs, I still find everyday living to be SO very difficult. Sleep is the very 1st thing that goes as soon as the stress of life begins to downward spiral. I have used over the counter med’s but, have made the choice that for long term answers that this could end up being more harmful than good. The very LAST thing I want to do is swap one addiction for another. I try to explain how I feel to others but the frustration of trying to get someone who has the proverbial ‘checks and balances’ of their everyday life in how they deal with stress is very difficult for them to understand – if not impossible. The real problem in recovery is, getting sober is relatively easy (if you WANT to be sober), and staying sober is SO very difficult. It is still a constant struggle for me to not allow my emotions to take hold of my thinking, because I know where that path goes, I’ve walked it already. I am looking forward to learning more about the “FreedomFromAlcohol Method”.

Thanks Again

Comment on The Functional Alcoholic by Debbie

Debbie — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 14:05:15 +0000

I think your program would be helpful. My ex-husband who I am currently with (know I say ex alcohol is the reason) has a problem and doesnt think he does how do I get him to get help? He is over 50 years old and he doesnt think he has a problem because he isnt living on the streets like a homeless person and he makes a good living. But when he starts rarely can he stop and lately he has been drinking everyday. And the mood changes wow huge.
Thanks
Debbie

Comment on The Difference Between A Therapist And A Life Strategist by Michael Pearlman, M.D.

Michael Pearlman, M.D. — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:06:38 +0000

Thank you for your comment and interest in our blog site. I trust you will get some great ideas and resources in the recovery programs and support for alcoholism. Dr. Pearlman

Comment on For Alcoholics, Higher Power Makes A Difference by Michael Pearlman, M.D.

Michael Pearlman, M.D. — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 20:56:57 +0000

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

Comment on The Difference Between A Therapist And A Life Strategist by CilsLoolley

CilsLoolley — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 06:20:33 +0000

As a fresh http://www.freedomfromalcohol.com user i just wanted to say hello to everyone else who uses this bbs

Comment on For Alcoholics, Higher Power Makes A Difference by Daisy May

Daisy May — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 10:43:27 +0000

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?

Comment on Why Alcoholics Think They Know Better by Elsa Meneses

Elsa Meneses — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 02:47:16 +0000

This is really a good page to use as a guide if you want to help those who might need it..

Comment on Alcoholism – Progressive, Malignant And Fatal by Elsa Meneses

Elsa Meneses — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 01:34:35 +0000

This information is really important for all those people who think that alcohol is easy, that they can control it. Alcohol becomes a problem when you less expected to be.
Its sad but alcohol is a huge problem..
and its getting away too many lifes..
innocents as those who drink.!

Comment on The Importance Of Privacy And Discretion For Executive Alcoholism – When Confidential Treatment is Imperative by Drug and Alcohol Info

Drug and Alcohol Info — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 23:29:24 +0000

Very good article. I find as a therapist that executives are very concerned with confidentiality. A few of them have asked to leave the back door of the clinic to avoid running into some professionals they may see in the waiting area. They also are uncomfortable at aa meetings I find. Outpatient therapy seems to be working well with those that are motivated.

Deb

Comment on Meet Michael Pearlman, M.D. by Matt

Matt — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 21:53:09 +0000

Hello,
My name is Matt Raven and I am an intern for the newly launched DUIFoundation.org a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. I currently help maintain and write content for the DUI Foundation to educate and prevent against the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and other impairing substances. The DUI Foundation website contains a database of knowledge covering health issues, legal information, current news and events updates, information details on support programs, as well as research and many other helpful resources.
At DUIFoundation.org, we hope to reinforce the idea that a single drunk driving accident can permanently have a negative impact on you, passengers in your vehicle, and anyone else involved in the disaster.
I am asking you to please support our cause and spread our message through adding a single-text link (titled “New York DUI” with the URL: http://www.duifoundation.org/newyork) or short blurb on your blog which links back to our site. We could offer an entry of your site into our care directory in return. This will allow our viewers to be directed to your site’s information. Please help us in our mission to spread a message and prevent life-altering decisions.
Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing back from you!
Best Regards,
Matt Raven

Comment on Encouraging Yourself To Remain Sober by Denny

Denny — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:59:09 +0000

Your points are well taken. Alcoholics often beat themselves up emotionally and have a problem with self-respect. Alcohol recovery is a success story that is worthy of some positive strokes, even if they come from the recovering alcoholic himself or herself.

Comment on Avoiding Alcohol Relapse by Sheila Joyce Gibbs

Sheila Joyce Gibbs — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 22:31:19 +0000

Excellent column!
I would like to send you our story, regarding how EASY it was to completely delete Alcohol from our lives, from having your health devistated by the stuff !
It wasn’t a problem at all !!!
But trying to adjust & live with the illness, that there’s no ‘Withdrawal, Detox, Operation, or Drugs’ to get you out of the mess, that basically you put yourself in!
It appears that our society doesn’t want to own up to this problem. Either because our Government leaders LOVE liquor or they LOVE making millions of the sales, but in the last 6 mos, I’ve only run into a couple of strangers, in Canada, who have replied to my warning, quietly admitting that either their parent/boyfriend/brother/sister etc.
is/has the same illness, but doesn’t want anyone to know about it !?!?!?!?!
Well, I’m not ashamed to spill my guts ! If it may save someone else from this life time health problem…….who cares what people think of me……….so, yes I drank, and drank AND DRANK…….and it was my ‘worry’ ’stress’ ‘nerve’ liquid medicine !!!!
And so now I have to pay for it…………(gee whiz Sheila, isn’t that a shame !!!)
The stuff is so dangerous, and yet our society just keeps on guzzling it down.
Of course, it does help, that its a legal substance too………!!!
(Legal alright, probably one of Satan’s Minions ensured that !!!!)
/sjg

Comment on Ignition Interlock Device Prevents Driving While Intoxicated by The Boozeness

The Boozeness — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 09:40:49 +0000

I wonder indeed.
I’m trying to spread the word on my blog. Its the light hearted story of one 25 year old non alcoholic from Dublin trying to go a year off the booze. I hope you can check it out.
http://ayearoffthebooze.blogspot.com
In the meantime I’m going to add you to my blogroll.
Thanks
The Boozeness

Comment on Time To Clean Your House of ALL Alcohol by Michael Pearlman, M.D.

Michael Pearlman, M.D. — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 21:27:56 +0000

TryingtobeSober, the best ready made, “off the shelf” program is Alcoholics Anonymous. It is readily available, and has a wealth of information and wonderful people ready and eager to help you. Further, there are many excellent alcohol treatment programs and treatment providers as resources.

The most important thing I see, when I read a comment like this, is the readiness and willingness to take action – and that is everything. There are so many resources and tools for someone who is ready to take the next step. I look forward to hearing of your progress as you move forward.

Comment on Silencing The Alcoholic Mind by Michael Pearlman, M.D.

Michael Pearlman, M.D. — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 21:13:34 +0000

TryingtobeSober its great to have you here.

The insomnia stage is certainly a difficult time in every persons recovery process and it does go away with time in most cases.

Insomnia is one of the problems seen in stopping drinking abruptly and then there is also a more serious risk of a seizure due to alcohol withdrawal – which is something to be prevented.

If you suspect you are a heavy drinker you should ideally consult a physician before abruptly stopping alcohol consumption.

If you are simply looking for ways to quiet your mind and allow you to sleep you might try yoga, meditation, or over the counter medication.

Finally, the sleeplessness does usually go away with time. Please remember to be patient with yourself and don’t become alarmed. Your body is healing and the sleep pattern will be restored.

Comment on Silencing The Alcoholic Mind by Staff Writer

Staff Writer — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 20:56:22 +0000

Hello Tryingtobesober:

If you are currently not drinking, your active mind will certainly keep you awake but there are some things you can do to alleviate the problem. One of the things that worked for me was deeeep Breathing and total relaxation. Tell yourself that nothing is so important that it should interfere with your rest. Try and shelve ALL your issues (they’ll still be there to work on when you wake up refreshed).

If you are spiritual you may want to try praying/ talking to your higher power and asking for help. Believe it or not, counting your blessings just like you would count sheep worked quite well for me. Mainly the relaxation and deep breathing will do the trick if you keep t it.

This active mind phase will pass. The longer you are in recovery the easy it will get.

If you are still drinking and sleep is difficult, you need to work on sobriety. My experience was the alcohol made quality sleep impossible and in fact added significantly to my erratic behavior. When you wake up you find yourself in the earliest stages of withdrawal from the alcohol that you consumed to get to sleep…a viscous cycle develops that you want to avoid at all costs. Keep coming back and Good Luck!

Comment on Time To Clean Your House of ALL Alcohol by TryingtobeSober

TryingtobeSober — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 08:38:45 +0000

What is the best way to try and quit by yourself? If recently moved and do not have friends ro family close by what is the best approach?

Comment on Silencing The Alcoholic Mind by TryingtobeSober

TryingtobeSober — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 23:24:21 +0000

I am so glad I found this blog. I have a drinking problem that is causing me to self destruct and to make a fool of myself but if I do not drinking I cant sleep. It is exactly like you described it racing thought and a night of tossing , turning and frustration. How long does the insomnia stage last?

Comment on Time To Clean Your House of ALL Alcohol by Martin

Martin — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:59:20 +0000

hi,
This is very useful. To everybody.
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MARTIN

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Alcoholism, also known as “alcohol dependence,” is a disease.

Comment on Meet Michael Pearlman, M.D. by Alexandra Snyder

Alexandra Snyder — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:01:43 +0000

My name is Alexandra Snyder; I am the Content Editor at HealthCare.com. I’ve been reading your blog, Freedom From Alcohol Blog, and was really impressed by the content. I would like to invite you to feed your blog to our blog community.

We have a growing community of bloggers, health care seekers and care providers, and are one of the top online health destinations in the U.S. We currently receive millions of visitors each month! By feeding your blog to our site you will expose your posts and work to the millions of users in our network since each post is featured on our homepage. This is a great way to increase traffic for your existing blog or website and gain notoriety.

Best of all, it’s simple, no need to write a separate blog or leave your current blog site. You would simply create an account at http://blogs.healthcare.com and feed your content. Please feel free to contact me if you need help setting up your blog feed, I will be glad to help you.

Have a great day!

Comment on Regaining Lost Trust While In Alcohol Recovery by Melissa

Melissa — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 01:22:36 +0000

I enjoyed reading your article on loss of trust thru recovery. A wonderful book that I am reading by Eileen DeClemente, “alive!”, shares experiences of family, addiction, and forgiveness. We all have to deal with it in or out of a program. I am a fan for helping eachother by sharing our own or somebody else’s encouraging experiences.

Comment on Alcohol Cessation Medication Must Be Combined With Counseling by zeke

zeke — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 21:56:23 +0000

There is no doubt that medication and counseling have proven to be the best method for successful recovery. Within those processes however, it is also important to remember that the same treatments won’t work for one person as they will for another even if they have identical addictions and problems. Recovery programs should be customized to cater to individual needs. Individuals shouldn’t be assigned to specific program types and methods.

Comment on Time To Clean Your House of ALL Alcohol by Centro Marenostrum

Centro Marenostrum — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 13:59:18 +0000

I have just discovered your blog, and the material is just excellent!

I agree with you the battle starts with taking the pledge, but naturally it’s the begining of a hard upward hill, yet rewarding

Thanks for helping people healing themselves, just what we do at Centro Marenostrum in Spain

Regards.

Comment on Time To Clean Your House of ALL Alcohol by David

David — Fri, 30 May 2008 15:42:23 +0000

Dr. Pearlman,
Thanks for the responce and kind words. It an uphill battle for all of us.
Ill take a look at the book, it looks interesting.

The concept of being an intercal part of my son’s recovery never really dawned on me. I feel somewhat short sighted, but of course your right. I’ve got to continue to believe – even when he does not.

This is a healing process – and we will get though it.
Thank you again.

Comment on Time To Clean Your House of ALL Alcohol by Michael Pearlman, M.D.

Michael Pearlman, M.D. — Wed, 28 May 2008 22:26:02 +0000

David it’s great hearing from you and I’m happy to hear things are improving, however, alcoholism is a resilient disease and it is important to take care of your own well-being – and allow your son his ’space’ to recover – even if that means another living arrangement.

I have just ordered a new book by Chris Prentiss who worked succesfully with his son’s alcoholism – even creating his own treatment center: The Alcoholism and Addiction Cure: A Holistic Approach to Total Recovery. I trust you will get something from this book.

I also suggest that you ask any direct questions on the Ask Dr. Pearlman forum.

I hope this is helpful and – of course – to repeat, your well-being is primary in your work with and support of your son. Best of luck,

Warmest regards, Michael

Comment on Time To Clean Your House of ALL Alcohol by David

David — Tue, 27 May 2008 16:56:25 +0000

Hi Dr. Pearlman, This is David, from the Forum.

This is exactly what we did for my son after the family intervened to pull his head from the sand. I had no idea we had such a large stock pile first of all. That was my first surprise.
My second shocker was the number of stashes on top of this that were hidden around the house. Seeing each of the hidden half empty bottles was a heart wrenching experience. My son knew what he was doing was over the top – thats why he hid it.

Since that time things have gotten better. I want to trust my son again but I just dont know if I can; we had almost a case of vodka hidden in the house and I had no idea! I believe in him, and that keeps me going.

Any words of wisdom or advice?