The Gift That Keeps On Giving Alcoholism

Mr. Evans speaks out about alcoholism: I chose the title, 'THE GIFT...that keeps on giving' to illuminate that 'Once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic'. That does not mean one must die a drunk! It simply stresses that alcoholism, like diabetes is a lifetime disease. And like diabetes, with proper care, diet and exercise...And abstaining from alcohol, alcoholism can be controlled. From around age 18 to 49, I suffered from the disease of alcoholism. A good portion of those years, I was not aware of my disease. I could not link my troubles, loss of family, homes, and jobs, and overall misery to alcohol. In the last 8 of those years, I (and others) just wrote me off as a hopeless misfit. I was homeless, unemployable, and a sad example of human existence. December first, 1983, I had my last drink of alcohol, checked myself in at a detox center in Orlando, Fl. I have not had a drink of alcohol since. At first, my recovery process was not a pleasant one, but it was worth the misery of withdrawing from the demon alcohol. I attended Alcoholics Anonymous regularly, listened and absorbed other's experience, strength, and hope. I became teachable and returned to a beautiful life. After getting re-married I became employable and started my own business. I taught myself art, painting over 500 pieces of oil paintings. Attending the gym regularly has not just been healthful, it has been a tremendous joy, working out, meeting people, and socializing. I am retired now, living a beautiful life with my wife of 33 years, and 36 years sobriety, and at age 86, am fit as a fiddle. I do have diabetes, high blood pressure, and a few other ailments, however, with diet, exercise, and following my doctor's advice, (and not drinking alcohol or smoking) I am very active and happy. Should I never have admitted I needed help, and joined Alcoholics Anonymous, I would not have re-learned honorable living and not have continued serenity... Is why I consider my alcoholism 'the gift that keeps on giving.'

Mr. Evans speaks out about alcoholism: I chose the title, ‘THE GIFT...that keeps on giving’ to illuminate that ‘Once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic’. That does not mean one must die a drunk! It simply stresses that alcoholism, like diabetes is a lifetime disease. And like diabetes, with proper care, diet and exercise...And abstaining from alcohol, alcoholism can be controlled. From around age 18 to 49, I suffered from the disease of alcoholism. A good portion of those years, I was not aware of my disease. I could not link my troubles, loss of family, homes, and jobs, and overall misery to alcohol. In the last 8 of those years, I (and others) just wrote me off as a hopeless misfit. I was homeless, unemployable, and a sad example of human existence. December first, 1983, I had my last drink of alcohol, checked myself in at a detox center in Orlando, Fl. I have not had a drink of alcohol since. At first, my recovery process was not a pleasant one, but it was worth the misery of withdrawing from the demon alcohol. I attended Alcoholics Anonymous regularly, listened and absorbed other’s experience, strength, and hope. I became teachable and returned to a beautiful life. After getting re-married I became employable and started my own business. I taught myself art, painting over 500 pieces of oil paintings. Attending the gym regularly has not just been healthful, it has been a tremendous joy, working out, meeting people, and socializing. I am retired now, living a beautiful life with my wife of 33 years, and 36 years sobriety, and at age 86, am fit as a fiddle. I do have diabetes, high blood pressure, and a few other ailments, however, with diet, exercise, and following my doctor’s advice, (and not drinking alcohol or smoking) I am very active and happy. Should I never have admitted I needed help, and joined Alcoholics Anonymous, I would not have re-learned honorable living and not have continued serenity... Is why I consider my alcoholism ‘the gift that keeps on giving.’

The trauma and grief of growing up in an alcoholic or addicted family create a lifetime of baggage. If you grew up in an addicted family, the dysfunction that permeated every aspect of your childhood may have seemed 'normal,' and you may not even realize the level of affect alcohol still has on your adult life—whether or not you drink. If you are one of the millions of Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOAs), the cost of your childhood pain can be unbearable. You may have learned how to 'survive,' but are you 'living' your life? Do you fear normal conflict? Do you blame yourself when something goes wrong—even when it isn't your fault? Are you a chaos junkie? Or do you just fear relationships because they are too difficult or too painful? Having devoted much of their careers to working with ACOAs, therapists Jane Middelton-Moz and Lorie Dwinell now take a deeper look into the origin and cost of childhood pain, as well as the grief resolution process that is integral to recovery. This revised and expanded edition of their groundbreaking 1986 hit After the Tears discusses the latest research and offers insights on living a good life despite a dysfunctional childhood by tackling issues such as intimacy, sibling relationships, codependency, breaking the alcoholic pattern, building a relationship with the inner child, forgiveness, and opening a window to spirituality.

The difficult subject of alcoholism is illuminated in a new and creative way through fantasy creatures and their separate journeys. The second section of the book gives insight into the Al-Anon program through one author's personal journey. The third section of the book gives an overview of A.A. and Al-Anon--P. [4] of cover.

I feel like people leave me abandoned all the time. Sometimes I'm so afraid for what seems like no reason. I just don't seem to have any energy. Why do the same thoughts keep racing through my mind? I usually don't feel happy or sad. If there isn't real excitement, I feel bored. I want to be close to people, but I just never make it. Do you see yourself in this list? Children of alcoholic parents have suffered wounds that affect their lives for years to come. They learn to protect themselves from the pattern of hurt that they have come to expect in life. The results of such constant vigilance against pain can range from ulcers, sleeplessness, addictions, depression and anger to a string of broken relationships. But adult children of alcoholics can go through a healing journey that will help them recover from their painful past and be set free to live as God intended. Daryl Quick takes readers step by step through new ways of feeling, thinking and acting that will replace the ineffective patterns they have been locked into for years. With moving stories and helpful exercises, Quick shows how adult children of alcoholics can find hope and healing. A book for those who want to recover from their past.

Edited and with contributions by Lois Badey 'I have a secret. Secrets can be dangerous. They make tell lies. You can lie to others, but mostly, you lie to yourself...' - Janet Drawing from his 35,000-member strong community, one of the country's most successful sobriety coaches, Simon Chapple brings us real, raw, relatable stories from individuals who've found joy in an alcohol-free life. Powerful, healing, resonant and true, the experiences in this unforgettable book will make a real impact on anyone who is exploring their relationship with alcohol, or who needs support, inspiration, or a reason to go sober. Featuring contributions from some of the most well-known personalities in the Sober Space, sharing their own extraordinary journies, some of these stories are shocking, some are moving, some will make you cringe and others will make you laugh out loud; all are inspiring and powerfully motivating. The hope is that readers will see their own lives reflected in these incredible narratives, and find the courage to take a step forward into a new life. With a full commentary from the author alongside each chapter, to provide an easy understanding of the takeaways from each story, the book will also carry QR codes that link directly to Simon's popular YouTube channel to further help you on your journey to sober joy. Why not invest in THE SOBER JOURNAL - a space for your own reflections, marking your own journey to freedom and joy?

The #1 New York Times bestseller, now in paperback The brutally honest breath of fresh air on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, known for her dramatic divorce, her barely there clothing, and her inability to keep her mouth shut, tells all in this hilarious, no-holds-barred memoir that's "the best piece of celeb literature we've ever come across." (LAWeekly.com) It's impossible not to love Brandi Glanville, the unapologetically filter-free breath of fresh air on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. She spills all her secrets in this sassy, raunchy, and compulsively readable #1 New York Times bestselling memoir, dishing about everything from her DUI and her cheating ex to her one-night stands and the secret plastic surgery that made her "seventeen" again. Clear your schedule, grab a comfy seat, your favorite cocktail . . . and maybe a Xanax. #BestAfternoonEver.