Under the Influence.... what an eye opener

[BigSis]

Hi, BigSis here...

I am an alcoholic, but came into 12-step through the doors of Alanon, and work that program. I did not need AA to abstain from alcohol for 22 years (you can add "yet" in there, ... I do. Smile), but I certainly need the program to help me with all the other ways the "ism" has wreaked havoc in my life.

I have attended the family program at multiple rehabs a total of 4 times (both kids are addicts). I have actively worked a 12-step program with my sponsor in Alanon for over 2 years. I have read EVERY thing I could get my hands on regarding addiction... in my vain attempt to "fix" my kids.

But even with all that informtion, I have to tell you I am very impressed by a book I saw recommended here by CarolD.

The book is called "Under the Influence" by James R. Milam, Ph.D. and Katherine Ketcham. It was written in 1981, yet the information is still so ... enlightening.

Even before reading this, I absolutely believed that alcoholism had a genetic basis... but this clarifies (for me) the differences between drinkers with the genetic predisposition and those problem drinkers without the genetic predisposition. It has information regarding what happens on the CELLULAR level that influences tolerence, progression and relapse.

I've been reading this every night since I won this book during the SR Birthday celebration (thank you SR!!!). Every night, I pick it up thinking I think I "get" it, now; and the book will start to get boring. But it doesn't. It just keeps amazing me.

I wish I could pour this information into the heads of every alcoholic I know. I wish even more, I could pour it into the heads of every family member impacted by the devestation of alcoholic behavior.

It is some pretty incredible information... if you haven't read it, I highly recommend the book.

[Phinneas]

Originally Posted by BigSis

I've been reading this every night since I won this book during the SR Birthday celebration (thank you SR!!!). Every night, I pick it up thinking I think I "get" it, now; and the book will start to get boring. But it doesn't. It just keeps amazing me.

That's the book I would have picked, too, BigSis. Great minds think alike, huh?

Thanks for the recommendation. I have been meaning to read it 'cause I know Carol thinks highly of it too. This is exactly the nudge I need to go out and get it.

[igfan]

I found this book helpful/interesting too. It explained why some nights i would have 3 drinks and be totally sh!t faced, and other nights i would drink myself sober depending on where i was in my "cycle".

I thought i'd recommend another book that Katherine Ketchum collaborated on........"BROKEN" by William Cope Moyers (son of Bill Moyers). It is a memoir of his life and overcoming addiction (unlike "A Million Little Pieces" nothing is fabricated). I found it very interesting and inspiring. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in that type of subject matter.

[CarolD]

We have excerpts from "Under The Influence" here

http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...influence.html (Excerpts "Under The Influence")

Thanks to GreenTea...

It also has a sequel...
"Beyond The Influence"

Both can be ordered from Amazon.

I found the eating plan
and the explanation on Blackouts
so very useful.

I was not staying sober in AA
until I discovered WHY I kept drinking.

After reading "Under The Influence"
I have not had a drink since '89.

I apppreciate your thread BigSis!

[Cynay]

I will give my endorsement here on "Under the Influence" as well....

I dont know that I have read any book that has explained the "why" as well.... It also helped me see the difference between alcoholism/problem drinker not to mention the vitiams issues or the recovery....

Truely an amazing read.

[miss communicat]

Thanks everyone for the nudge I needed. Going to get it finallY!