Phoenix in a Bottle: How We Overcame Alcoholism, and are Able to Drink Responsibly Again
Phoenix in a bottle addressed issues that my family and I have been struggling with for a while now. A member of my extended family took a similar path to Murdoch and Lilian MacDonald. Many of the stories that Lilian and Murdoch tell sound hauntingly familiar. From conning family members out of money to Lilian s relating of her early days; there are many similarities between our family and their own. I found the stories that Lilian and Murdoch tell serve as useful warnings to others. They allow one to see the depths that people will sink to all while reminding them that redemption is always possible. Our family has had to suffer through many of the same trials and initially Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was the answer... I think Murdoch and Lilian provide a useful call to arms for alternative drug and alcohol treatment programs that do not believe drug and alcohol abuse and dependency are untreatable. I personally believe that when it comes to drug and alcohol treatment, one size does not fit all. I put faith in alternatives to AA that believe one does not require higher power in order to recover and that people are in control of their own behaviors. Phoenix in a Bottle makes a strong case for wanting to pursue alternatives to AA. --Paul Berryan excellent insight into the life of an alcoholic and what it is like to be dependant on alcohol to get you throught the day. I have no interest in drinking and am actually T-total. I came across this book through a friend by chance and I definitely recommend it to anyone. Not only does it cover the turmoil that both Lilian and Murdoch suffered due to their addiction but it also gave an incredibly account of Lilian's past and why she struggled. The details on her eating disorder really struck a chord as it is something i have suffered from too and made me consider my own life and past events that might have made me become obsessive about controlling food. I can not recommend this book enough. It proves that these things can be beaten with some determination, love and without having to turn to a life of denial. well done. 14 Sep 2005 --A customer