I had been alcohol-free for only three days when I visited Dr. Powell. I was deeply concerned about possible negative effects from going “cold turkey”. You see, I had been excessively drinking (on and off) for twenty five years – and my problem was becoming progressively worse. Despite years of intense psychotherapy, including traditional drug prescriptions, it was very simply the wine and the vodka that I depended on to alleviate panic attacks, anxiety, phobias, and stress. I survived as a “functioning” alcoholic, and my drinking was “the dark secret” I kept from physicians, therapists, friends, and co- workers.
