Author Interview with Irene Watson

Our interview today is with Irene Watson, co-author of Rewriting Life Scripts: Transformational Recovery for Families of Addicts

FQ: Why did you choose to collaborate on this book?

It all started when Nancy Oelklaus and I met with Bill Wigmore, CEO of Austin Recovery. During the meeting he expressed a need to address the families and their own recovery when a family member goes through a treatment program. From that, we did research and indeed found most treatment programs don't address the families, and there was very little information directed toward them. We connected with Liliane Desjardins. Liliane has over 30 years experience in an addiction treatment program and created the Desjardins Unified Model of Treatment of Addictions.


FQ: What type of personal experiences did you use in creating the recovery model for families?

All three of us come from different walks of life and experiences therefore making the collaboration flow. Although most families go through much of the same internal experience when there is an addict in the family, we also experience different aspects.

In the book we used our own stories and of others. We wanted to be sure most aspects of feelings and outcome are covered. As well, using the Desjardins Unified Model we are able to give the reader clear definitions of what really goes on, and how we have to look after ourselves in order to have a healthy relationship with the addict. As well, we cover family dynamics, the self-recovery program, and accessing our authentic self. All three of us have been through a recovery program and are now sharing what we've learned, experienced, and what works.


FQ: What is the best way readers should go about using this book?

First of all, the reader needs to be aware that reading Rewriting Life Scripts: Transformational Recovery for Families will transform them. As well, the readers need to be willing to make changes in their own lives, rather than attempt to change the addict. Once this is acknowledged and accepted, the readers can proceed by reading the book, understanding what is being said, paralleling to some of the stories, and doing the exercises.

FQ: How is your model for recovery different than the typical model of addiction treatment?

Our book focuses on the family, not the addict. The addict has gone through treatment and has some type of base for a continuing process. We address the family and not making it about the addict. Our model is directed for the families to take their own responsibility of healing within. We focus on having a healthy relationship with the addict. We cover important aspects such as enabling, giving up control over the addict, addressing our own denial as well as communicating and supporting the addict in a healthy manner.

We also focus on changing ourselves through honesty, humility, hope and purity of intent. We give exercises to help the families through the steps of transformational recovery.


FQ: If there is one key idea or concept readers should take from reading this book, what would it be?

Peace of mind, forgiveness, reconciliation, and the ability - truly - to live happily ever after.

To learn more about Rewriting Life Scripts: Transformational Recovery for Families of Addicts, please read the review at: Feathered Quill Book Reviews.