Neill Neill heard the same questions time and again when treating alcoholism and abuse.

Many of the questions came from caregivers and partners of alcoholics, often suffering loneliness and despair.

“The same questions come up so many times,” Neill said.

“I came to realize that there was lots of information out there for the alcoholic but not much out there for people living with the alcoholic.”

Often it’s women making the initial calls about treatment options for their partners, which is why Neill called his book Living with a Functioning Alcoholic: A Woman’s Survival Guide.

“It’s usually women taking action and reaching out,” Neill said.

He added men will gain significant information from the book as well.

Neill draws on his extensive experience in counselling and addiction treatment. In addition to his counselling practice in Parksville, Neill works one day a week at an addiction treatment centre for men.

Neill includes his personal battles with alcoholism in his family. He quit drinking more than 30 years ago but lost a brother to suicide and two sons to complications from drug and alcohol abuse.

The book includes information on alcohol abuse and how to help your partner, cope with issues that arise and heal.

Neill writes a column in NW, the News Bulletin’s monthly section devoted to women’s issues, published the first Saturday of every month.

For more information or to order a copy of the book, please visit www.alcoholism.neillneill.com.

arts@nanaimobulletin.com