Alcohol Dependency Testimonials
22nd July 2014
Dear Wendy, I would like to thank you for helping me quit drinking, keep my family and feel so much better about life. I got in contact with you when I hit rock bottom and I was in a bad place. After just a short time with you I quickly came to realise there is so much more to life then drinking everyday, finding out that I'm a genetic alcoholic and a functional alcoholic. I could still work and do all the things I've been doing for years but there was something wrong. After years of being told by doctors that I was depressed and put on antidepressants which wasn't even the problem. I have now discovered I have Bipolar 2. Antidepressants made me worse and I was drinking heavily and taking drugs in my early 20s to try & escape these symptoms. You helped me like no one else and we both had to really push to get a diagnosis of the real problem breaking down the walls of the typical relationship of doctors and drug companies: antidepressants, alcohol and Bipolar 2 are not a good mix. I'm not even ashamed of the stigma of "bipolar" getting the right information is worth more than gold. I think there would be a lot of people in the same situation as me. I must admit it wasn't easy tapping into some of the strongest emotions I've ever faced. I'm now on a mood stabiliser and not drinking. My wife and son are much happier and my life has become so much easier. I feel as though I am now being true to myself. I recommend you to anyone that knows deep down there is a problem you have nothing to loose. Thank you Darren M (NSW)
14th April 2014
Dear Wendy, I don't know if you remember me but I was the chap that was drinking one to two bottles of Gin (or Whisky) a day and some beer. I did not take to your advice when we spoke as I was not ready. However I got to the stage were if I did not drink for more then 8 hours I would sweat like mad and shake. I had to go into a clinic to detox and the doctor Dr Dama, an Indian fellow, asked me about my family history. He told me I was a genetic alcoholic and would die an awful death if I did not stop drinking - for some reason this man got through to me when no one else could. I had to take Diazepam I high doses at first but that has now been tapered off. My first night was hell, sweating hallucinating screaming for help. I was also told that if I drank again the withdrawal symptoms would be worse each time! Sorry for being rude in the past. Kindest regards David
10th April 2014
Dear Wendy, I read your material on Dr. Sandra Cabot's Liver Doctor website. I can say that you are "spot on" with regard to alcoholism and alcohol abuse. As a recovering alcoholic - you are so right to approach this from a nutrition/nutrient and brain chemistry standpoint as well as an emotional/self-esteem issue. I have found that good nutrition and exercise are critical to helping those of us who may have abused alcohol in our recovery. This excerpt from you latest article especially struck home for me: "All recovering alcoholics have to work on their self-esteem and people with low self-esteem have a terrible time believing they deserve anything good, they feel they have messed up and deserve whatever rotten fate befalls them. The truth, of course, is that whatever we think about, we bring about. Since no doubt the best thing that can be enjoyed in a person's life is love, which always comes in the context of a relationship, people with low self-esteem will always find a way to short circuit or sabotage rewarding relationships. The real problem for most recovering alcoholics is not fear of failure, which we all know about and expect, the real problem is fear of success and the solution is to get out of our own way so the riches of full recovery can be enjoyed. The problem is not that we want too much, but that we have too little belief in what is possible for us." That is exactly correct. I only wish you were here in the United States because I truly think you understand the full picture. Any other helpful tips you have for those of us struggling to continue in sobriety would be appreciated. Best wishes and keep up the good work! J.N., Dallas, Texas
5th March 2014
Hi, my name is Cathie and I'd like to say that I've been sober for nearly 12 months now. I started counselling last April (2013) and had 4 consultations with Wendy. I thought it would take ages for me to get well but I'm surprised with my progress. I live by myself and it was easy to drink alone - no one stopped me or said anything to me except when my daughter rang me late at night. She could tell I'd been drinking and would make some nasty comment and that made me worse. I wouldn't answer the phone after a certain time because I knew I would be slurring my words and didn't want her to find out. She always did. I've suffered major depression for 20 years and always thought that was my problem. I didn't know that alcohol is a depressant and I was making myself worse by drinking every night. I have a good job and was very worried that my boss would find out about my secret but now I don't have to worry. Thanks for everything. Keep safe and I look forward to catching up with you next time I drive down the mountain to the east coast. Cathie
27th February 2014
Hope you are well. I just wanted to drop you a line and let you know how I am going, thanks to your invaluable help. It's now 6 months since I had a drink and I'm feeling great. I'm on my anti-depressants and they have helped so much. When I look back, it is amazing how disturbed our mind can become using alcohol and then when detoxing, I literally felt I was losing my mind. I now know I was having a nervous breakdown as the chemicals in my brain didn't know how to be normal and neither did I. Thank God I had your help in discovering this Wendy, I really believe I would have gone back to drinking if not for your advice about anti-depressants. It saved my life. I have also lent a friend all the information I gathered from you because she has a partner who she thinks it may help. Thank you again for all that you did for me. You truly gave me your time and knowledge and I so much appreciate all you did for me. Sarah xxx
1st December 2013
Since the first Skype meeting with Wendy, I knew I was in safe hands. She has the knowledge and expertise to know exactly what to ask and the information and tools to help and empower you. My drinking had been progressing over 20 years and I had reached a place of deep depression and helplessness. I had tried many times to stop on my own but could never stay sober for long. Wendy has been completely non-judgemental and only encouraging, thus allowing me to be completely honest with her and myself. I have learnt so much from Wendy and she is relentless in providing support and guidance, I have also discovered on my journey, that Bipolar 2 has played a major part in my drinking as I've been self-medicating with alcohol to relieve the symptoms of Bipolar 2. I would never have known about this mood disorder without Wendy's awareness. I can now be treated appropriately and feel a sense of normality in my life once again. Thank you again Wendy for your help, kindness and support. You literally helped save my life. SD, Adelaide
29th November 2013
Isn't it amazing how much is truly involved in why we do things and don't even understand it ourselves. I truly want to thank you again for your genuine kindness and wisdom you have shared with me. I am so very grateful to you for being so non-judgemental and not giving up on me. You are truly an angel, thank you. SD, Adelaide
7th November 2013
Hi Wendy, I want to thank you for your work with me. The information, your encouragement and listening really helped me. It was a relief to be able to be open, up-front and yet feel a sense of anonymity by working via Skype. So far so good. No alcohol and starting to feel clearer. I feel proud of myself. You are welcome to copy and paste any of this for a testimonial, no name please. Kind regards, LH
14th May 2013
Dear Wendy and to whoever wants to give up the grog! I would just like to write and let people know that I had hit rock bottom not so long ago, drinking almost every night till I was really drunk and to pass out stage. My marriage was on the rocks and my kids were seeing too much for kids their age...I was stuck in a rut that I didn't know how to get out of...I had been drinking for 30 years and I knew I was out of control and needed help but was also very confused...I have lots of family and friends but no one to turn too! Then I was reading a book (Dr. Sandra Cabot’s book Fatty Liver – you can reverse it) which someone had given me 6 months earlier and I had not read. I got to a page where they suggested going to Wendy’s Web site…...and the rest is history! I read her Web site and something clicked for me and I sent her an email that night while I was probably drunk, I was very scared too....and she responded the next day straight away, I was amazed...and I haven't had a drink since and that was 5 months ago. The words..... Courage to Change really meant something to me! Wendy is easy to talk to and following her program works. You will have good days and bad days but knowing somebody like Wendy is there to talk to and understand and you don't feel alone or a person always on the outside looking in...It really helps...there is no judgement either... I have seen a lot of different people over the last 25 years and no one had hit the nail on the head like Wendy did. My marriage is back on track, my kids are happier, there is no more shouting, life is great and I know in my heart I will never ever touch a drop of alcohol again! I have learnt so much and I can now live life without alcohol numbing it, and I am proud I can now be a good role model for my kids... I hope whoever reads this testimonial gets the help they need because there is life on the other side and it’s a lot of work and a lot of life changes but it’s your life and you're worth it...just do it. Thank you Wendy for teaching me the strength within to do it!
13th May 2013
Hello Wendy, just a quick thank you for all you have done to help me stay sober. I could always stop but could never stay off it and that's because I had no idea it was the brain chemistry triggering the compulsion. I know I had a few false starts but at least I'm now on my way. I had thought of doing your line-in program and may still come down when I've saved enough money. I know you said it would cost me less than what I spend on half a year of drinking and I have to keep that in mind. I told my sister-in-law about you and she said she would contact you this week. Has she done that yet? I now realise this is a family disease and it also explains why I pick the wrong partner all the time. I had never heard of co-dependency until I spoke to you. I thought it meant being dependent on alcohol - ha ha. I know I was but that’s not what you meant. I was in denial and it was tough for me to stop feeling sorry for myself. I'll call in next time I'm down the south coast. Bless you and your program.
28th April 2013
Hello Wendy and greetings from California. Please share the following information with Dr. Cabot. About 10 years ago, a friend of mine introduced me to the Liver Cleansing Diet. It's only been in the last few weeks that I discovered the Liver Doctor Newsletter and have been very pleased to read the excellent information concerning alcoholism written by Wendy Perkins. Today's message in your newsletter was especially meaningful for me as I have been distressed about watching someone in deep denial and headed for certain disaster. Of course, I have seen that many times and I remember to be grateful for my own surrender and just keep soldiering on. So thanks to you and Dr. Sandra for your wonderful efforts. They are deeply appreciated. Best personal wishes and many blessings to you and your colleagues. Roger
24th April 2013
I had no idea I could stay clean for this long. It's been 5 months now and I just had to say thanks a million. I've been drinking since I was in my teens and I've been a daily drinker for the past 20 or so years - it's fantastic. Thanks for your follow-up emails and words of encouragement.
13th April 2013
About 10 years ago a friend of mine introduced me to the Liver Cleansing Diet but it's only been in the last few weeks that I discovered the articles about alcoholism. I've been very pleased to read the excellent information concerning alcoholism and thank you Wendy for your contributions to this wonderful work. Today's message was especially meaningful for me, as I've been distressed watching someone in deep denial, headed for certain disaster. Of course, I've seen that many times and I remember to be grateful for my own surrender and just keep soldiering on. Thanks to you Wendy and Dr. Sandra for your efforts. They are deeply appreciated. Best personal wishes and many blessings for the work you are doing.
25th March 2013
I have put off writing this endorsement because I didn't know what to say about how I feel. All I know is that I feel different. It's like a log was lifted off my shoulders and I am free, for the first time in 11 years of drinking. Thanks my dear. I will be forever grateful. Will keep in touch and thanks for the follow-up email last week. That prompted me to send this email. God Bless You.
7th March 2013
I've been searching for years for an answer to my problem, not realising that alcohol was making me more depressed and unable to cope with life. I tried for many years to stop drinking and managed to get 4 months up my sleeve then celebrated my win by having a drink. That snowballed into more daily drinking and eventually, I ended up in hospital. That was the worst time of my life. I never knew how much damage drinking a bottle of wine a day would cause me to try and take my own life. That was my rock-bottom and I had to get help to stop the insanity. I say I only drank a bottle a day but sometimes it was an extra half bottle or even another full bottle. I just could not stop. I did a retreat and felt good after that but they didn't tell me about the brain chemistry and the fact that I inherited my father's alcoholism. I didn't know about co-dependency and that I was a people-pleaser. I truly believed I was a kind person having a rough time. Anyway, I got help from Wendy and have been sober for nearly 5 months, one month more than this time last year. It's just one day at a time and that's all I can manage. Wendy taught me that I only have to live through 24 hours without alcohol and keep repeating that habit, one day at a time. One foot in front of the other, one day at a time. She kept saying that over and over again until I really got sick of hearing it but it worked. I've had to do a lot of other stuff including meditation and change my eating habits. I was a sugar and carb addict as well as an alcoholic and Wendy told me to look at my diet and take supplements to help my brain cope with life. It worked. Thanks a lot Wendy and I'll keep in touch. Helen, Victoria.
7th March 2013
Hi Wendy, glad to help you pass on your program to other people like myself. It was very hard in the beginning. I could have given up many times but your words of encouragement kept me going. Even when I stopped the counselling, you kept sending me updates about alcoholism and asking how I was going. That was amazing as no other counsellor has ever followed up to see if I was doing OK. I'm originally from South America and living in Holland has had its difficulties but I know I can't blame anyone for my problem. It is me and I'm the only one who can change. I can't change my husband or my in-laws. I'm the one who has to change and it's not been easy but I'm getting there. Thanks for your help. A.C. Holland
5th March 2013
I don't think I'd be alive if I hadn't contacted Courage to Change last year because I felt like I was dying inside. I didn't feel as though I mattered to anyone and could have easily locked myself in my car until I found out from a friend that my car was too new to do the job I wanted it to do. Thank God I no longer feel like that. Wendy saved my life and I know you don't like me saying that Wendy, but you did. I would not be here today, still sober after 4 months - it's unbelievable. My husband is no longer growling at me and I've learned how to stand up for myself and not let him control me. That was a bit tricky because I think he enjoyed telling me what to do. Thanks again and I’ll keep in touch. Did you like my Christmas card? I thought of you when I bought it. Love, Sandie.
18th January 2013
Hi Wendy, Over the years I have tried counsellors, psychologists, correspondence courses, etc. to try and help with my alcohol dependence, anxiety, stress, sugar addictions without much success. I am so pleased I read Sandra Cabot's book on "help for depression and anxiety" and found your "Courage to Change" course. I believe your course is brilliant, due to the fact you have walked the walk and talk the talk, so you can definitely relate to many issues. The follow up emails notes and recommendations were the icing on the cake after each session. During our discussions, you made me aware of how important it is to change our thinking, change our dietary habits and use natural supplements to assist with our moods and general well-being. It has been about 11 weeks since I had any alcohol; I can think and concentrate and make decisions now and feel confident life can and will improve each day. I appreciate your support any time when required as well. Many thanks
21st October 2012
I have just finished 4 weeks counselling with you and I'm still sober - can't believe it. I've tried so hard over the years and my husband is losing his patience with me and my kids are suffering. Thank you so much for you kindness, understanding and providing all that information to help me along the way. I found out a lot of stuff that I didn't know about and that's helped me to understand why I am the way I am. I've passed all this information on to my sister and hope that she will contact you. I think that is best as she doesn't think she's alcoholic. I'll keep in touch. Thanks also for your follow-up phone calls – no one else does that.
1st October 2012
I've been everywhere trying to figure out why I can't stop drinking and I hope this note will encourage other ladies to seek help from someone who truly understands the problem. I haven't taken a drink for nearly 4 weeks and that's a miracle. I've been told by Wendy that some of her clients have been sober for years and years and my goal is to aim for that status. Thank you Wendy for being supportive and giving me direction and hope, that little word I thought I had lost or misplaced.
29th May 2012
Hi Wendy, God, it's been years since I first started talking to you about getting off alcohol and just thought I'd let you know where I am today - happy, healthy and sober. Thank you for your patience, understanding and the guidance you gave me and I'm truly grateful for your words of wisdom during those difficult times. Please call in whenever you are next in Canberra. I'd love to have a cuppa and talk over old times.
25th May 2012
Wendy, I'm writing this from home after spending 2 days with you and the Courage to Change Counselling Program for Alcohol Dependency and I feel a great sense of relief. I'm happy to refer anyone to you for alcohol dependency counselling because you know what it's like and I know you mean what you say when you tell me "I know how you feel". Because you've been there and know how insanely difficult it is to get clean and sober. I was so sick and tired of being sick and tired until I met you and your wonderful program. Thank you - I'm forever in your debt.
16th May 2012
Wendy,? Just wanted to say thank you for your support during the terrible time I've been through. I know I have to change and I know I can do it with your help. This is the toughest decision I've had to make in my entire life and it's not easy. My kids have disowned me and I know you know how I feel. I don't know what I would have done if I had not been directed to you by friends who care about me. God bless you Wendy and thanks again.
11th April 2012
The Courage to Change counselling program works. Wendy Perkins provided me with hope and an understanding of the negative role alcohol was playing in my life. Of course sobriety is ultimately a personal decision but Wendy points you in the right direction with relevant references for further reading on behavioural patterns and nutritional supplements. The literature she emailed me after each of my sessions really helped as well. She taught me the importance of changing my way of thinking, to replace negative thoughts with positive ones and to move forward with my life. I cannot recommend Wendy highly enough as a Counsellor. She knows what she is talking about, is generous with her time and really cares. In a short period of time Wendy changed my life. I was surprised when Wendy said she thought I didn't need her anymore as my past experience with counsellors is they tended to drag the sessions out for greater financial reward. Not Wendy, she just let me know she would be there if I needed her. Thank you Wendy for everything!
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