In honor of September, National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month, San Diego author releases Recovering Me, Discovering Joy Alcoholic shares struggle with dysthymia and social anxiety in order to help others San Diego, CA., September 3, 2008 - In her new book, Recovering Me, Discovering Joy—Uplifting Wisdom for Everyday Greatness, San Diego author Vivian Eisenecher uses her personal struggles to reveal special insight into the puzzling aspects of substance abuse, particularly its high relapse rate.

Recovering Me focuses not only on recovery from alcoholism, but also the under-diagnosed mental illnesses of social phobia and dysthymia (a chronic, low-grade form of depression). "These two co-occurring disorders kept me returning to alcohol for relief from my fear and hopelessness even when alcohol (my misguided solution) was ruining my life." In this courageous book, Vivian emphasizes that alcoholism is not moral weakness. It is an illness. Medical professionals agree that there is a strong correlation between depression, anxiety and substance abuse and yet Vivian's underlying disorders were never addressed at the alcohol rehab centers where she was initially treated, causing her and her family unnecessary and prolonged suffering.

“It is my intent to help the undiagnosed and under-diagnosed get help by raising awareness of the intricate mental illness/addiction conundrum. My experience as a sufferer from three unique yet interconnected disorders might give the medical community's substance abuse prevention efforts another approach. At the very least, dysthymia and social anxiety have a profound effect on the quality of life for many of its sufferers. These are treatable disorders and everybody deserves a chance to feel good.”

Even though the book addresses difficult subjects, Recovering Me, Discovering Joy is uplifting and a fun read. Much of the book addresses the joy of recovery. It is a courageous addition to the nationwide effort to end the discrimination and stigma that surrounds alcoholics and addicts.

Vivian has been an inspirational speaker, mentor and writer since 1996. Using her experience, strength and hope, she is committed to helping educate and enlighten the general public about the puzzling aspects of the addiction/recovery process and the strong correlation between anxiety, depression and alcoholism. Vivian holds a marketing degree in Business Administration (magna cum laude). Her previously published works include articles for The Chicken Soup for the Soul series, Woman’s World, Viewpoint, and JUST FINE: Unmasking Depression and Anxiety Disorders (due out in 2009). She has worked in the healthcare industry for the past six years. She is available for speaking engagements, book signing and interviews. For more information, please visit www.recoveringme.com or email her at: Vivian@recoveringme.com