The Four Pillars of Recovery: A Guide to Recovery from Drug and Alcohol Addiction

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

I am writing this book as a guide for those who are contemplating or attempting to recover from addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. Addiction is a pervasive and devastating condition that not only destroys the individual lives of the addicts themselves, but also deeply and negatively affects the lives of those closest to the addict, including their family and friends. Addiction leads to an unraveling of the very social fabric of our communities with the related problems of crime and lost productivity that accompany drug/alcohol use and addiction.

Addiction is so pervasive in our society that I can safely say that probably every one of us has known someone who is or has been addicted or has personally been affected by someone who is or has been addicted. Indeed, it is estimated that almost one in ten individuals in the United States has a current addiction or will become addicted in their lifetime!

I have decided to write this book as someone who has more than just a professional interest in the study of and treatment of drug and alcohol addiction, but also as someone who has a very personal and deep investment in this topic. Besides being a medical doctor who has undergone many years of education and training and who has garnered experience over the years in the study of and treatment of addiction and its medical consequences, I am also a recovering alcoholic who has been in active and sustained recovery for almost twenty-five years now. Most of what I have to say in the following pages comes from what I have learned from my personal experience of the living hell that was my addiction and the salvation that was my recovery.

Reviews

The 4 pillars authored and published by Dr. John Vigil, of Albuquerque, NM, are the foundational basis for my recovery from addiction, and continuous victory over substance abuse for over 12 years. Applying Dr. Vigil's Four Pillars with focus, consistency, and self-discipline, changed my life in ways that would have never been possible without them, and without the insight, knowledge, and direction of Dr. John Vigil. The Four Pillars provided me with a map to follow daily, leading me to a successful career, personal life, self-confidence and satisfaction, and an overall fulfilling existence. Thank you. R.A.

"Almost 3 years of sobriety later and still I use the 4 pillars that Dr Vigil taught me. I can't thank him enough for what he has done for me in the hardest part of my life and I will be forever grateful." J.A.

During my time with Dr Vigil and The Four Pillars, I have learned so much about myself in such a positive way. I haven't used drugs in over 8 years with the help of Dr. Vigil and the Four Pillars. His group sessions are a particular favorite of mine and I have gained so much from them. Thank you Dr. Vigil for helping us through this incredible journey, let's live life abundantly. -J.G.

The Four pillars have helped me to understand and balance my life in ways I never new possible. They've helped to give me encouragement to really look inside myself, through a simple process. I love the person I am today and I owe it all to Dr. Vigil and the Four pillars!--TLB

"The Four Pillars of Recovery: "A Guide to Recovering from Drug and Alcohol Addiction" is a heartfelt and comprehensive guide for individuals and their loved ones grappling with addiction. In this book Dr. John R. Vigil offers a unique perspective as both an addiction medicine specialist and a person in long-term recovery from alcohol addiction to offer a holistic and pragmatic approach to recovery. His message is clear; recovery is possible, and it requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of addiction. This book serves as a beacon of hope and a valuable resource for anyone seeking a path to recovery and healing-- Jordyn M. Baros, RN

Dr. Vigil and his "Four Pillars" saved my life - and I'm not being hyperbolic or insincere - Dr. Vigil never gave up on me and always encouraged and challenged me to be better, to be healthier, and to be a part of my own life. You won't find someone like that very often in a lifetime, and even less likely to find it in your doctor. Thank you to everyone at JRV Medical--K.E.
"The Four Pillars of Recovery: "A Guide to Recovering from Drug and Alcohol Addiction" by John R. Vigil, MD illustrates a modern-day Science of Addiction creatively integrating the Neurobiology, Person in Environment and Treatment by providing a comprehensive framework to introduce recovery. As a licensed clinical social worker and addiction counselor for 23-years there is great importance to understanding substance use disorders (SUD) and the complex neurobiology that is created or pre-exists. Dr. Vigil creates an interesting, easy-to-follow read about his personal journey and professional experience in his treatment of SUDs.--- Ambrose C. Baros, LCSW, LADAC

The Four Pillars of Recovery is a must read only for somebody suffering from the disease of addiction, but for people who have a loved one that is suffering from the disease. Even a perfectly healthy person would gain great knowledge of this subject and could use this in her own healthy life with things go left for them. I am grateful to Dr. Vigil for this book; it has been the forefront of my recovery. E.A

Author Bio

Dr John Vigil is a board-certified physician in Addiction Medicine and is a Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). He is the founder and past president of the New Mexico Society of Addiction Medicine (NMSAM) and is the current treasurer. He is also certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) as a Master Addiction Counselor. He is also a NAADAC certified Substance Abuse Professional for the Department of Transportation (DOT) and a HIMS trained Airman Medical Examiner (HIMS AME) trained and certified to evaluate, recommend, coordinate, and monitor the treatment of commercial drivers (DOT) and pilots (FAA) who require treatment for a substance use disorder.
Dr Vigil is in private practice in Albuquerque New Mexico and has practiced medicine and surgery for over 30 years. He specializes in the outpatient treatment of addiction disorders and has helped hundreds of patients reach recovery from their addictions over the last 17 years. He is also the medical director of New Mexico Wellness Center which is a residential treatment facility for the treatment of addiction disorders. He is on the volunteer faculty for both the University of New Mexico School of Medicine and Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Vigil has been in long-term recovery himself for over 24 years.