"Addiction is a disease of selfishness and isolation. "

Brian McAlister relates his story of addiction to alcohol and drugs starting as a teenager in the 1960s and into early adulthood when he lived an "outlaw biker lifestyle". Despite having a loving wife and baby boy, he wasted his days drinking and carousing, getting in trouble legally and financially, until a near fatal motorcycle accident jarred him into realizing that he was going nowhere. But he was not content with merely getting sober, he wanted a better life for his family . He wrote,

"In hindsight, I was very lucky to have become an alcoholic because lessons learned in recovery have given me the tools to succeed in all areas of my life.”

His Full Recovery Action plan presents the principles he used to turn his life from addict to successful businessman. To take full advantage of the plan, readers need a notebook he says will become “your roadmap to success.” He closes each chapter with a "Let's Review" list of main points followed by Action Plan exercises to record in the notebook.

Besides his own life, he uses personal examples from other former addicts (with their permission and names changed to protect privacy). He also uses anecdotes from the lives of well known successful people, including Ford, Edison, Lincoln, Einstein, Columbus, Eric Clapton, Sam Walton, Bill Gates-and Jesus.

Brian believes “full recovery” must be based on a “solid moral foundation”. Like with 12 Step addiction recovery programs, his is based on belief in a Higher Power. Brian’s belief is based in Christianity, thus his frequent references to God and Jesus, and liberal use of scriptures from the Bible. He does not insist that participants in his program adhere to Christianity, but they need to believe in someone higher than themselves.

“To be truly sober, and not just abstinent, I had to change my belief from one of self-reliance to reliance on God.”

He encourages addicts to cultivate attitudes of faith, hope, abundance, and gratitude, while also practicing practical skills of planning, listening, communicating, goal setting, and learning. These are all promoted by completing the Action Plan exercises regularly.

I’ve never been addicted to anything, at least not drugs or alcohol, but I enjoyed Brian’s book and believe the program he outlines can help anyone wanting to change their life in a positive way.