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Brian McAlister
Brian McAlister (born September 25, 1957, in Orange, NJ) is an American entrepreneur, author, and advocate for addiction recovery and mental health. He is known for his transformative journey from addiction to becoming a leading figure in recovery advocacy. McAlister authored the Amazon #1 Best Selling book "Full Recovery: The Recovering Person's Guide to Unleashing Your Inner Power" and founded the Full Recovery Wellness Center and the innovative digital recovery platform, Freedom 365. Additionally, he established My Mental Health Inc ., a nonprofit aimed at expanding access to mental health resources and education.

Early Life and Challenges
Brian McAlister (born September 25, 1957, in Orange, NJ) grew up in Kearney, NJ where his battle with addiction began early in his life, leading to two decades of substance abuse that brought him to the brink of destruction. Despite numerous severe physical injuries, including multiple compound fractures, a broken back, and a traumatic head injury, it was not the physical pain that compelled him to seek change. Instead, it was the overwhelming mental and emotional turmoil—characterized by guilt, depression, remorse, and shame—that ultimately forced his hand. On a pivotal morning in 1990, after waking up behind a body shop in New Jersey, Brian experienced a moment of clarity. Crying out for help, he decided to enter treatment, marking the beginning of his journey toward recovery.

Professional Biography
Early in his career, Brian McAlister quickly rose to leadership within a Fortune 500 company, managing thousands by 1994. This role came just four years after he began his recovery, showcasing his remarkable ability to transform personal challenges into professional success. His tenure as a corporate leader set the stage for his later achievements in addiction recovery and mental health advocacy.

Author
Brian's journey took a new direction after losing his sister to a heroin overdose, which led him to reassess his life's purpose. He left the corporate world to write Full Recovery: Creating a Personal Action Plan for Life Beyond Sobriety then Amazon #1 Best Selling book, "Full Recovery: The Recovering Person's Guide to Unleashing Your Inner Power," providing insights and strategies for sustaining recovery.

Amazon #1 Best Selling book "Full Recovery: The Recovering Person's Guide to Unleashing Your Inner Power" and Full Recovery: Creating a Personal Action Plan for Life Beyond Sobriety by Brian McAlister is a vital resource for those on the recovery path. Featured in GoodReads, the book chronicles McAlister’s journey from a drug-addicted biker to a successful entrepreneur, offering more than just inspiration—it provides a practical guide to using the intense focus of addictive personalities for personal and professional growth. The book covers improving relationships, achieving financial success, and enhancing career satisfaction. It’s designed to unlock creativity and help readers build actionable life plans.

Full Recovery Wellness Center
In response to his successful battle against addiction and his subsequent self-help book, McAlister in 2010 founded Full Recovery Wellness Center in Fairfield, NJ, a CARF-accredited facility specializing in the treatment of Substance Use Disorder, PTSD, and trauma. A facility aimed at providing comprehensive support for individuals seeking to overcome addiction.

The Full Recovery Wellness Center, established by Brian McAlister, offers a comprehensive range of evidence-based treatments for addiction, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and the Matrix Model, alongside newer services like Telemedicine. The center also provides specialized programs for Anger Management, Relapse Prevention, and Trauma-related Counseling. It supports early intervention through Brief Intervention techniques and fosters community and accountability through 12-step facilitation. After years of dedicated leadership, Brian McAlister retired as CEO and President in 2024, leaving a legacy of impactful recovery support.

Freedom 365 Virtual Recovery System
In the digital realm, McAlister pioneered Freedom 365, one of the first virtual recovery systems. This innovation was recognized as part of Fast Company's "Fast Company's World Changing Ideas in 2019", highlighting its effectiveness in providing accessible support for those in recovery. Freedom 365 was also featured in various media outlets, reflecting its widespread recognition and adoption in addressing substance abuse issues, such as the "Increasing misuse of benzodiazepines among teens", as reported by WMBC TV.

His initiatives extend into addressing substance abuse in professional settings, evidenced by his contributions to NJBIZ discussions and his involvement in NJBIZ Experts address substance abuse in the workplace ,NJBIZ names winners in first-ever Digi-Tech Innovator Awards competition, NJBIZ Panel Discussion Video: Substance Abuse in the Workplace, educational programs on addiction recovery, such as New Jersey Monthly's report on the Addiction-Recovery App providing a 24/7 roadmap to recovery.

Brian McAlister has actively participated in public discourse, speaking on various platforms across the country New Jersey Monthly, FiOS 1 NJ News,WMBC TV, NJTV, WDHA FM, KGUN TV, KOB TV,WNC8 TV, WTMJ TV about addiction and recovery, including detailed discussions on the opioid crisis and the role of media in promoting healthy lifestyle changes, as showcased by multiple TV appearances during late 2018.

My Mental Health Inc.
In 2022, he expanded his commitment to mental health advocacy by founding My Mental Health Inc., a nonprofit organization focused on creating additional resources for addiction and mental health in the digital realm. This initiative aims to enhance mental health education and support, providing accessible tools and information through innovative digital platforms globally. The organizations social media platforms are inspiring over 16,000 followers' globally with mental health resources.

Brian McAlister's ongoing efforts to break the stigma of addiction and advocate for comprehensive, accessible recovery solutions demonstrate his enduring commitment to the field. His work continues to inspire and facilitate transformative journeys for many, reinforcing his belief that full recovery is not only achievable but also sustainable. He remains a prominent figure in recovery advocacy, regularly appearing on podcasts such as Parents and Addicts in Need, Knockin' Doorz Down "Recovery Beyond Sobriety, Success", My Mental Health Inc shares on Mental Health Awareness Month 2024 behalf of those in recovery, further underscoring his dedication to supporting individuals through their rehabilitation journeys.

Personal Life
Brian McAlister is a prominent entrepreneur, author, and recovery advocate. Brian has helped thousands recover in many avenues and is active on social media on various platforms. His comprehensive recovery approach, which extends beyond personal sobriety to encompass professional success, financial health, and spiritual growth, has influenced many in the field of addiction recovery. Brian McAlister is married to Paula McAlister. The couple resides in Texas and has been together for over 45 years, with their relationship strengthening through their shared commitment to positive mental health and spiritual growth.

Media Links
ROI: Day by Day: Freedom 365 Develops Virtual, Everyday Solution for Those with Substance Problems - June 25, 2019.

NJBIZ names winners in first-ever Digi-Tech Innovator Awards competition

Fast Company: World Changing Ideas 2019: All the winners, finalists, and honorable mentions

NJBIZ Panel Discussion Video: Substance Abuse in the Workplace

NJBIZ: Experts address substance abuse in the workplace

New Jersey Monthly: Addiction-Recovery App Provides 24/7 Roadmap to Recovery

The Game: Freedom 365 Founder Brian McAlister Speaks about Finding Ways for NFL Athletes to Deal with Injuries Without Opiate Use

WTVQ TV: Make Positive Health Goals in 2019 with Freedom 365 Virtual Recovery System

WTMJ TV: Achieve Your 2019 Health and Wellness Goals with Freedom 365 Virtual Recovery System

WNC8 TV: Meet Your 2019 Health and Wellness Goals featuring Freedom 365

FiOS 1 NJ News: Recovery Expert and Freedom 365 Founder Brian McAlister Speaks about the Increase in Drug Overdose Deaths in New Jersey and How Addiction Recovery Support Can Help End this Deadly Trend

WMBC TV: Freedom 365 Founder Brian McAlister Speaks With WMBC about the Opioid Crisis

WMBC TV: Freedom 365 Founder Brian McAlister to Sit Down with WMBC to discuss Opioid Epidemic

FiOS 1 NJ News: Freedom 365’s Brian and Rory McAlister Discuss the Film “Beautiful Boy” and How They are Helping Others in Recovery

Times Square Chronicle: Denise Albert and Melissa Musen Gerstein Host Rachel Bay Jones and Talk About Julia Roberts and Lucas Hedges New Movie "Ben Is Back" at Launch Event Sponsored by Freedom 365

KOB TV Albuquerque: Achieve Positive Health Goals with Freedom 365: Good Day New Mexico

KGUN TV Tucson: Health and Wellness Goals for 2019 featuring Freedom 365 on The Morning Blend

Chris Debello of Issues and Ideas Interviews Brian McAlister about Gov. Murphy’s AG suing N.J. pharma giant for ‘fueling’ opioid crisis

WDHA FM: Brian McAlister On the Morning Jolt

NJTV: NJ company creates online, step-by-step guide for addiction recovery

IT Insider Technology Blog: New App Aims to Help Addicts with Recovery

WMBC :WMBC TV Home Town: Freedom 365 Guest Blogger: Dangerous Rise in Teens Taking Benzodiazepines"

[http://www.njbiz.com/article/20180814/NJBIZ01/180819924/panel-tech-advancements-adding-to-doctors-diagnostic-toolbox. IT Insider Technology Blog: New App Aims to Help Addicts with Recovery" - September 15, 2018.]

NJ Biz: Healthcare Technology Panel Featuring Freedom 365’s Brian McAlister" - August 14, 2018.

External Links and Resources
Brian McAlsiter on Linkedin

Brian McAlister on Author of "Full Recovery"

Brian McAlister on Instagram

My Mental Health Inc on Instagram