E!
Recently, I was approached by E! about doing a story about my life. At first, I was hesitant. I didn’t understand why they were approaching me now. After my experiences on Laguna Beach and The Hills , I am very selective about what I will go on TV for . When I spoke with the people at the network, they told me that they wanted to show the complete 180 I have done in my life. The transformation would serve as a message of hope in a time where we have been flooded with celebrities struggling in the media and people passing away from addiction and mental health issues. After some thought, I decided to do it. If I can use my notoriety to show people that they can make positive changes in their lives, I am all for it. My higher power put me in the right place at the right time.
Shooting the special was an amazing experience. They told the story of my life from the time I was a young child to where I am today. During the filming they talked to my friends, family, and those I have been privileged to work with in sobriety. Most importantly, they spent time talking to people whom I have helped find their own path in life. I was filled with gratitude for the opportunities I have had to ‘pay it forward’ and help others. It has always been an important part of my own journey and it’s important to me to give to others what was given to me. The people at E! expressed being impressed that I haven’t been doing any of this to clean up my image- I do it because it’s my passion!
I live my life based on the belief that by expressing vulnerability, humility is created. I am no longer ashamed of my disease and hold my sobriety like a badge of honor. I want to show people that there is a life worth living in sobriety. If I can reach even one person with this message, I consider it a success.
*The special will air in November on E!. Check your local listings for more information.
Author
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Paul Alexander is the CEO, President & Founder of Northbound Treatment Network in Newport Beach, California. He believes wholeheartedly in transformational leadership, organizational health and effective, fully integrated substance use disorder and mental health treatment. With over 27 years of experience in behavioral healthcare, Paul has extensive knowledge of “in vivo” treatment modalities, clinical development, operations, strategy, marketing and financial planning. He has been widely recognized for his development of collegiate-based residential treatment programs for students in recovery and authored a research study at The University of California confirming this modality’s effectiveness.
Paul’s comprehensive professional experience, willingness to innovate, and emphasis on organizational health are vital factors in Northbound’s continued success. Paul received his Certified Addiction Treatment Specialist training at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, CA, and was awarded Outstanding Alumni Service Award in 2002. Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology, Law and Society, Summa Cum Laude, from University of California, Irvine, and a Juris Doctorate degree from Loyola Law School of Los Angeles. Paul currently serves on The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) board. In addition, he serves on The Family Recovery Foundation board and The CarePossible board in Orange County; both organizations are committed to raising funds for family recovery and treatment for former military personnel. Paul is in recovery himself and lives in Orange County with his wife Silvana and his two young sons, Noah and Dean.
