Alive Now!
Releasing Spring 2026 • Proceeds support the Alive Now Foundation
Alive Now! is a firsthand account of what happens when mental illness and addiction collide with systems unprepared to respond with care. Rooted in lived experience, the book sheds light on the thin line between treatment and criminalization—and the long, ongoing work of recovery. It serves as both an invitation to understanding and a foundation for action, supporting the mission of the Alive Now Foundation today.
Every purchase helps move this mission forward.
Mental health challenges and addiction don’t exist in isolation. They affect individuals, families, and entire communities.
This book was written to:
Share a real, human story of navigating mental health and addiction
Help families and loved ones feel less alone
Encourage compassion, understanding, and early intervention
Support recovery-focused programs through book sales
Funds raised help provide educational resources and financial assistance for individuals seeking recovery support through vetted programs.
About The Book
What happens when your own brain becomes your greatest enemy?
Paul E. Daniels woke up naked in a solitary confinement cell with no memory of how he got there. Seven nights earlier, he'd been a successful businessman, devoted father, and loving husband. Now he faced felony charges for assaulting healthcare workers during an acute manic episode—violence he couldn't remember committing while hospitalized for the very illness that led to his arrest.
This is the brutal reality of living with Bipolar Disorder and addiction in America, where the line between patient and prisoner can disappear in an instant.
Alive Now! is Paul's unflinching memoir of surviving twenty-two years with Bipolar Disorder and battling alcoholism in a mental healthcare system that too often criminalizes the mentally ill. From a traumatic brain injury at twenty-one to waking up in jail after seeking help, he reveals what it truly means to live with severe mental illness—and how he found his way back through rehabilitation, AA, therapy, and the unwavering support of family.
More than a survival story, Alive Now! offers hope, practical guidance, and a roadmap for anyone struggling with mental illness, addiction, or loving someone who is. With a powerful reminder that recovery doesn't have a finish line, Paul proves that every day you're alive is where you begin.
How Your Purchase Makes an Impact
Proceeds from The Alive Now! Book directly support the Alive Now Foundation’s work, including:
Funding recovery-focused programs and resources
Supporting individuals and families facing mental health and addiction challenges
Increasing awareness around co-occurring disorders and holistic recovery
Buying the book is one simple, meaningful way to contribute.
Paul’s Story
Paul E. Daniels is a Mexican-American mental health advocate, writer, and founder of the Alive Now Foundation. For over twenty years, he has lived with Bipolar Disorder while navigating dual recovery from mental illness and addiction.
After a traumatic brain injury in 2004 led to his diagnosis, Paul's journey took him through multiple hospitalizations, including a 2021 manic episode that resulted in wrongful incarceration. These experiences transformed him into a passionate advocate for mental health reform and proper treatment over criminalization.
Paul completed rehabilitation at Cottonwood Tucson in 2019 and became a certified peer support worker in 2024. He attends AA meetings regularly and is an active member of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). Through the Alive Now Foundation, he provides scholarships and resources for individuals and families affected by mental illness and addiction, with a mission to save one life per day.
A graduate of the University of New Mexico, Paul has worked as a licensed funeral director, entrepreneur, and commercial property manager. He lives in Texas with his wife Kristen and their three daughters.
What People Are Saying
-
Communication was top-notch and the final outcome was even better than we imagined. A great experience all around.
— Former Customer
-
Their attention to detail and commitment to quality truly stood out. We’ve already recommended them to others.
— Former Customer
-
Every detail was thoughtfully executed. We're thrilled with the outcome, and have already recommended them to others.
— Former Customer
If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available — and you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Support, understanding, and resources exist, and taking the first step can make all the difference.
Immediate help is available through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline