Hello My Name Is Santa: An Alcoholic's Journey from Homelessness to Santa Claus

by Mike Brill

Hello My Name is Santa produces Brill's four voices in one book-trauma, addictions, recovery, and clinical voices. Brill honestly reveals himself as a victim and survivor of childhood and other trauma throughout his life. He openly shares his fifteen-year battle and demise with addictions leading to homelessness. Read of his fortitude and resilient journey through recovery and spiritual development to inspire others on their path of healing. As a licensed clinical professional, Brill's final voice pushes for advocacy in returning to the holistic treatment of human beings through focused research-based trauma treatment for people suffering from substance use disorders. Join Brill as he shares the vivid triumphant stories of his world travels, especially his rite of passage in Bali, Indonesia, where his self and worldview changed for the positive. Read about his musical experiences following The Grateful Dead and his own contribution of musically preserving the musical legacy of the Dead. His vivid storytelling highlights his healing through the power of spiritual exploration and experiential education. Throughout the book, Brill skillfully and equally enthusiastically writes about his entire positive and negative life experiences in addictions and recovery being equal contributors and assets to the man he is today. He conveys a message that everything truly happens for a reason and there are always lessons to be learned. Throughout Brill's recovery, he has experienced a multitude of blessings and achievements, but it was the timing and heartfelt experience of playing the cherished role of Santa Claus in 2017 that initiated his energy to share his story in this creation. Let Brill's tragedies and achievements mutually inspire hope and direction for better lives today and tomorrow.

158 pages, Paperback

Published June 20, 2019

Reviews

[Brian Storm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mike Brill's recovery memoir is truly a unique one. Since Mike is both an addict/alcoholic and an addictions counselor, he can tell the story of his substance abuse while also offering insight from a psychological point of view.

What I loved about this memoir was how passionate the author talks about music. As a musician, he explains how his music was the one constant thing in his life throughout his addiction and how it helped him grow in sobriety.

The author really hit the nail on the head with this book. Taking the reader through a spiritual journey while comparing and contrasting his past life to the one he lives today shows that Mike Brill is a living example of what recovery really is! He is living proof that recovery is possible, even for a homeless addict.

I highly recommend this book!