From Reel to Real: An Epic Journey from Addiction to Recovery and Redemption

by Dwayne Higgins

Hollywood set designer Dwayne Higgins thought he had it a rewarding career in the film industry, a beautiful girlfriend, and a daughter on the way. He lived in a lavish home, with two expensive cars in his driveway. Talented and charming, Dwayne worked alongside Hollywood’s top celebrities and directors and attended glamorous parties at celebrity hotspots. But beneath his veneered lifestyle Dwayne struggled with alcoholism and drug addiction, which – in times of stress – threatened his career and his relationships with those he loved most. Dwayne faced two life-altering events within months of one the birth of his beloved daughter and a writers and actors strike that destabilized a career that took 15 years to build. Being out of work for up to two years he reached for prescription pain pills, cocaine, and alcohol to cope, Dwayne’s life began to spiral helplessly out of control. In a matter of a year, he lost his young family, his home, and his celebrated career, while a third drunk-driving charge led to his deportation. He arrived back in Canada with nothing but a bag of clothes. Within two years, Dwayne went from living the American dream in Los Angeles, to a brief, unsuccessful event-planning career in Bali, Indonesia, to the drug-infested back alleys of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, where three suicide attempts and heroin use left him reeling in hospital rooms. Eventually, Dwayne would find he would find that someone who would help him confront his demons, and a rehabilitation program that led to a moving reunion with his estranged daughter. Surrendering to the inner voice that was there with him all along, Dwayne Higgins would ultimately journey past success and failure, toward a life filled with redemption, love, and hope.

280 pages, Paperback

Published January 27, 2016

About the author

FROM REEL TO REAL

A Courageous, Moving and Unforgettable Book.

Utterly compelling and deeply personal, From Reel to Real is the true life account of a Hollywood art director’s journey through success, failure, and the devastating effects of addiction. Dwayne Higgins enjoyed a life of glitz and glamour in the film studios and celebrity hangouts of Los Angeles until the year he lost it all – including his young family – to a lifelong struggle with addiction and depression. Ending up on the sordid, drug-infested streets of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, Dwayne was faced with a life-altering decision: he could surrender to his demons, continuing to engage in a series of suicide attempts and overdoses, or choose the path of salvation. Drawing on the voice within, Dwayne chose the latter, and From Reel to Real tells his spellbinding story.

Reviews

[Dwayne Higgins]

Top Seller on Amazon- Click www.fromreeltoreal.com

HIS story is unbelievably AMAZING!! A MUST read for ALL. If You are Broken/Suffering or have LOST HOPE.....This Book will open your eyes!!

Make sure you have hours to read before you open this amazing book! You won’t be able to put it down!!
I read this book from start to finish on my flight to Chicago! This book is a must read!!! I could not put it down ....it was Graphic and Real. A moving, emotional, uplifting book that has truly touched my soul! I couldn't be more proud of the life you have turned around by the Grace of God!!! Such an amazing testimony of Gods Transforming Power in your life ! Xo Chrissy Snow

By Amazon Customer - Published on Amazon.com
Verified Purchase

[Pamela Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dwayne,

Your journey from start to finish was truly amazing. I felt as though I was traveling through your life with you. A sense of adventure, happiness and despair. I hope you have found love and peace in your heart.

Pamela

[William Hsu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw, vivid story of a man overcoming continuous struggles and failures throughout his life and the inspiring journey to recovery and salvation. Highly Recommended!