Author Rick Cottrell characterizes his childhood and nothing less than dysfunctional. He experienced unhealthy living environments at an early age. His experimentation with alcohol and smoking at the age of nine. In beyond addiction Cottrell shares his personal story of addiction and the journey into recovery which he has be clean and sober for over 20 years. Through his recollections, Cottrell provides insight into the mindset of an addict and offers a look the world of addiction. He narrates how those who have a problem with addiction can be transformed through recovery. And those who have been affected by a person who is chemically dependent can find healing and freedom from dysfunctional living habits.