Russel Lanier is an award-winning, university-educated television news producer. After leaving college he became a top news producer in the Chattanooga, Tennessee market. He then went on to become an Honors Graduate from the prestigious Poynter Institute for Journalists in St. Petersburg, Florida receiving professional certification in "Producing News." Russell was among the best in his profession garnering top ratings with nearly every show he wrote and produced during his twenty years on the frontlines of broadcast news. He visited colleges and universities as a representative of the television station where he worked and talked with students and gave presentations on news writing. Russell even created a sports feature that later won the reporter assigned to the seasonal project an Emmy Award. Along the way Russell also developed a journalistic savvy about writing crime stories that intrigued his colleagues -- he seemed to have an insider's knowledge about street crime.But it was his secret, double-life that finally caught up with him and kept him from ascending the ladder to big-market success. While engaging in his passion of gathering the news, Russell became the news. Russell Lanier is an alcoholic and a hard-core drug addict. He uses the same hard-hitting news writing style in his book, "Waiting To Die, Longing To Love," that won him top billing in his profession. You will read how he finally finds victory when he comes face-to-face with his demon, addiction, in his sixth trip to rehab. He courageously tells the obscene truth about substance abuse.His personal battle will inspire you to take action against the monsters you may feel controlling your life. It is Russell's new mission to speak to young people about his experience as an addict and warn them of the perils of experimenting with drugs and alcohol. Someone close to you could be just one drink, or one illegal drug away from addiction. Will it be you, or someone you love? Russell Lanier's message to avoid substance abuse at all costs resonates a truth that is eternal.