A Vision of Hope by Andrew Drasen | Motivated Savages

A Vision of Hope: A Story of Redemption and Purpose

by Andrew Drasen

A raw memoir of addiction, incarceration, and rebuilding a life with purpose.

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ABOUT THE BOOK

Book 1 of 3: A Vision of Hope

A VISION OF HOPE: A STORY OF REDEMPTION AND PURPOSE

Overdoses. Prison sentences. Treatment programs. Dealing charges. Betrayals.

This is what those words can do to a life—and how a life can fight back.

From eight treatment programs to multiple incarcerations, Andrew Drasen battles addiction and recidivism, faces the courts, survives custody, and rebuilds one day at a time. His journey culminates at the Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility, where he delivers the commencement speech for his final program. Minutes before release, he finishes this manuscript—raw, immediate, and real.

Hope changes forms. But so long as it exists, all is not lost.
Every life has storms—hold on, because when the storm breaks, beauty is revealed.

This story isn’t just for memoir lovers, people in recovery, families, the incarcerated, policymakers, advocates, or reformers—it’s for everyone.
We all have something to recover from. It’s about learning who we are, growing, and then taking action. As the book says, A decision without action is merely a thought.

Praise for A Vision of Hope

“A powerful and honest account of personal transformation… an unfiltered look into the pain, reflection, and growth that led him to find meaning and direction in his life.” — Dr. Jason Roop, Center for Trait-Based Transformation

“I’m very impressed by Andrew’s willingness to share his story. Readers will find it both enlightening and inspiring… a calling to a better life of freedom and purpose.” — David Kingsbury, Licensed Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor

“What makes this book powerful is its vulnerability… a layered narrative that reveals recovery as a continuous process of self-awareness, setbacks, and determination to move forward.” — Marcia Vidal dos Santos, Goodreads Reviewer ★★★★★

“Raw, emotional, and deeply human… a powerful reminder that redemption is possible, one decision and one day at a time.” — Calindra Veil, Goodreads Reviewer ★★★★★

“A standout work… Its drama secures a sincere sense of realism because, after all, it really happened.” — Zachary, Goodreads Reviewer ★★★★★

“A raw memoir that chronicles a traumatic yet inspiring journey through addiction, incarceration, and recovery… brilliantly structured and deeply moving… He reveals his soul to readers… A Vision of Hope is a fantastic memoir, and I highly recommend it.” — Readers’ Favorite ★★★★★ Review

A unique structure:
• Chapters look backward at what happened.
• Journal entries unfold in real time.
• Written during Drasen’s last incarceration and treatment in 2019.

If you liked A Million Little Pieces, Tweak, Beautiful Boy, or Orange Is the New Black, you’ll turn pages here, too.

Part of a 3-book series:
• A Vision of Hope: A Story of Redemption and Purpose — what happened, why it happened, and what was thought and felt when it happened.
• A Vision of Hope: Reflections — the lessons learned and wisdom gained.
• A Vision of Hope: The Workbook — apply it to your life to heal, find direction, and live on purpose.

A Vision of Hope is now available for preorder as an ebook, with softcover and hardcover listings scheduled for release on December 2, 2025.

Content note: frank depictions of substance use, incarceration, and strong language.

For readers who want to go deeper, A Vision of Hope: Reflections offers 29 guided topics for journaling and discussion, designed as a companion to the memoir.

Book Details:

• Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir, Self-help
• Format: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook

Book 2: A Vision of Hope: Reflections

Book 3: A Vision of Hope: The Workbook