Derek
At one point in his life, Derek Palosaari was running out of answers.
Years of addiction, poor choices, broken relationships, and struggles with mental illness had left him exhausted and searching for something he could not find on his own. Then one day, parked on the side of a road in Arizona, his life changed forever.
What followed was not an overnight transformation, but a journey. A journey marked by faith, surrender, accountability, healing, and one day at a time sobriety.
Today, with more than two decades of continuous sobriety, Derek openly shares his story of redemption and hope. Through his book, speaking engagements, podcasts, and personal conversations, he encourages others to face their fears, take responsibility for their lives, and discover that change is possible no matter how far they have fallen.
A Message from Derek
If you’ve found your way here, I don’t believe it’s by accident.
Maybe you’re struggling with addiction. Maybe you’re carrying the weight of depression, anxiety, fear, regret, or circumstances that feel impossible to overcome. Maybe you’re simply tired of pretending everything is okay.
I understand more than you might think.
There was a time in my life when I felt trapped by my own choices and overwhelmed by the consequences. I wanted things to change, but I didn’t know how. Looking back, I can see that my greatest breakthroughs began when I finally became honest with myself and willing to take the next step forward, no matter how small.
What I’ve learned is this: healing is possible. Change is possible. Hope is real.
Not because life suddenly becomes easy, but because we don’t have to walk through it alone.
My prayer is that my story encourages you to keep going. No matter where you are today, no matter how many mistakes you’ve made, and no matter how far off course you may feel, your story is not over.
Sometimes a new beginning starts with a single decision.
Thank you for being here and allowing me to share a part of my journey with you. If something you’ve read resonates with you, I hope you’ll hold on to this truth:
There is always a way forward.
— Derek
ABOUT BOOK
THE SIDE OF THE ROAD
A JOURNEY OF SOBRIETY, FAITH & HEALING
Derek Palosaari did not begin writing with the goal of becoming an author. He began writing because he had a story that had been building through his entire life until he finally reached the point of needing to share it.
Derek spent his early life enduring the disorderly life that addiction creates. His life choices were dominated by alcohol and drugs, which resulted in multiple destructive relationship failures and brought him dangerously close to fatal situations. He followed a pattern of progress and setbacks that erased his achievements, which many people who live with addiction experience.
Sobriety changed the direction of his life. Derek rebuilt his lost stability through recovery programs, his faith, and the assistance of people who never stopped believing in him.
Choose Your Preference:
Writing this book became part of that healing process. The book helped him to examine his entire journey from alcoholism to sobriety and understand the knowledge he acquired during that time.
Today Derek shares his story in the hope that others who feel lost, trapped, or overwhelmed might see something familiar in these pages and realize that recovery is still possible.
Watch Video Trailer
THE SIDE OF THE ROAD
A JOURNEY OF SOBRIETY, FAITH & HEALING
A man reaches the breaking point of addiction. His faith and the support of his community together with his commitment to honesty enable him to recover the things he lost. Press play to see a powerful journey that tells the story of addiction, faith, and redemption.
Speaking & Recovery Workshops
For more than two decades, Derek Palosaari has shared his experience, strength, and hope with audiences from all walks of life.
His speaking engagements have included churches, recovery groups, Bible studies, community organizations, and individuals seeking practical guidance through life’s challenges. Drawing from over 21 years of sobriety, faith, and personal growth, Derek speaks openly about the realities of addiction, recovery, mental health, and lasting change.
While many people view recovery as simply quitting alcohol or drugs, Derek believes true recovery goes much deeper. It involves confronting the underlying issues that often drive destructive behaviors: fear, dishonesty, pride, selfishness, resentment, anxiety, depression, and the struggle to navigate life on life’s terms.
Through personal stories, practical lessons, and honest conversation, Derek helps audiences understand that lasting transformation is possible. His message is not one of perfection, but of progress, perseverance, and hope.
Popular speaking topics include:
- Recovery Beyond Addiction
- Living with Mental Health Challenges
- Fear and the Power It Holds Over Us
- Personal Accountability and Lasting Change
- Faith, Healing, and Spiritual Growth
- Overcoming Adversity and Starting Over
- Building a Life Worth Living
- Finding Purpose Through Pain
Derek’s passion is helping others discover that no matter where they are in life, change is possible, hope is available, and a better future can begin with the next right step.
Testimonials
Read What Our Client Said
Readers have responded to Derek Palosaari’s story with honesty, reflection, and gratitude for the courage it takes to share a journey like this.
Jason
Honest & encouraging
April Spahn
5 out of 5 starsInspirational! Buy this book!
Raw.. Heartfelt.. This is an inspiring story of struggle and determination. Overcoming obstacles and facing personal demons. Highly recommend!
Phyllis Pirtle
Inspirational
Very inspirational and what life is all about. Very well written, easy reading and would highly recommend. Good job, Derek.
Share Your Story
If something in my story or in The Side of the Road resonated with you, I would truly love to hear from you.
Many people reach out to share their own experiences with addiction, mental illness, recovery, faith, or the challenges life places in front of us. Others simply want to share how a moment in the book connected with their own journey.
Whatever your story may be, it matters.
If you feel moved to reach out, share your thoughts, or simply say hello, please do. Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do for each other is remind one another that we are not alone.
