Exploring Our Top Picks: Alcohol and Substance Use Disorder Documentaries. In our curated list, we spotlight the documentaries that delve into alcohol and substance abuse—insightful narratives that resonate with many in recovery. In the realm of early recovery, knowledge holds immense power, offering a sense of connection and understanding as you navigate your journey. Remember, finding common ground with others facing similar challenges can be a source of solace and solidarity. It’s always the perfect time to unwind, relax, and indulge in some quality Netflix and Chill sessions. After all, who can resist the allure of cozying up and immersing yourself in captivating stories that ignite introspection and empathy?
Documentaries on Addiction, Alcohol & Substance Abuse, and Mental Health
There’s Something Wrong with Aunt Diane
“There’s Something Wrong with Aunt Diane” revisits the mysterious tragedy of Diane Schuler, who, on July 26, 2009, drove the wrong way on the Taconic Parkway in New York for nearly two miles and then smashed into an oncoming SUV, killing herself, her daughter, her three nieces, and all three people in the other car.
The Anonymous People
THE ANONYMOUS PEOPLE is a feature documentary film about over 23 million Americans living in long-term recovery from alcohol and other drug addiction. Deeply entrenched social stigma has kept recovery voices silent and faces hidden for decades. The vacuum has been filled with sensational mass media depictions of people with addiction that perpetuate a lurid fascination with the dysfunctional side of what is a preventable and treatable health condition. Just like women with breast cancer or people with HIV/AIDS, a grassroots social justice movement is emerging.
Courageous addiction recovery advocates have come out of the shadows and are organizing to end discrimination and move toward recovery-based solutions. The moving story of The Anonymous People is told through the faces and voices of citizens, leaders, volunteers, corporate executives, public figures, and celebrities who are laying it all on the line to save the lives of others just like them. This passionate new public recovery movement aims to transform public opinion, engage communities and elected officials, and finally shift problematic policy toward lasting solutions.
Sober Curator Pro Tip: We’ve reviewed this one before! Check it out HERE
Russell Brand: From Addiction To Recovery
Russell Brand’s Full-Length documentary on drug addiction and recovery from drug abuse. It is a fascinating full-length documentary about heroin drug abuse that looks at the difference between treating addicts with recovery and medically sound programs vs. throwing them in prisons and punishing them.
Documentary 13th Step
Maybe AA is not what you think. The most revered Self-help groups for alcohol dependency. So why are all DUIs sent there? Why are Sex offenders and Violent offenders court-ordered to AA meetings?
My Name Was Bette
My Name Was Bette: The Life and Death of an Alcoholic. This 58-minute documentary examines alcoholism in women by tracing the development and progression of the disease in Bette VandenAkker, a nurse, wife, and mother who lost her life to it in the fall of 2007. The filmmakers use interviews, family photographs, documents, and vintage medical graphics to provide a personal, in-depth look at the physiological and psychological toll alcoholism takes on its victims. The film also offers hope to alcoholics and their loved ones seeking to heal their pain and strained relationships.
Lipstick and Liquor Documentary Film
Lipstick & Liquor is a documentary film that seeks to shake off the stigma associated with women alcoholics and to provide understanding and insight into the struggle to stay sober. The documentary includes expert commentary from medical researchers, addiction specialists, and authors who shed light on the conditions impacting the increase in alcoholism among American women. Visit the film’s website: https://lipstickandliquor.com/
Bobbi Jo Under the Influence
Synopsis: Bobbi Jo: Under the Influence is one of the most inspirational stories you will ever hear. For 25 years, Bobbi Jo Reed has rescued thousands of addicts. But before she could help others, Bobbi Jo needed to help herself. This true-life story takes an honest look into the world of alcoholism and addiction and provides keys to long-term recovery in Kansas City’s most dangerous neighborhood. After a middle-class upbringing, Bobbi Jo turned to drinking and drugs at a young age. Soon, her life spiraled out of control. Addiction led to abuse, prostitution, and homelessness.
When she hit rock bottom, Bobbi Jo had a spiritual awakening. With newfound strength, Bobbi Jo was lifted out of a personal hell. That strength gave her the courage to return to the streets to help others. Using the testimony of her dark past as a “blueprint of hope”, Bobbi Jo Reed reflects on her transformation. How she was saved and why she was chosen. And why more than 8,000 souls now call her “Mom”. About Us: Gravitas Ventures is a worldwide film distributor & collaborator with thousands of independent artists. Past films include Sound City, Armstrong, Above The Shadows, The River and the Wall, and many more. Gravitas Ventures is a Red Arrow Studios company.
Movie Night with The Sober Curator: Bobbi Jo Under the Influence – Addict. Prostitute. Sinner. Saint.
Sober Pop Pro Tip: We’ve had Bobbi Jo as a guest at SOBER POP on Clubhouse and reviewed this film
Crack: Cocaine, Corruption & Conspiracy
In the early 1980s, the crack epidemic tore through America’s inner cities like a tsunami, ravaging all in its wake. Decades later, the destructive effects on people’s lives, families, and communities are still deeply felt. Crack: Cocaine, Corruption & Conspiracy examines not only the personal devastation caused by the drug but also the shadowy origins of the crisis and the resultant, ongoing marginalization of Black and Brown people trapped by the U.S. prison and healthcare systems. Watch Crack: Cocaine, Corruption & Conspiracy, only on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/crack
The Pharmacist
A small-town pharmacist stakes a mission to save his community long before the opioid epidemic gains nationwide attention. Watch The Pharmacist, only on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/ThePharmacist
The Crime of the Century
Big Pharma sold America a lie and made a killing. The Crime of the Century, an HBO original documentary from Alex Gibney, exposes the billions of dollars gained and thousands of lives lost due to the opioid crisis. The two-part HBO original documentary premieres May 10 on HBO Max. #HBO #HBODocs #CrimeoftheCenturyDoc Subscribe to HBO on YouTube: https://goo.gl/wtFYd7
MACKLEMORE – DRUG DEALER (FEAT. ARIANA DEBOO) OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO
Ok, yes, we know this last one isn’t a documentary. But it is an incredibly powerful song and music video, and since we will always be Team Macklemore, we wanted to close out this post with a little Sober Pop Culture.
MOVIE NIGHT WITH THE SOBER CURATOR: is your go-to guide for films and documentaries that intricately weave addiction, recovery, and mental health into powerful storytelling. Think of us as your bee-zy movie critics, curating a hive of must-watch titles that inspire, educate, and spark conversation.
Our review archives are neatly organized into Drama, Dramedy, and Documentary categories, making it easy to find your next captivating watch. Whether you’re in the mood for a heartfelt indie, a laugh-through-the-tears comedy, or a thought-provoking doc, we’ve got you covered.
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Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
