Movies About Drug Addiction Recovery

Drug abuse is a hot topic at the box office. Actually, it has been for decades. There are plenty of movies about drug addiction recovery that paint accurate portraits of the disease. How accurate are they about what happens in rehab?

Understanding that Addiction’s a Disease

For a long time, people didn’t believe that addiction could be an illness. Many thought of it as a moral failure. People considered movies about drug addiction recovery that opposed this popular view as controversial. Even so, more and more big-name actors lent their names to the projects.

Influential Movies about Drug Addiction Recovery

Not every movie has a happy ending. Some might only hint at it. One film that exemplifies the relational consequences that addiction has on a family is “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.” Starring Paul Newman and Elizabeth Taylor, the movie focuses on alcohol abuse disorder as a significant part of the storyline.

While it’s missing some elements from the play, it emphasizes that alcohol abuse doesn’t happen in a vacuum. In contrast, “Days of Wine and Roses” chronicles the gradual descent into alcohol addiction. From there, it follows the characters as they desperately attempt to recover. Actors Jack Lemmon and Lee Remick give heartbreaking performances that allow viewers glimpses into the real-life struggle of addiction.

“My Name Is Bill W.” records the beginnings of Alcoholics Anonymous and the 12 step program for addiction recovery. The movie follows the lives of Dr. Robert Holbrook Smith and William Griffith Wilson. It’s noteworthy because it also touches on the idea of co-occurring depression. Due to the acting performances of James Woods and James Garner, this is a film worth seeing.

A more recent film, “28 Days,” stars Sandra Bullock. While its billing identifies it as a comedy-drama, it shows profound insights into the work of recovery. The protagonist enters rehab reluctantly but eventually understands that she has a drinking problem. Going through rehab has its difficulties.

After her discharge, she tries to return to her own life. Because those closest to her don’t value her sobriety, she has to make difficult decisions. The movie underscores that living sober is a daily decision.

What It’s Really Like in Rehab

If you watch some of the older movies, you’ll get an outdated insight into what goes on in rehab. In part, this has to do with methods that therapists used decades ago. Similarly, some of the scenes are there for shock value. Recovering at a rehab center is very different today.

For starters, you work with therapists to create an individualized path. Nobody straps you down. Instead, medication assisted treatment helps you withdraw from drugs or alcohol without pain. Examples of modalities include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy, which lets you make changes in your patterns of thinking and acting
• Dual diagnosis treatment that assists program participants with co-occurring conditions
• Family therapy that encourages healthy connections with loved ones
• Individual therapy as a way to empower you to set goals for long-term sobriety
• Group therapy, which promotes skills development

Watch movies about drug addiction recovery to learn that you aren’t alone. Next, contact a premier addiction recovery center in Jacksonville FL for evidence-based treatment–Beaches Recovery. Reach the caring staff by calling 866.605.0532 now.