Recovery Boys

I was incredibly impressed with the sensitivity of these filmmakers. Addiction is a difficult subject to address, particularly when it deals with young adults, yet Elaine and Kerrin's compassion and commitment to the truth shine through. If you want to understand America's opioid epidemic and how we can address it, watch this film.

The underlying message is that if more addicts got the 'treatment' they needed, America's opioid crisis can be solved. The facility at Jacob's Ladder is so nice it could probably succeed as a bed and breakfast. The documentary does not delve into the cost of the program at all, but it is clearly not cheap to have nice rooms and employ support staff to help people who have multiple felony convictions. The flip side of providing a place like Jacob's Ladder to addicts is that resources are diverted from other vulnerable people. Is that fair? Is that right?

Watch this documentary to understand why America's opioid crisis will never be resolved. The filmmaker wants to be hopeful but refuses to be realistic. She wants us to hate the addiction but love the addict at any cost. The result is destruction for everyone as whole communities become slaves to the Mexican drug cartels.

Really enjoyed what Jacob's ladder is offering to people. Jeff really was my least favorite. He cried about missing his kids but yet he did everything possible to stay out their life.

Elaine and Kerrin Sheldon's compassion for those suffering with substance use disorders in West Virginia is evident in their ongoing dedication to get the true story of struggle and perseverance out to the world. This documentary is visceral and a true portrayal of a group of men working to maintain sobriety and assist others with doing the same. Another amazing film; job well done!

My heart is in West Virginia: I love the people, their traditional music and mores, AND, my son's best friend lives in Morgantown.

It's no secret that many of the small cities (and many large ones) that run from coast to coast in America have been decimated by hard drugs, limited work opportunities, and lack of entertainment options.

This documentary is set in a new treatment program, opened by a local doctor/businessman, based on farming and the 12 Steps. Participants stay 6 months, and are then moved to sober living. The film follows the five(?) initial participants through the early months of their recovery.

These sort of services are definitely needed (ideally privately funded), but the service providers sometimes worry about/work harder on the participants' lives than the participants do. (MY definition of "enabling"). Still, they're actually DOING something, and something GOOD.