The Anonymous People

This film is great. I mean it shows the real deal behind every addict. The fact that we are good people, suffering with a disease, not choosing to be addicted. I love that it focuses on the recovery piece instead of the disease piece! I would love to see more people come forward about their issues like these brave souls. Tell the world, show the world, how wonderful we can be and are in recovery. Almost everyone knows someone close to them that is affected by the disease of addiction and should have the opportunity to view this. My hope is that this will become a huge part of stigma reduction if we can just get people to take the time to watch it. This film focuses on all forms of recovery so there is no discrimination towards any one chosen path. This is going to be a crucial piece in the current recovery movement. I am proud to say I am I'm in recovery and so grateful that I had the opportunity to witness this masterpiece.

Whether you are in recovery, love someone in recovery or are still struggling with addiction, you NEED to see this film. This film does an excellent job of explaining the history of the recovery advocacy movement, what has worked and what hasn't, where we stand today, and the changes that are so desperately needed. From the opening shot, I was glued to my seat and I found myself laughing and crying. The film is both interesting and thought provoking. I left the theater feeling invigorated and empowered to become a part of this very important Recovery Advocacy movement. A huge thank you to the film maker and every cast member for creating this life-changing film.

This movie talks about the one topic that has been in the dark for a long time. It gives the person that is just coming into recovery hope. I have used it so many times to give the newcomer hope. When I a person is confronted with the disease of addiction it is like any other disease. Denial sets in. While in the middle of getting help and dealing with the denial a movie like this will help them know that they are not alone and that recovery is possible. What is wrong with that. I would say it is a 12 step help movie. But it is not bound by the old misconceptions of a fellowship. I need to add there is nothing wrong with 12 step fellowships. But they needed help to get the message across. And this movie by Greg Williams is the best that I seen in a long time. Bravo to all that were involved.

This movie needs to be seen by all those in recovery or who love someone in recovery. The truth of the film is this. We live in a nation that stigmatizes addiction as a problem of will power, a moral failing. Policies at the state and federal level reflect our collective disdain for the addict, preventing addicts and alcoholics from getting treatment they need, and criminalizing their behavior. The film points to strides made in the 60s and 70s to medically classify addiction being undermined by the war on drugs and slashing of mental health and addition treatment. It is true that a person needing access to help, long term help, is not able to find it quickly and the help they receive is not generally found to sustain long term recovery. As a recovered person, in long term recovery, I understand the need for sustained, continued treatment and support. The film does an excellent job of drawing out these shortcomings in our system and postulating that if recovered people come together, as an interest group, we will have more power to effect change within the system. We cannot continue incarcerating the problem away. We need to recognize addiction as an illness, and work to find a comprehensive cure.

As for the 12th tradition, the film points to our culture of anonymity as being a road block to collective action with the 12 step communities. It is successful in creating its argument and solidifying the need for collective action to help those still struggling or stuck in the revolving door of prison and drug abuse. It is up to recovered people to speak out because no one speaks for us. The film does not debase the great work of 12 step programs and the roll they play. It does not call on the GSO to throw our our traditions and become a lobbying organization. It asks individual recovered folks to take a second look at the service in their own program and ask, "can I do more?" For this recovered drunk I must say, "yes, I can". I am filled with gratitude that this lack of representation was brought to my attention and if I truly believe myself to be one with my fellows, then I must stand up for those who are disenfranchised, stuck and without help, and demand my government and society to recognize us as a block of people who deserve services and compassion just like any other person with a disease. I'm moved to action, and that was the basis of the film, much like the 12th step. My work is not yet done, my service to others can be taken to a state and national scale. Go see it!!!

The Anonymous People is an honest look at the reality of recovery through the actual lives of individuals in long term recovery. It is designed to celebrate recovery and recognize that many individuals in long term recovery are contributing members of our society. I was pleased that it did NOT glorify the addiction but rather Glorified the process of Recovery. The individuals who are shown in this film are honest, hard working individuals who have struggled through addiction and are now on the other side and reaching out to help others. This movie can begin the process of reducing stigma and overcoming some of the obstacles people face in achieving long term recovery. Congratulations and THANK YOU to all who were involved in this project.