The Anonymous People

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!!!

As a person in long-term recovery (37 years), I found this film to be highly inspirational! "The Anonymous People" is a rich social document that presents a history of the struggle folks like I have had to dispel stigma and feelings of shame or embarrassment about being an alcoholic/addict. The film demonstrates that for those of us who do successfully recover ~ we can become beacons of light and hope to those who still suffer from this illness ~ including our loved-ones! This film is an important vehicle by which we can further educate policy-makers and the general public about the value of entering into and maintaining recovery. The film's Director, Greg Williams, is extremely knowledgeable and respectful of 12-Step principals. The position he takes on the issue of anonymity is supported by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services. I urge all with a loved-one suffering from addiction, or themselves with a drinking/drug problem or in recovery, and their friends & neighbors to watch this inspiring historic documentary film.

As a person in long term recovery myself, I appreciate that this movie made me think more intimately about the way that I choose to share or not share that information with others. It has long been obvious and frustrating to me how many people's lives are wasted because they cannot access adequate recovery from the disease of addiction. It did not previously occur to me that I could be influential in any way with regard to that problem. I am a teacher and generally hold my cards close. What would the community, parents, or my co-workers think if they knew this "dirty" secret from my past? On the other hand, I am proud of what I've accomplished. Maybe they would think that I am an amazing, talented, kind, generous,intelligent, responsible person, with integrity, who has overcome adversity, raised two children who have never had to witness parents using, who volunteers in the community, and contributes to society. Maybe others who are struggling might see that and get a glimmer of hope for themselves? I can appreciate the premise, and the hope, that if more people like me stood up and let the light shine on who we are, and how many we are, that it would no longer be a dirty little secret, but a proud accomplishment. We would not be seen as dirty, creepy, dangerous criminals, but people with a disease who are worthy and entitled to adequate health care & recovery. If it were not for seeing this movie, I probably would not have posted this in a public space. I am a person in long term recovery. For me that means that I have not had a drink or a drug since June 4, 1989. I write, I vote, and I make a positive difference in the world. Thank you to the producers of Anonymous People for reminding me that we are many, we are awesome, we are powerful, and we can change the world.

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.

I went to see this movie with a dozen or so folks in recovery. Maybe that was the difference for us. We understood what was being said. Can you imagine a time when it is a matter of pride to say "I am in recovery?" Not I am an alcoholic, addict...but in recovery. Which is kept secret. Yes you can share your status with friends and fellow addicts in meetings. Yes, you can tell anyone you choose, but face facts, there is shame in being an addict and sadly that shame follows into the hardest won achievement of our lives: recovery. The movie celebrates recovery and encourages us to leave the shame behind with the active addiction and instead celebrate our changes and accomplishment of recovering from near death at the hands of alcohol or other drugs.