A movie tells a story that can touch lives. The right film may be what brings you or someone you love to decide that it’s time to get treatment for drug addiction or alcoholism at centers like Westwind Recovery®. Learn more about several popular movies that address addiction and contact an addiction treatment center near you today.
Movies About Alcoholism and Drug Addiction
Requiem For A Dream
Released in 2000, Requiem For A Dream utilizes some of Hollywood’s top talent to look at how addiction affects two generations. The film focuses on four main characters, played by Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, and Marlon Wayan, whose lives are influenced by addiction. The audience watches as each of these lives deteriorates as a result.
Flight
Flight, the 2012 film starring Denzel Washington, is the story of William “Whip” Whitaker Sr., an alcoholic pilot who manages to save most of the lives of passengers aboard a plane that crashes.
The film looks at Whitaker’s struggle with admitting he has an addiction and his imprisonment after investigators find two alcohol bottles in the plane’s trash. Despite his downfall, Whip uses the experience to help inmates find a road to recovery.
Judy
Judy is an award-winning biographical drama that primarily focuses on the last years in the life of singer-actress Judy Garland. It shows how film executives manipulated garland’s self-image. To compensate, she turned to both pills and alcohol, leaving her financially unstable and costing her the custody of her children.
28 Days
The film 28 Days starring Sandra Bullock is a more upbeat look at the self-discovery necessary to begin recovery. Bullock plays Gwen Cummings, a newspaper columnist who likes to party. Eventually, she must undergo rehab due to her tendency to binge drink. While there, she explores the addictions that run in her family and finds both recovery and love.
Smashed
Smashed looks at another woman’s struggle with addiction and recovery. Released in 2012, Smashed is the story of Kate Hannah, played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead. Kate is an elementary school teacher with a habit of showing up for class hungover.
Smashed gives a realistic view of how addiction can lead to a loss of control. It also shows how recovery can mean strength and clarity in life.
A Man Loves a Woman
A Man Loves a Woman is a film released in 1994 that stars Meg Ryan in the lead role of an alcoholic mother, Alice Green. Alice seems to have a perfect life, but the audience sees it shattered by her dependence on alcohol.
This film looks at how addiction affects a family. In the end, Alice faces her problems with the help of her loved ones.
Treatment for Alcoholism and Drug Addiction at Westwind Recovery®
Westwind Recovery® is an addiction treatment center and sober living program in California. The addiction treatment facility offers:
- Six residential beds
- Six detox beds
- 80 outpatient slots
Westwind Recovery® specializes in mental health care and addiction issues. We provide specialized care for members of the LGBTQ community. As part of the Westwind Recovery® program, you can take part in exciting options like adventure therapy that provides outings every month for camping, hiking, surfing, and other fun activities like seeing great movies such as the ones listed here.
The sober living program has residences that allow you to live comfortably with the support of both staff members and others in recovery. Each house has a specialty such as:
- Members of the LGBTQ community
- Women’s only
- Men’s only
- Co-occurring disorders
- Low-income residents
- Luxury living
Some of the houses come with semi or private rooms along with amenities such as a hot tub, laundry facilities, and modern appliances.
Contact Westwind Recovery®
Westwind Recovery® offers client-centered treatment plans and a diverse staff able to help not just with addiction but with mental health conditions as well.
If you or someone you love needs substance abuse treatment, contact us today at 855.340.8832 to find out more about Westwind Recovery®.
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
