Search - ABC News Primetime Family Secrets: Inside Addiction on DVD

Excellent look at a chronic drug/alcohol abuser

L. Jonsson | Charleston, SC United States | 10/13/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As an Alcohol and Drug counselor, I am always looking for new products to show to my therapeutic groups. This ABC primetime special that was aired in 2007 is excellent. It tells the tale of Daniel Baldwin, the black sheep actor and Baldwin brother who has struggled with addiction for over 20 years. It chronicles his life, his various relapses (and he has had 8 other rehab attempts before this one) the ups and downs of his addiction, and his stay at a $50,000 a month treatment center. Daniel Baldwin discusses his setbacks and sucesses in a tone that suggests he is telling the viewer what they want to hear. Mr. Baldwin seems familiar with treatment lingo and concepts, and the viewer at the end is left unsure as to whether or not he has made a real commitment to being sober. However, Daniel Baldwin is to be commended for showing the television viewer as to what the life of a chronic relapser is really like.
This DVD provokes an excellent discussion with groups on the nature of relapse, and whether or not someone can really stay clean for a long period of time after having previous treatment attempts. If you are interested in learning about the thinking process that starts a relapse, or just want to learn more about how someone's life can be devastated by addiction, please get it."

Addiction

L. Jonsson | 03/29/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This dvd is pretty good. I am a substance abuse counselor and have shown this movie in some of the recovery groups I run. The clients seem to get a lot out of it."