As a filmmaker dedicated to exploring substance use disorder and recovery, I created The Addict’s Wake film series to deepen understanding, spark dialogue, reduce stigma, and break down the silo mentality. It’s an honor to share this work with the SASSI community, whose tools and research have helped so many professionals respond to addiction with precision and compassion.
Like SASSI’s evidence-based screening instruments, the films are designed to support professionals across treatment, education, justice, and first response systems—bringing the human stories behind the data into clear and powerful focus.
What is The Addict’s Wake Film Series?
The Addict’s Wake is a three-part documentary film series that explores the impact of substance use disorder and declining mental health from multiple angles—community, education, and first response—offering distinct tools for professionals working in treatment, prevention, and recovery support.
- The Feature-Length Film – The Addict’s Wake
This award-winning documentary follows the story of Brown County, Indiana—a rural community overwhelmed by addiction—and its journey toward recovery. Through intimate interviews with individuals in active use and recovery, their families, and community leaders, the film reveals the deep-rooted effects of addiction and the resilience of those fighting back. - The Educational Film
Designed specifically for use in high schools, colleges, treatment centers, and community groups, this version featurescompletely different footage from the feature-length film. It focuses on education, prevention and the connection between mental health and addiction, offering a practical, age-appropriate resource to spark discussion and awareness among youth, families, and professionals. - The Law Enforcement & First Responder Film
Tailored for professionals on the front lines—police, EMTs, firefighters, and correctional staff—this film uses original footage to explore the toll addiction takes on public safety; while also highlighting ways law enforcement and emergency personnel can play a compassionate, constructive role in the recovery ecosystem.
How the Film Series Supports the Work of the SASSI Institute:
- Humanizing the Data:
- SASSI tools uncover patterns of substance use—our films show what those patterns look like in real lives, families, and communities.
- The personal narratives help viewers move beyond statistics to a fuller understanding of SUDs.
- Enhancing Training & Engagement:
- Whether you’re training clinicians, probation officers, educators, or first responders, these films add emotional impact and real-world relevance to technical instruction.
- When used alongside SASSI assessments, the films help professionals interpret data with greater insight and compassion.
- Reducing Stigma in Practice:
- Viewers often report a shift in mindset after seeing the films, becoming more aware of the complexity and humanity behind addiction.
- This aligns with SASSI’s mission to support treatment, not punishment, and care over judgment.
- Improving Communication:
- The film series serves as an effective conversation starter with clients, families, and teams—opening the door to honest dialogue about substance use and recovery.
- Ideal for intake sessions, classroom discussions, or community forums.
- Flexible Use Across Settings:
- With tailored content for general audiences, students, and first responders, the film series can be adapted to support many of the sectors SASSI already serves—from justice systems to education and public health.
Why It Matters to SASSI Users:
By pairing SASSI’s evidence-based screening tools with The Addict’s Wake film series, professionals gain a more holistic approach to addressing substance use—one that honors both the science and the story.
To explore licensing options or learn how to integrate the films into your SASSI training, programming, or community outreach visit TheAddictsWake.com or contact Lisa at lhall@glorygirlproduction.com
