Twelve: Is There Life After Rehab in Recovery?

Offering a frank look at the progression of substance abuse addiction, from initial usage to rehab and beyond, Twelve: Is There Life After Rehab in Recovery? features the personal stories of 13 individuals in different stages of recovery. Some have been sober for just months, others for more than 25 years; however, despite hailing from very disparate backgrounds, all tell similar tales of their early teen years, when they began to use alcohol and drugs to “numb the pain,” but “never thought [they] had a problem.” Although Twelve is essentially strung-together interview clips, the editing is skillful, powerfully interweaving personal testimonies to create a brutally honest portrait (the documentary includes profanity) of addiction, with rehab and recovery presented as “progress, not perfection,” as each interviewee feels that his or her now-sober life is an ongoing choice. A fine cautionary/inspirational program aimed at teens and young adults experimenting with drugs and alcohol, this is recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (E. Gieschen)