Addiction & Recovery: Alcoholism

Opening with comments stating that alcoholism is an addiction “common in young teens,” this entry in the Teens in Treatment series mixes talking-head shots of recovering alcoholics and others, brief dramatizations, and voiceover narration to present very broad coverage of the topic. According to one speaker who appears to be a counselor (individuals are not identified), there are two types of alcoholics—those who never had control over alcohol and those who grew into it (he states that for some people, “alcoholism is in your body”). The interviewees talk about their own drinking or that of abusive family members. Some recall blackouts and others say that they drank to fit in, feel happy, and escape problems. The final segment, “Life without Alcohol: Clean and Sober,” does not suggest seeking professional help, but instead features a recovering alcoholic, who stopped drinking at age 25, telling viewers to “talk to people who have success in staying away from alcohol.” A somewhat sketchy treatment of an important subject, this is an optional purchase. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Beauregard)