Considering the fact that there is hardly any subject on which a movie hasn’t been made in Hollywood, it is unlikely that one would not find movies based on alcoholism and the fight to attain sobriety.  In fact, there is a bevy of movies made on alcoholics or alcoholism. 

Here are five movies based on alcoholism and sobriety that are worth watching, though not during the initial days of sobriety:

1.  Leaving Las Vegas: It is a gripping tale of a character called Ben Sanderson, played by Nicolas Cage, who wants to end his life by drinking in Las Vegas.  Based on a semi-autobiographical novel of the same name written by John O’Brien, the 1995 movie lapped up huge accolades from critics and audiences alike.  The film depicted Cage as a Hollywood scripter who lost his job, family, and friends as a fallout of his alcoholism.  In Vegas, he bumped into Sera, played by Elisabeth Shue, a hardcore hooker with whom he had a whirling relationship till the time he embraced death. 

2.  My Name is Bill W.: Based on the true account of the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, Bill Wilson, the 1989 movie can be an inspiration to those trying to go sober.  It portrays how Wilson went on from his destructive drinking habits to finding a recourse, reclaiming his sober life and his endeavor to help others on a similar trajectory.  It is a must-see movie for alcoholics during the recovery days. 

3.  Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?:  This is an old gem which adorns the alleys of Hollywood classics.  The 1966 movie which picked up several awards, showcases drinking sprees of the main characters that spelled trouble for them.  The story revolves around a married couple, played by Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, and one of their evenings spent with a young couple when some truths of their relationship get revealed. 

4.  Barfly: It is a comedy-drama film released in 1987.  Based on a semi-autobiographical story of Charles Bukowski, who was a chronic alcoholic, with alcohol eventually becoming the cause of his death.  However, he left a compelling narrative of how things could go haywire for a life spent in vice and alcoholism. 

5.  Clean and Sober: The name itself sends a positive signal to alcoholics who are looking to go the sober way.  This 1988 film starring Michael Keaton, shows him struggle with a substance abuse problem seeking a way out.  The story revolves around his tryst with addiction and efforts to go sober.  It shows how an addiction can land somebody in trouble and destroy his life.  Watching this kind of a movie surely makes one understand the futility of any addiction and the array of problems it entails. 

Recovery roadmap

There is a general misconception that alcohol is less harmful than most substances which are dubbed illicit by federal agencies.  Maybe, it also has to do with our culture, which does not vilify drinking as such.  It seems, social drinking is inherent in the culture of the United States. 

But alcoholism is one of the major causes of deaths in the U.S. and is considered a malady in the society.  It is difficult to fight chronic alcoholism without intervention.  However, alcohol detoxification is possible with treatment. 

If a loved one is grappling with alcoholism and you are looking for alcohol addiction treatment in Arizona, you can contact the Arizona Alcohol Addiction Helpline.  There are a handful of alcohol addiction treatment centers in Arizona where the recovery is comprehensive and long-term.  You may call at our 24/7 helpline number 866–671–1510 to get connected to one of the best alcohol addiction treatment clinics in Arizona.