Bobbi Jo Under the Influence is an honest testimony of addiction and one woman’s discovery that the only way to save herself is to save others. Grab your Kleenex because this documentary is a real tearjerker.
Bobbi Jo Under the Influence – Synopsis
Bobbi Jo: Under the Influence is one of the most inspirational stories you will ever hear. For 25 years, Bobbi Jo Reed has rescued thousands of addicts. But before she could help others, Bobbi Jo needed to help herself.
This true-life story takes an honest look into the world of alcoholism and addiction and provides keys to long-term recovery in Kansas City’s most dangerous neighborhood.
After a middle-class upbringing, Bobbi Jo turned to drinking and drugs at a young age. Soon, her life spiraled out of control. Addiction led to abuse, prostitution, and homelessness. When she hit rock bottom, Bobbi Jo had a spiritual awakening.
With newfound strength, Bobbi Jo was lifted out of a personal hell. That strength gave her the courage to return to the streets to help others. Using the testimony of her dark past as a “blueprint of hope,” Bobbi Jo Reed reflects on her transformation, how she was saved, why she was chosen, and why more than 8,000 souls now call her “Mom.”
Where to Watch
Now Available to rent or own on most streaming platforms, such as Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play, VUDU, and more. DVD and Blu-Ray discs are also available on demand. Find your preferred platform here.
Why You Should Watch
This past week I took the time to watch the Bobbi Jo Under the Influence documentary…twice. Consuming recovery content is the core of what we do here at The Sober Curator so that our readers and followers can easily access all of the great recovery content that is out there. The backbone of recovery is a community, and I believe it is our responsibility to support anyone in recovery that is doing their part to make an impact. The impact that Bobbi Jo has had on Kansas City’s community is profound and inspiring.
Let the tears flow. That’s what I had to do the first time I watched this movie from start to finish. I cried at the shared pain of experiences that Bobbi Jo shared that I could relate to personally. Tears also fell as her story got darker than mine ever did. Then, I sobbed at the real story, which is one of redemption. By the grace of God, Bobbi Jo was able to gather up all of that pain and use it for a higher purpose of helping others.
8,000+ Others…
After years of suffering from addiction and enduring brutal living environments, Bobbi Jo founded Healing House, a local charity that has helped over 8,000 people in the Kansas City area who have had similar struggles. Just let that number sink in a minute. That is how powerful one person’s story in recovery can be. When we share what it was like, what happened, and what it’s like now, not only do we heal, but we help others towards their own personal healing. The ripple effect can be limitless.
My own sobriety journey started in 2006, and I can tell you from my own personal experience over the last 15 years that the recovery community is rising up at a time when it is needed now more than ever. We are stepping out of the shadows and into the light. We are sharing our stories and supporting each other, and lives are being saved. While the stigma surrounding addiction is still very much there, it’s loosening up because of people like Bobbi Jo. People who once thought their lives were hopeless are getting the help and the resources they need because of places like the Healing House.
The Sobees Movie Score: 4 out of 5
About Healing House
Since 2002, Healing House has provided recovery housing and support that assists both men and women in experiencing long-term recovery from substance use disorders. They operate safe and stable recovery residences and offer programs that provide opportunities for spiritual and personal growth. Nearly 200 individuals reside in their thirteen private homes and two apartment buildings on any given day. Last year, they served over 1,100 individuals, helping them on the road to recovery and meaningful drug—and alcohol-free lives.
Healing House Programs and Services
- Recovery Support
- Transitional Housing
- Education and Employment
- Other programs include Madeline’s Swaddle House, a Community Outreach Center, and First Step Fitness.
How You Can Support Healing House
The first way you can support Healing House is to rent or buy this documentary. For less than the cost of a latte, you can support this film by watching it and then encouraging others to watch it. Full disclosure: the first time I watched it, they provided me with a code to watch at no charge. The second time I watched it, I rented it on Amazon Prime. That’s how inspiring this story was for me and supporting others in the recovery community that is creating content and providing services is my jam. If you have watched The Anonymous People documentary and felt inspired watching that film, then you will want to watch this film. The second way you can support Healing House is by direct donation.
We at The Sober Curator are big proponents of giving. Whether it be time, talent, or money, we all have unique gifts to share with others. Besides wanting to be a good human, there are many reasons to give. Multiple studies on the topic reveal that people who give time and money are happier, live longer, and feel more connected. According to Pablo Picasso, the meaning of life is to find your gift. But the purpose of life is to give it away.
Pay it Forward will help you do just this. Our resource directory provides reputable, vetted, recovery-related organizations seeking donations and volunteers to help make our communities better. The Sober Curator is always looking for new opportunities to give. If you have a favorite nonprofit related to recovery, please share it with us.
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Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
