On February 28, 2022, I had the privilege of attending the first theatrical screening of the feature independent documentary film Tipping the Pain Scale. From the producer, Greg D. Williams, who brought us The Anonymous People and Generation Found, this new documentary aims to tell a new story about the addiction and mental health crisis we are currently facing. The film brings to light the reprehensible systematic failures that have contributed to this disaster and the pervasive stigma that still exists. It is no secret that the addiction crisis in America has hit rock bottom. This film introduces a new narrative of courageous individuals from diverse backgrounds who remind us what we are fighting for, not just against.
I saw The Anonymous People for the first time while I was attending an outpatient treatment program in Minneapolis in 2019. I’ll never forget the feeling that came over me as I watched the documentary. For the first time in my life, I felt like I belonged and was a part of something much larger than myself. The film introduced me to Collegiate Recovery Programs and became the reason for my return to college once I had completed treatment. It also ignited my passion to live my recovery out loud and without shame.
In December 2020, I graduated from Minneapolis College with an Associate of Science Degree in Addiction Counseling and am a working professional in the addiction and recovery field. On January 28, 2022, I celebrated three years of living a new and purposeful life in recovery. Since The Anonymous People had such a powerful impact on my recovery journey, it was an honor to attend the screening of Tipping the Pain Scale.
I had the privilege of connecting with Williams after the screening event and asked him to summarize the film for this article. These are his words:
“Tipping the Pain Scale explores the social dynamics that have led to an addiction epidemic through the eyes of a diverse collection of personalities, many of whom have personal or family experiences with addiction themselves. The story weaves together their stories and the avant-garde approaches emerging in the battle against addiction in communities, which is now the leading cause of death in the U.S. for those under 50.
Individuals featured range from high-profile personalities such as star NFL tight end Darren Waller and the former Mayor of the City of Boston, Marty Walsh, who became President Biden’s Secretary of Labor during our production, to sensational grassroots activists working on the front lines. There is a dynamic spoken-word artist from DC bringing a brand-new message into schools, a young female state legislator working across the aisle to build consensus in the divided State House of Washington, a heroic community volunteer who has reversed over 900 overdoses on the streets of the Kensington neighborhood in Philadelphia, and a police officer moonlighting as a barber in an engagement center for those struggling with addiction.”
Tipping the Pain Scale has now been selected by more festivals than the top 1% for all films finished in 2021/2022 (according to Film Freeway). The work will always continue and evolve. I stay committed and tenacious about promoting recovery through education, advocacy, and the power and proof of long-term recovery. I live my recovery out loud so that others don’t suffer alone in silence. If you are a person in recovery, I strongly encourage you to be part of the solution and do the same.
The Sobees Movie Night Score: 4 out of 5
Want to know how to set up a screening in your community? Visit: https://www.tippingthepainscale.com/#see-the-film
Watch the Tipping the Pain Scale Trailer: www.tippingthepainscale.com
For information about Bold North Recovery and Consulting | Recovery Services visit:
https://www.boldnorthrecoveryandconsulting.com/
MOVIE NIGHT WITH THE SOBER CURATOR: The Anonymous People, An Independent Feature Documentary About The Over 23 Million Americans Living In Long-Term Recovery From Alcohol & Other Drug Addictions
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