UPDATE: Just wanted to say we are already looking forward to National Recovery Month 2014 – however, each month sober, is a month to celebrate. Thanks to all who participated in our event.

An Inspiring Bill W. Movie Review & Post Event Discussion

It was Treatment Center Finder’s privilege to stage an event honoring National Recovery Month 2013 in a special way.

We decided to share the new ‘Bill W’ documentary with the community. The more than twenty attendees appreciated the screening on the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, certainly a stellar figure in the field of recovery. Dr. William G. Wilson, or Bill W. as he is affectionately known, is on the center stage in the feature-length film that debuted in 2012.

He was named one of the “100 heroes and icons of the 20th century” in 1999 and is known for his work in the Twelve Steps program. Going back to 1934, the story unfolds as Bill W from Vermont gains sobriety and recognizes the need for an alternate and modern approach to alcoholism to replace the current primitive practices. The filmmakers, Kevin Hanlon (Director) and Dan Carracino (Producer) did a wonderful job utilizing archival material, interviews with historians and AA members, and reenactments to recreate his early tragic years of inebriation followed by the historical co-founding of a new worldwide, self-supportive and organization.

Why use the Bill W. Movie released in 2012 for our National Recovery Month Event?

As an anonymous non-profit society, AA has gained the respect of millions, including the medical community, as it reaches out to those in need with the hope of sobriety through spiritual and character development. It can be found just about anywhere having crossed numerous geographical and cultural boundaries.

Those participating in our National Recovery Month event had their own personal recollections to share as they witnessed the life and contributions of their ground-breaking co-founder. They could identify with the message based on first-hand experience that a cure has to come from within with the help of a higher power.

The 2012 film, which took eight years to complete, hits home and elicits an emotional “aha” epiphany as it chronicles a life of sacrifice and service. Bill W, who passed away in 1971, has been credited along with Dr. Bob Smith with the formation of a life-saving program to help addicts forge a path to rehabilitation. This led to his monumental legacy addressing one of the world’s most devastating problems – alcoholism.

National Recovery Month and Alcohol Abuse Awareness

Many alcohol rehabs follow his program even to this day – not missing a step of his advice and ways. Laden with true-to-life sequences, “Bill W” does its job capturing the pain, the struggle, and the heart-break of its subject over the years.

Wrapping up our Bill W. Movie Review

Clocking in at one hour and 43 minutes, it held its audience in rapture. As a powerful portrait of a singular individual, it rang true for our viewers in so many ways. The establishment of the meeting format has been a salvation for sufferers seeking mutual understanding and support.

The commemorative gathering was warmly-received. Amid the snacks and refreshments, attendees expressed favorable and supportive comments during the post-event discussion. This public forum allowed for a positive response to fill the air and culminate the successful evening for our National Recovery Month 2013 event.

If you would like to learn more about National Recovery Month click here.

If you or a loved one is suffering from an addiction to alcohol, do not hesitate to call our addiction counselors 24/7. You can learn more about how we can help you by visiting our page about alcohol rehab.