Must-See Movies About Alcoholism 

There are a number of movies that highlight what it is really like to struggle with alcoholism, to live with an alcoholic, or life as a family member of a loved one who navigates the challenges of another family member who has an alcohol use disorder (AUD). 

If you or someone you love has an issue with alcoholism, then you are well aware that life imitates art and art imitates life. Movies often use techniques of drama or melodrama to make situations seem larger than life. Alcoholism is a very real issue that impacts the lives of everyone who is close with someone who has an alcohol use disorder.

At Oasis Recovery, we offer a range of programs and mental health services to assist those who struggle with alcohol addiction. Contact us today to speak with a specialist about the benefits of our personally tailored alcohol addiction treatment program. It’s important to keep in mind that recovery is always possible. 

Must-See Movies About Alcoholism

Leaving Las Vegas (1995)

A whole generation will remember the frightening portrayal of Nicholas Cage in Leaving Las Vegas. The basic premise of the film is that Cage’s character moves to Las Vegas with the intent on drinking himself to death. In the film, Cage’s character becomes involved with a prostitute and engages in heavy binge drinking, reckless behavior, and calls attention to how a severe alcohol addiction can make it extremely difficult to turn your life around.

The movie is a reminder to those with an alcohol use disorder, or who engage in mild to moderate alcohol abuse, that early intervention and preventing yourself from going down the rabbit hole into heavy alcohol abuse is the only way to give yourself a second lease on life.

Walk the Line (2005)

Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of Johnny Cash in Walk the Line is both exceptional and haunting. As Cash’s career begins to take off, the audience watches as the artist becomes more and more dependent on alcohol and drugs. In the film, we see violent outbursts and displays of anger that are common for those who have an alcohol addiction or substance abuse disorder. The movie is both a beautiful portrait and a disturbing reminder of how lives can be upended by alcoholism and drugs. 

Sideways (2004)

Sideways is a movie that is usually talked about as more of a comedy. Many aspects of the film are not funny at all. Over the course of the film, the protagonist, played by Paul Giamatti, goes from being a wine connoisseur to a wino. The movie includes a scene in which Giamatti’s character inappropriately drunk dials his ex-wife and, an even more grotesque scene, when he is in a bad mood after receiving disappointing news and publicly makes a fool of himself at a bar. The film includes several scenes highlighting common bad behavior familiar to those who have spent too much time under the influence. 

Factotum (2005)

Factotum is based on a semi autobiographical novel in which the writer and poet Charles Bukowski uses his character Hank Chinaski as a stand-in for himself. In the film, Bukowski’s character, played by Matt Dillon, who is famous for playing the roles of those with addictions, including Drugstore Cowboy (1989), is an alcoholic who gets fired or leaves job after job while also engaged in unhealthy relationships with numerous women. 

The film contains visceral scenes showing how those with alcoholism can begin and end their days violently vomiting and having other negative physical, emotional, and mental health consequences. The film also shows how alcoholics and those with substance abuse disorders will prioritize obtaining their favored substances over anything else, including food. 

In certain ways Factotum may seem to glorify the life of a “starving artist”. The scenes themselves show graphic imagery of alcoholism and addiction that is a stark reminder to viewers of what substance abuse can look like. 

Contact Oasis Recovery to Start Recovery Today

If you or someone you care about is struggling with alcoholism, we encourage you to reach out to use today for assistance. While early intervention is always best, it’s important to keep in mind that it is never too late to turn your life around. Contact an addiction specialist today to learn more about our alcohol addiction recovery program and services designed to meet your individual needs.