Watch Recovery Boys

"Recovery Boys" is a Netflix documentary directed by Elaine McMillion Sheldon. The film follows four young men struggling with addiction and their journey towards rehabilitation in a long-term residential program in West Virginia called Jacob's Ladder. The documentary begins with archival footage of the opioid epidemic in America and the rise of prescription drug addiction, eventually leading to heroin use. We then meet the four subjects of the film: Jeff, Rush, Adam, and Ryan. Each of them has a unique backstory, but they all share a common thread of addiction and the desire to escape it.

The first half of the film is spent introducing us to the men and their daily routine in Jacob's Ladder. We see how difficult it is for them to adjust to a structured lifestyle that includes counseling, group therapy, and chores. The film also highlights the residents' relationships with each other and the staff, which are essential to their recovery process.

As the film progresses, we witness the ups and downs of their journey towards sobriety. There are moments of hope and progress, like when Jeff takes the initiative to go to college, or when Rush reconnects with his daughter. However, there are also moments of setbacks and relapses, which are equally heartbreaking.

One powerful moment in the film is when the residents participate in a group therapy session where they are asked to write a letter to their addiction. The letters are emotional and raw, revealing the struggles and pain each of them has experienced. It's a poignant reminder of how addiction can strip individuals of their humanity and how recovery is not a linear process.

"Recovery Boys" also highlights the importance of community support and how it's essential for sustained recovery. The residents attend a support group for individuals who are trying to overcome addiction. They also help each other out and become a surrogate family. One of the residents even says that Jacob's Ladder is the first place he has felt a sense of belonging.

The documentary ends with updates on the residents' lives after their time at Jacob's Ladder. Some have successfully completed the program and are continuing their sobriety. Others have relapsed and returned to Jacob's Ladder for another chance at recovery. The film doesn't paint an idealistic picture of sobriety, but rather shows how difficult and unpredictable the journey can be.

Overall, "Recovery Boys" is a touching and profound documentary that sheds light on the complexities of addiction and recovery. It's a reminder of how addiction can affect anyone and how rehabilitation requires a holistic approach that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of addiction. The subjects' stories are equal parts heartbreaking and inspiring, and the film serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Recovery Boys is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.