Watch the documentary
This documentary follows four unique voices, each facing the challenges of SUD in different ways. Their experiences reveal the difficult realities of this disease while also highlighting the strength, compassion, and resources that make long-term recovery possible.
Host a screening of the documentary
Addiction Ultimatum is available for virtual screenings hosted in partnership with community groups, treatment organizations, and recovery advocates. Whether you are actively struggling with a substance use disorder or working through addiction recovery, this film offers powerful encouragement. It will be appreciated by anyone who has experienced a recovery journey, a major turning point, or a mental health struggle. Inquire about hosting a screening for your organization.
About the film
Addiction Ultimatum is a 43-minute recovery story brought to you by BrightView Health. We operate outpatient recovery services in more than 70 locations across five states.
The film was inspired by conversations with Dr. Gilbert Schmidt, a physician who has spent decades helping patients find freedom from alcohol and drugs. Dr. Schmidt tells his patients that addiction is a disease with three outcomes: jail, death, or recovery.
Director and executive producer David McDonald turned that stark reality into the driving force of this project. He says, “This movie is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a reminder that no one is alone in their struggles. It's about the choices we make, the support we give, and the love that sustains us. It's about understanding that every ultimatum presented by addiction is an opportunity to reclaim life.”
The stories shared are powerful reminders of how difficult life can become when struggling with a substance use disorder. Yet many people who have faced these challenges have gone on to build meaningful and fulfilling lives in recovery. With the right resources and care, you or your loved one can do the same.
Featured Stories
Meet Chief Tom Synan
After seeing an entire family die from a drug overdose, Newtown Chief of Police Tom Synan realized a punitive approach to recovery was not working. He has applied his experience serving the village of Newtown, Ohio, to help create the Hamilton County Addiction Response Coalition. The coalition’s success in reducing overdose deaths has made it an international source.
Meet Adam
Adam is a person in recovery who has rebuilt his life against all odds. This documentary looks at how he began misusing drugs at the age of 13 and chose prison over recovery. Thanks to his hard work in an outpatient medication for addiction treatment program, his life has gone from surviving to thriving. In active recovery for over 17 years, he is happily married with two children, and in addition to his full-time job, he is a member of the indie soul/alt-pop duo Sundae Drives.
Meet Dr. Gilbert Schmidt
Dr. Gilbert Schmidt helps his patients fight for their recovery after making it clear that it’s one of three possible outcomes from their condition. He switched to addiction medicine after nearly 40 years in emergency medicine. Based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, he is now a state medical director for BrightView.
Meet Christine
When Christine’s son began struggling with heroin use, she supported him in every way she could. After several years in recovery, he experienced a return to use that tragically led to his passing. Christine has since dedicated her life to helping other families find hope, healing, and support so they do not face the same heartbreak.
Sundae Drives: Adam’s band
Music has helped Adam work through his addiction and rebuild his life. Today, he is part of the indie soul/alt-pop duo, Sundae Drives. Adam's band is featured in the Addiction Ultimatum, and you can listen to some of their songs below.
Getting help now
If you or someone you know is having a hard time with drugs or alcohol, help is always available:
- Visit SAMHSA's website to find a treatment location or call the 24/7 helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
- Learn more about the addiction treatment programs we offer, including MAT, treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), and relapse prevention services.
Connect with BrightView and overcome addiction
BrightView can help you address substance use disorders and find lasting recovery. Get started by scheduling a callback or exploring locations in your area.
Follow us on social media to learn how we treat our patients like people and addiction like a disease.
FAQs
You can watch Addiction Ultimatum anywhere you have an internet connection, directly from this page. If your organization would like to host a formal showing, contact a member of our team.
You can turn captions on by clicking or tapping the "CC" button next to the volume controls on your media player. Then, you can choose the language and font size you need to follow along.
We'd love for these stories of loss, hope, and overcoming addiction to speak to as many people as possible. So, feel free to share the film in that spirit. If you plan on screening the film in a public setting, please email marketing@brightviewhealth.com to request approval.
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