ADDICTION ULTIMATUM: Jail, Death, Recovery
Addiction can take hold in an instant,
but the journey to recovery is far longer and more challenging.
Watch the Documentary
Someone with a substance use disorder (SUD) has three options…
jail, death, or recovery.
This documentary, told through four personal stories, shows the stark realities of this disease and the hope for anyone with an SUD.
Screen the Documentary?
BrightView is hosting virtual screenings in many of our communities. If you are interested in hosting a screening of “Addiction Ultimatum” for your organization, click here to inquire about details.
BONUS CONTENT
MEET CHIEF SYNAN
After seeing an entire family die from 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 him 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.
His life has gone from surviving to thriving thanks to his hard work in an outpatient medication for addiction treatment program. In active recovery for 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. SCHMIDT
Dr. Gilbert Schmidt helps his patients fight for their recovery, after making it clear it’s one of three possible outcomes from their disease.
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 Gyftakis’ son became addicted to heroin, she helped him the best way she knew how.
After enjoying several years of recovery, her son’s return to use resulted in a deadly overdose. She has since dedicated her life to helping other families avoid a similar outcome.
“Every ultimatum presented by addiction is an opportunity to reclaim life.”
David McDonald, Addiction Ultimatum Director and Executive Producer
About This Documentary
Addiction Ultimatum is brought to you by BrightView Health, an outpatient addiction treatment program with nearly 100 locations in seven states.
David McDonald was inspired to create this movie after interviewing Dr. Gilbert Schmidt, a doctor of addiction medicine who tells his patients that addiction is a disease with three outcomes: jail, death, or recovery.
“This movie is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a reminder that no one is alone in their struggles,” said McDonald. “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.”
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. We use his music in the documentary and you can check out some of their songs below.
GETTING HELP
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 at 1-800-662-4357.
- Click here to learn more about the various types of addiction treatment programs.
CONNECT WITH BRIGHTVIEW
Follow us on social media to learn how we treat our patients like people and addiction like a disease.
