Natalie charts her life and decisions reeling from one adverse childhood experience after another, what triggered lasting change, and her commitment to removing stigma in order to reconnect with all the parts of ourselves as a society. Natalie set up Sisco, a charity whose main objective is to build a bridge between prisoners and society. From peer lead recovery cafés in the Scottish Prison Service to soccer training in the community, Sisco’s model is built on trust, integrity and honesty. TEDxCumbernauldWomen. 25 February 2022. [15’49”]
Recovery and Healing on Film
These films about recovery and healing of trauma and its consequences, including addiction and mental health problems, have inspired me over the years. I will be adding to this collection and blogging about these films over time.
Life After Prison: David Higham
February 3, 2023 by
Awesome film of David Higham, who created and developed The Well Communities, by UNILAD. ‘The Well is a vibrant community of people. Together, we support each other and we believe wholeheartedly that recovery is possible for anyone. By valuing and investing in the people who use our services, we’re able to show a different side to addiction. A side which sees members start their lives afresh with new friends, stronger family links and better prospects.’ The Well Communities are located in Cumbria and North Lancashire. 21 August 2017. [6’08”]
From Addiction to Recovery: CCAR 20 Strong Documentary, Recovery Community History
February 3, 2023 by
Long-term members of a pioneering organisation in the development of recovery communitites tell the inspiring and moving story of CCAR, the Connecticut Community for Addiction (CCAR). ‘CCAR is a centralized resource in CT for all things recovery. Whether you are contemplating a life in recovery, are new to recovery or are in long-term recovery, CCAR is here to help you to navigate the recovery community, by connecting you with others in recovery and providing access to area support services. Since 1998 we have worked to make this reality – the CCAR 20 Strong documentary tells this story.’ 16 April 2020. [32’32”]
Climbing out of addiction and depression: Margo Talbot at TEDxCanmore
February 3, 2023 by
‘Current research suggests that addiction and depression are symptoms of emotional distress, not causes of it, forging the link between childhood trauma and mental illness. Margo Talbot’s journey supports these studies. Diagnosed Bi Polar at age twenty-two, Margo spent the next fifteen years in suicidal depression before discovering the healing power of presence as the antidote to emotional trauma. Being present to our thoughts and emotions, not running the other way or masking them. Where best to practice the art of presence than the frozen world of ice climbing…’ 16 November 2016. [10’29”] Check out Margo’s website and her ‘Margo Speaking Demo Reel’ short film.
It Takes a Village to Recover From Drug Addiction: Charlotte Colman (TEDxGhent)
February 3, 2023 by
“Once an addict, always an addict”? Most addicted drug users do recover, but it takes time. We know that recovery results from an interplay between individual and social factors such as personal motivation or meeting the (wo)man of your dreams. But that’s not enough. After all, there’s a huge difference between wanting to change and having the opportunity to change. That’s why we should focus more on social connectedness and the role of the community in successful recovery. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organised by a local community. 2019. [14’35”]
Ed Mitchell – Lost and Found
February 3, 2023 by
Almost two years on from his last drink in December 2007, former BBC and ITN broadcaster Ed Mitchell revisits the places that played an important part in his homelessness and subsequent recovery in this latest mini documentary. He explains his thoughts and feelings on what happened to him and what he has learnt that might be useful to others. Ed also chats with his son, Freddie, and to his partner, Mandy, who gave up alcohol on the same day as he did. 9 October 2009. [7’03”]
How I Became an Emergency Department Recovery Coach | Addiction and Recovery: CCAR
February 3, 2023 by
Hear about CCAR’s revolutionary program from the view of the recovery coaches who serve in the Emergency Department, the hospital staff who work along side the coaches, and those who have experienced the benefits of these collaborative recovery support services. This nationally recognised model has had a 93% success rate with since it began in the Spring of 2018. CCAR Training. 8 August 2019. [12’00”]
Rehabilitation @ The BAC O’Connor Centre. Women of Courage: UK TV
February 3, 2023 by
This is a short documentary which was aired on ‘This Morning’ (UK) on 2nd July 2007. Noreen Oliver shares her journey from being alcohol dependent to recovery and talks about the BAC O’Connor Centre in East Staffordshire, the successful treatment centre she set up to change individuals lives in a positive way, where they receive support to address their drug & alcohol and related issues by undergoing an evidence based rehabilitation programme. 29 April 2012. [8’54”]
What is Recovery from Addiction?: Beth Burgess
February 3, 2023 by
Recovery Coach Beth Burgess points out that a lot of people don’t realise that there is a difference between recovery from addiction and being clean and sober. She describes her experiences of when she first tried to get sober—it was horrible. Now she is in recovery, Beth doesn’t have those negative experiences, like intense cravings and obsessing about alcohol. She stresses that if you are to find recovery from addiction you need to change things, like your thinking patterns and outlook on life. Connecting to other recovering people is also very important. Beth introduces her book The Recovery Formula: An Addict’s Guide to Getting Clean and Sober Forever. 30 November 2012. [6’17”]
Authentics: SMART Recovery USA
February 3, 2023 by
AUTHENTICS is an amazing new dramatic film about addiction and recovery, and the first-ever to feature SMART Recovery in its storyline. It centers around a young photographer struggling with addiction who books a job to shoot an engagement party. She meets a man who is no stranger to addiction himself who gently introduces her to the principles of SMART Recovery. He inspires her to change and, in the process, he changes too. 12 December 2019. [38’20”]
Kevin Kennedy Opens Up About Beating His Alcohol Addiction: This Morning
February 3, 2023 by
Former Coronation Street star Kevin Kennedy reveals how bad his alcoholism got, and what he did to overcome it. 5 January 2017. [5’46”]
The Power of Addiction and The Addiction of Power: Gabor Maté at TEDxRio+20
February 3, 2023 by
Canadian physician Gabor Maté’s theme at TEDxRio+20 was addiction – from drugs to power. From the lack of love to the desire to escape oneself, from susceptibility of the being to interior power – nothing escapes. And he risks a generic and generous prescription: “Find your nature and be nice to yourself.” TEDx Talks. [18’46”]
Ruby’s Healing Story
February 3, 2023 by
Marion Kickett, Director of the Centre for Aboriginal Studies at Curtin University in Perth, shares the harrowing story of Ruby and describes how her early experiences impacted on her life. By forgiving people involved in these terrible events, Ruby started a healing process which led to her realising a dream. Sharing Culture. 4 October 2013. [9’42”]
Everything You Think You Know About Addiction is Wrong: Johann Hari
February 3, 2023 by
What really causes addiction—to everything from cocaine to smart-phones? And how can we overcome it? Johann Hari has seen our current methods fail firsthand, as he has watched loved ones struggle to manage their addictions. He started to wonder why we treat addicts the way we do—and if there might be a better way. As he shares in this deeply personal talk, his questions took him around the world, and unearthed some surprising and hopeful ways of thinking about an age-old problem. TED Talk. 10 July, 2015. [14’42”]
Oprah Winfrey & Dr. Bruce Perry in Conversation | SXSW EDU 2021
February 2, 2023 by
Oprah Winfrey and leading child psychiatrist and neuroscientist Bruce Perry, MD, PhD explore the impact of childhood trauma on who we become, the decisions we make, and how healing must start with one question ‘what happened to you?’ in anticipation of a new co-authored book of the same name. Winfrey and Dr. Perry focus on understanding how shifting the approach to trauma and allowing understanding of the past allows for an opening of the door to resilience and healing in a proven, powerful way.
Fulfilling Trauma’s Hidden Promise: James Gordon
February 2, 2023 by
Psychiatrist, author, advisor to the White House, and professor at Georgetown Medical School, James Gordon is a world-renowned expert in using mind-body medicine to heal depression, anxiety, and psychological trauma. James shares how he has witnessed the healing power of mind-body medicine for traumatised children and families in areas such as Bosnia, Gaza, and Israel. TEDMED. [23’21”]
Good relationships are the key to healing trauma | Karen Treisman | TEDxWarwickSalon
February 2, 2023 by
Dr Treisman talks about the importance of forging good relationships and effective society-wide systems when it comes to understanding and healing trauma. Dr Karen Treisman, a Clinical Psychologist, has worked across the globe with groups ranging from adopted children to former child soldiers to survivors of the Rwandan Genocide. TEDx Talks. [17’21”]
