Drunk In Public

I first saw this documentary during my undergrad studies. It touched my soul in numerous ways.This movie changed my life, suffice to say: I graduated with a Bachelors in SocialWork with a minor in Alcohol and Drug counseling and not an RN degree as planned! I currently work as a Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor and a professor ,with an MSW and soon to be PhD in Addictionology. After years of showing this to clients (and coworkers) in both inpatient and out patient settings,it never gets old.I have seen the film well over 150 times and always take something new away from it. My clients have laughed, cried, sobbed, sang along, been outraged, and been in awe and in disbelief. This speaks to the power of this film as the addicts I work with are rarely able to step outside themselves or emotionally connect to someone else;but thanks to the films Director ,David J. Sperling, the raw emotion of Mark's story is kept and --they connect with Mark.This film and the discussion that follows is consistently on evaluations as one of the most important and best things they were exposed to in treatment. The same hold true with my students. I show them the film toward the beegining of thier Substance abuse counselor education and 4 years later, I always hear about it again in Senior Seminar Course as they prepare to graduate. I recently ordered the new DVD and just as with the first, I am moved deeply by the film. The additional footage is well worth the purchase of the new DVD, even if you own the first. I send my most heartfelt thank yous, and my overwhelming kudos To David Sperling for his bravery, compassion, and amazing ability to teach the masses with this unique work; And for giving a face to a cunning, baffling and powerful disease which otherwise all too often seems invisible.Kay L. MSW, CSAC, ICS, LADC

Great topic for group discussion!

David J. Sperling has created a piece of filming that honors the nobilty of a shattered man. The whole film is done with sensitivity and compassion. The most poignant moment for me - amongst many - was towards the end. David speaks to Mark and tells him he likes speaking to him because, "I think you're important." This statement catches Mark off guard. For a few seconds, you see it stops him in his tracks. He looks searchingly, bewildered, unsure he heard correctly. He probably hasn't heard that said to him for a very long time - if ever. He's a man, like so many, who the world passes by. Yet, in that moment, he was told, 'You're important'.Yes indeed. Mark David Allen is very, very important. Thank YOU David J. Sperling for telling him, and the rest of the world, in this beautiful portrait of a noble spirit.I highly recommend the DVD 'Pleasure Unwoven. An explanation of the brain disease of addiction. It's a clear, concise and very easy to understand explanation of why addiction is a disease. Kevin McCauley, a physician and ex addict, shows us why the Mark David Allen's of this world need our understanding.

I am a former drunk, recovering alcoholic, who came very close to living the perilous life that was Mark David Allen's. I was stunned by his rapid spiral downward until I reviewed my own life and could see clearly the similarities. This film is relentless in its 'in your face' approach to the subject matter of alcoholism. I agree with another review that mentioned that the soul of Mark David Allen is doing much to change some of the archaic opinions the world at large has about such an incredible affliction.I too am an addiction professional and as such it is my job and desire to educate others to the disease of addiction. One of the best tools I have is this superb film. I have heard it said many times in various 12 step meetings that "some must die so others may live" as callous and uncaring as that may sound it is sadly very true. The legacy of Mark David Allen may be that he, in his death, will have saved thousands.

I was an addiction counselor and used this video when counseling groups. The patients could relate to this guy's problems and life. It truly gives them a reminder of what their life was like and will be if they return to using

Having been born into and raised in a Family with a chronic, belligerent, often violent Alcoholic Father, I found this documentary Film at first difficult to watch but, as Mark David Allens' life began to unfold before My eyes, I realized just how helpless We all are when faced with someone who must make their own Life choices. By the end of this film I actually empathized with Mark and even appreciated His (for the most part) non-belligerent/non-violent style of coping with His plight (read Disease). HIs Grandmother, the Police Dept. (including David Sperling) and the communities of Honolulu and Newport Beach et al seem to have been His "rock", providing unwavering support for Mark, during His downward spiral and expiration. Thank You David J. Sperling, for enlightening Me and providing Me with answers to what were nagging, perpetual questions I had been asking Myself for decades. Best, Joe Rudd

interesting bio of a classic gutter drunk. As a former gutter drunk, and current addictions professional, I would recommend it for individual entertainment/information, or in segments for group discussion. My clients who are other substance dependant had some challenges IDing with the main character.

I use this DVD in my job as a drug and alcohol counselor. It definitely holds the clients' attention and shows them the tragedy of alcoholism. It is easy for some people to believe that alcohol use isn't that harmful because it is more socially acceptable than the use of other drugs, but this video shows just how devastating and harmful alcohol use can be. The video shows the powerlessness of addiction and the sad reality of the lack of treatment options available for people. The seller shipped the item as described and it arrived very quickly.