According to the Pew Research Center, nearly half (46%) of Americans have a family member or close friend who has been addicted to drugs or alcohol
About the film
Together: Family Recovery, transforms outdated practices, empowering families on their recovery journey with compassionate, inspirational stories and expert insights.
Together: Family Recovery is a powerful and intimate documentary that redefines what recovery can look like - through the lens of family. Rather than focusing solely on the individual struggling with addiction, the film follows three courageous families who have chosen to walk the path of healing together. From heartfelt interviews to vérité scenes of everyday resilience, we witness how each family member - parents, siblings, even grandparents - undergoes their own journey of growth, connection, and change.
Together offers a modern, hopeful approach to recovery that centers love, communication, and community. Whether it's revisiting childhood homes, attending support groups, or simply sharing a meal, the documentary captures the quiet, profound moments that define what it means to rebuild relationship and rediscover family - together.
A study published in 2022 found that those with strong family support are twice as likely to achieve lasting recovery two years post-treatment compared to those without such support.
Watch the trailer
Sarah's Story
The Wrenn's Story
When a family member is suffering the negative effects of substance use, it destabilizes the entire family system. Families often feel alone in their search for direction and support. The film aims to be a lifeline for families and loved ones, providing reliable education, compassionate actionable solutions, and the tools to become powerful allies in recovery.
Hear what audience members have to say
Meet the families
Heather & Ashley
Sarah & family
The Wrenn's
Independent Research
Study conducted by VCU School of Social Work
A mixed methods study tracking family members before viewing, right after, and six weeks later
FAMILIES FELT MORE NEEDED
+9.53
Right after watching the film, families felt significantly more confident that their involvement actually matters to their loved one's recovery — a major shift from the helplessness most families carry in.
Measured immediately after viewing
FAMILIES FELT STRONGER
Six weeks later, families reported feeling more resilient — better able to cope with the hard days, bounce back from setbacks, and face challenges without falling apart.
Still true 6 weeks later
+1.89
FAMILIES FELT CLOSER
Six weeks after watching, people felt meaningfully closer to their loved one. Not just emotionally — in practice. "We are actually communicating." "I have softened towards her."
Real relationship change at 6 weeks
+7.73
Formally studied by the VCU School of Social Work · Yang et al., 2024
Family members are the most consistent finding in addiction research. Their involvement changes outcomes. Not sometimes. Consistently.
About the Program
Watch the film, together. Do the work, together.
Enrollment includes a private virtual screening as your first lesson, followed by 11 additional sessions turning the films lessons into a real, structured path for your family.
JOIN AS A FAMILY
Enrollment includes a private virtual screening as your first lesson, followed by 11 more weeks turning its lessons into a real path for your family.
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Screening + 12 guided lessons across 3 phases
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Printed participant guide for reflection
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Real family stories in every lesson
BRING TO YOUR ORGANIZATION
License the film and curriculum for your campus, treatment program, or community. Or host a private screening to start the conversation.
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Institutional licensing or multi-user purchase
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Contracted, facilitated delivery available
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Backed by VCU School of Social Work research
Want to host a public screening instead? Request a screening here.
Help us educate, equip and support more families by donating to our film's fiscal sponsor organization, Illume Family Recovery, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit shining the light on family recovery. Illume provides family recovery coaching, support groups and supports the together film & family program operations.