Risky Drinking

About Risky Drinking (Plot and Summary)

"Risky Drinking" is a 2016 documentary that takes an in-depth look into the serious risks and consequences associated with heavy and uncontrolled alcohol drinking. The film is created in a unique, case-study format, tracking the lives of four individuals from different socio-economic, racial, and generational backgrounds who have developed a risky relationship with alcohol. The movie accurately portrays the struggles, denial, and health problems associated with alcohol abuse. It also presents the harsh realities of alcoholism’s impact not just on the individual, but also on their families and communities.

Making / Production

The production of Risky Drinking is a collaboration between HBO Documentary Films and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Directed by Ellen Goosenberg Kent and written by Perri Peltz and Matthew O’Neill, the film is aimed at shedding light on the effects of excessive drinking on American society. The filmmakers follow the subjects through every stage of their journey providing an unfiltered lens to viewers.

Actors

• Neil Berger, one of the individuals followed in the film, gives a heart-wrenching account of his struggle with alcohol addiction.
• Mike, a middle-aged businessman whose drinking habits are causing stress for his family.
• Kenya, a young mother trying to juggle her responsibilities whilst dealing with her alcohol dependence.
• Rhonda, an older woman whose lifelong drinking habit has brought severe health complications.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was produced by HBO Documentary Films in association with the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).
• Risky Drinking is not only a documentary but also an effort to educate people about the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption.
• The film includes expert commentary from NIAAA Director Dr. George Koob who provides valuable insight into alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Quotes

• "Alcohol doesn't discriminate. It affects all of us. The rich, the poor, the young, the old, men, and women"
• "I didn't think I had a problem, because I wasn't drinking everyday."
• "You don't always see when your drinking becomes a problem, until it's too late."

Music and Soundtrack

• The soundtrack of Risky Drinking is instrumental in portraying the heavy emotions involved in each subject’s story.
• Music played a crucial role in setting the tone and heightening the emotions throughout the documentary.

Note: Risky Drinking did not win any awards specifically, but it was well received by critics and played a significant role in raising awareness about alcohol use disorder.