Risky Drinking (HBO)

About Risky Drinking (HBO)

"Risky Drinking" is a powerful 2016 HBO documentary that takes a comprehensive look at the widespread issue of alcohol abuse, providing a close, in-depth understanding with first-hand accounts of those who suffer from the condition. Highlighting the fact that drinking is a part of American culture and that the line between moderate and excessive drinking can be blurred, the film takes viewers through the stages of risky drinking, including problem drinking, heavy drinking, and alcoholism.

Making / Production

"Risky Drinking" is a joint production between HBO Documentary Films and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). It was directed by Ellen Goosenberg Kent and written by Perri Peltz and Matthew O'Neill, with the objective of sensitizing the audience about the reality of alcoholism as a chronic illness rather than a moral failing.

Cast / Interviewees

• Neal Berger: Playing himself, he relates his personal experience with excessive drinking and the effects it had on his life.
• Cheyenne Livermore: Playing himself, he recounts his struggles with heavy drinking and his journey towards recovery.
• Mike Varga: Playing himself, he is a professional baseball player who shares his personal fight against alcohol addiction.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film combines the narratives of real-life individuals with input from leading alcohol researchers and experts.
• It also uses animations to illustrate the harmful effects of heavy drinking on the brain and body.

Quotes

• "My drinking is like a light switch, once it's on it's hard to switch it off."
• "I want to believe alcohol isn't my problem, but it's hard to deny."

Music / Soundtrack

• The soundtrack of "Risky Drinking" was carefully chosen to reflect the somber, heavy-hitting nature of the film's content.

Awards

The film has not been registered as recipient of any major awards. However, it has been lauded for its transparent portrayal of alcoholism and it's critical role in increasing awareness about alcohol abuse.