The Story
Brandon Novak struggled publicly with this disease throughout much of his life.
What is substance use disorder/addiction?
These can increase cravings and put recovery at risk.
What are triggers?
Recovery usually requires this rather than a one-time decision.
What is ongoing effort or daily commitment?
Name one moment in the documentary that stood out to you.
Talk about what impacted you the most from the movie and why
The process of returning to substance use after a period of sobriety.
What is relapse?
One major consequence Brandon experienced due to addiction was repeated loss of these important life areas.
What are relationships, trust, housing, jobs, finances, or stability?
Brandon’s story showed how people, places, and things can influence this.
What is relapse risk or recovery success?
These people or systems can improve long-term recovery outcomes.
What are support systems (treatment, peers, sponsors, family, meetings)?
Identify one consequence Brandon experienced that you can relate to or understand.
What consequence felt familiar or meaningful?
A strategy used to handle difficult emotions or cravings safely.
What is a coping skill?
Brandon described how addiction impacted his ability to make healthy decisions and prioritize recovery.
What is impaired judgment or loss of control?
Addiction often affects this group of people in addition to the individual.
Who are family, friends, or loved ones?
Brandon eventually used his story to help others through this.
What is sharing experience, advocacy, or peer support?
Name one healthy coping skill Brandon could have benefited from earlier.
What is a coping skill (calling support, meetings, boundaries, emotion regulation, structure)?
Being honest about behavior and taking responsibility for actions.
What is accountability?
Brandon described how addiction impacted his ability to make healthy decisions and prioritize recovery.
What is impaired judgment or loss of control?
This recovery skill helps someone recognize situations that may lead back to use.
What is relapse prevention or self-awareness?
This mindset means learning from mistakes instead of giving up after setbacks.
What is growth, perseverance, or resilience?
What warning signs of relapse appeared in Brandon’s story?
What are isolation, dishonesty, minimizing, unhealthy relationships, poor choices, or avoiding support?
People who encourage healthy decisions and recovery goals.
What is a support system?
Brandon’s story demonstrates that recovery is possible even after repeated setbacks.
What is resilience or hope in recovery?
Brandon’s experiences remind us that consequences can continue to grow if this is avoided.
What is accountability or asking for help?
Recovery often improves this damaged quality over time with consistency.
What is trust?
What lesson from the documentary could strengthen your own recovery?
Talk about the personal takeaway you can apply in your recovery from the movie?
Recognizing risky situations and preparing for them ahead of time.
What is relapse prevention planning?