‘Keep Coming Back’ Film by Mark Rosman: Understanding substance misuse Through a Parent's Eyes
A Father's Journey from Denial to Acceptance in The Face of His Child's struggle with substance use disorder
What can a parent do when their child makes life choices that could potentially derail their future, especially when those choices are a journey of heartache and substance use disorder? ‘Keep Coming Back,’ the film written and directed by Mark Rosman, delves into this harrowing question, not from the viewpoint of the person suffering from substance use disorder, but through the eyes of a father.
Not The Typical Addiction Story
This is not your typical substance misuse story
This is not from a sufferer’s perspective
This is a father’s story
After decades of working in Hollywood, Mark Rosman, the award-winning writer and director of box office smash hits including A Cinderella Story, The Perfect Man, Life-Size, Ghost Whisperer, and Lizzie McGuire, has turned his cinematic expertise toward a more personal narrative…
Making movies that give back and spread hope.
The ‘Keep Coming Back’ film is inspired by his firsthand experience with his daughter's intense struggle against substance use disorder—a battle that lasted seven long years. Through this film, Mark shifts the focus of the narrative from the sufferer to the often-overlooked heartaches and struggles of their loved ones.
Why This Movie Matters: Parents’ Role in the Narrative of Substance misUse Recovery
“This movie is different… it’s parent-focused. That’s the part that largely gets missed in the treatment world as well as in the movies. And without that piece you’re not going to have a kid getting better unless you have the parents. This film needs to get out there for parents to look at this in a different light.”
-Garth Lemaster, Program Therapist, Visions Adolescent Treatment Center
Parenting is an odyssey of hope, dreams, and unconditional love from the moment a child enters the world. As children grow, make their own choices, and pursue their dreams, the parental role inevitably shifts from direct oversight to supportive guidance—a challenging transition for any parent, particularly when letting go involves navigating a child’s misuse of substances.
As someone who has faced alcohol use disorder head-on, I understand the profound impact this disorder has, not only on the individual, but also on their loved ones. My husband, Evan, has felt the intense fear and despair of watching a loved one struggle with alcohol use disorder as he supported me through my recovery.
This year, Evan and I have had the honor of getting to know Mark. He and Evan found a deep connection in their shared experiences of watching the most cherished people in their lives battle with substances. Their stories resonate with not just the horror of these experiences, but also the hope and healing that followed as they began to understand and change—themes that the ‘Keep Coming Back’ film emphasizes.
Now, Mark’s daughter and I are not just surviving; we are thriving, thanks to the support and changes our families embraced as we did the deep work necessary to overcome our battle with substances.
“When families first begin to address the problem with their family, they look at the one with substance use disorder as being the focus, and of course, the denial that we see in the family is remarkable, and part of that denial is that they have anything to do with the solution. But we're stuck in this medical model sometimes where we just want to send our family member to the doctor, to the treatment center someplace, and they will come back whole. That does not work in substance misuse treatment and mental health treatment. It does not work because you're coming back into that family system with all of the angst and anxiety that the substance use disorder has created over time and all the different things that have gone on in the past, and those need to be healed, and relationships need to be mended, and parents and family need to do their own work. That's critical. And that's what this movie addresses.”
-Sam Dresser, Addiction Specialist & Consulting Producer
The Rising Tide of Substance Misuse and Urgent Need for Awareness
Substance misuse (sometimes referred to as ‘addiction’) rates, especially among adolescents in the United States, are climbing at an alarming rate. From 2019 to 2021, deadly overdoses nearly doubled among this vulnerable group. (Journal of the American Medical Association)
The usual response of parents and loved ones to drug or alcohol misuse is to focus their attention on the person with substance use disorder and how they need to clean up and turn their lives around.
However, this film seeks to illuminate the critical role that parents and loved ones play in the recovery journey from substance misuse, not only focusing on those struggling but also on the supportive circle around them. It highlights how adopting evidence-based, compassionate strategies can foster positive changes and support long-term recovery.
The approach emphasizes a shift in our conversations toward greater empathy and understanding, moving away from judgment. This change is essential for nurturing an environment where healing can truly flourish.
By arming family members with clear, effective methods of support, the film aims to empower them with the knowledge to aid their loved ones while also facilitating their own healing processes. This dual focus acknowledges the intertwined paths of recovery that both individuals and their families must navigate together.
What’s the ‘Keep Coming Back’ Film About?
The film is a story about Miles, a busy TV director and widowed father, who discovers his 17-year-old daughter Zoe is misusing hard drugs. He sends her to rehab in the Utah mountains. But when the rehab informs Miles that one parent must attend their four-day parent workshop, he reluctantly does and discovers there's someone else besides his daughter who needs to change. Miles needs to change himself to help his daughter recover!
Theme
When those caring for loved ones struggling with substance use disorder look at their own behavior and start to change, that can often open the space for recovery to begin.
Mission
The film’s mission is to help and change the lives of parents and other loved ones of people struggling with substance misuse.
This film will be the first to highlight the essential role parents play in the recovery process, providing a new perspective and potentially changing the lives of many.
“Well-written and important, this poignant story about substance use disorder debunks a number of ignorant assumptions and sheds light on the realistic ways the disease can affect anyone from any walk of life. The honesty with which this captures substance misuse and all it entails is rarely seen in film.”
-The Blacklist
Learn more about The ‘Keep Coming Back’ Film
Support and Resources for Families Navigating Substance Use Disorder Recovery
As we recognize the vital role parents and loved ones play in the recovery process, it's important to connect them with resources that can provide guidance and support. For those seeking help, two notable organizations stand out: the CMC: Foundation for Change and PAL (Parents of Addicted Loved Ones).
The CMC: Foundation for Change offers a unique approach to supporting families dealing with substance use. They focus on evidence-based strategies that empower families to foster positive changes through interactional techniques that promote recovery. Their resources and workshops provide critical skills that help families create a supportive environment conducive to healing.
PAL (Parents of Addicted Loved Ones) provides invaluable support through its network of weekly meetings where parents can share experiences and gain support from peers who understand their challenges. PAL's educational tools and community support can be instrumental in helping families feel less isolated and more equipped to handle the complexities of substance use disorder.
Both of these organizations offer compassionate support and actionable advice that can make a significant difference in navigating the difficult journey of recovery. Engaging with these resources can help you as a parent or loved one not only to support your family member effectively but also to maintain your own well-being during this challenging time.
For more information on how these organizations can assist, please visit the CMC: Foundation for Change website and the PAL website. Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and utilizing these resources can provide both support and hope on the path to recovery.
Remember, sunsets 🌅 are the new happy hour, and I’m rooting for you!
Kristin 🫶
How I Can Help You 🌅
FREE RESOURCES PAGE FOR LOVED ONES OF THOSE STRUGGLING WITH SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER!
In my ongoing commitment to supporting not only those facing substance use challenges, but also the loved ones standing by their side, I’m excited to provide a FREE Resources page on my website.
This page is filled with valuable information, recommended books, and services designed specifically for friends and family of individuals struggling with substance use. My hope is to provide you with the tools, understanding, and support you need during such a challenging time, all in one accessible place.
You are not alone on this journey, and these resources are here to guide you with compassion and care.
VISIT MY FREE RESOURCES PAGE VIA THE BUTTON BELOW. 💜
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