Elaine McMillion Sheldon’s documentary “Recovery Boys” takes you deep into the heart of America’s opioid epidemic.
Addiction is an issue that plagues all of America, yet it is one that is often misunderstood. Elaine McMillion Sheldon’s documentary “Recovery Boys” takes you deep into the heart of America’s opioid epidemic in West Virginia, and exposes some of the most intimate aspects of recovery.
The film primarily focuses on the lives of four men from West Virginia (Jeff, Rush, Ryan, and Adam) who are facing opioid addiction head-on. They are enrolled in a farm-based rehab program founded by Dr. Blankenship where hard work is just as much a daily part of life as counseling, structured programming, and lots of chores to keep them busy and engaged.
Jeff, Rush, Ryan, and Adam are just a small sample of all the young men and women in the U.S. who have lost years of their lives to addiction. Jeff is the very first resident at the rehab center and he is highly motivated to get sober so he can regain custody of his two young daughters. Rush is a rehab pro, having completed nine other addiction treatment programs previously with little success. Adam is struggling to stop hurting the people he loves most and Ryan arrives in rehab directly off the street, still detoxing and very sick.
During rehab, these men quickly connect and form a bond that can’t easily be broken. Their experience in rehab is portrayed honestly by Sheldon’s film crew. It is full of ups and downs, personal growth, and exposes deep uncertainty at times. However, once the physical and emotional work of rehab is done, the four men are faced with an even greater challenge: returning to their everyday lives.
Staying sober in rural West Virginia isn’t easy, especially when all your friends, family members, and coworkers are all doing drugs or drinking. For some of the men featured in this documentary, living sober is a type of lifestyle that they never even knew was possible. The struggle to stay sober is real and challenges like finding employment, getting stable housing, and dealing with depression and boredom, can all be the difference between life and death.
Sheldon’s film “Recovery Boys” is inspiring but also raw and intimate. It invites you to take a front-row seat and watch as four men struggle to survive against all odds. While each of their experiences with addiction, rehab, and relapse is different, they are united by one common theme: the will to live.
As the movie comes to a close, you will likely feel hopeful for those who succeed in their journey but your heart will also ache for the men who are still struggling to overcome their addictions. This reality is a great reminder that there’s no simple answer or cure to the ongoing opioid addiction problem in America.
Jeff, Rush, Ryan, and Adam are courageously working to end their addiction and they each have distinct and different struggles to overcome. By focusing on their individual stories, Sheldon sheds a unique perspective on opioid addiction and challenges viewers to re-evaluate their expectations and perceptions about addiction.
If you have a loved one who is addicted, in rehab, or is currently in recovery, “Recovery Boys” is an engaging film and an opportunity to expand your awareness and understanding of what treatment and recovery really look like for those who are struggling. You can watch “Recovery Boys” on Netflix with a subscription.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Men-Only Sober Living in Austin
Are there gender-specific sober living homes for men only in the Austin area?
Yes. Eudaimonia Recovery Homes operates dedicated men-only sober living houses in Austin, Texas, and South Austin. Our gender-specific residences provide a structured, peer-focused environment tailored to the unique recovery needs of men transitioning from treatment or establishing long-term sobriety.
Why choose a men-only sober living home?
Men-only sober living eliminates romantic distractions and fosters open, honest communication about challenges men commonly face in recovery—including accountability, employment transitions, family reconciliation, and addressing co-occurring mental health concerns. Research shows gender-specific environments often improve retention and long-term sobriety outcomes.
What makes Eudaimonia's men's sober living different?
Eudaimonia Recovery Homes offers:
- Structured daily routines with mandatory house meetings, chores, and recovery group participation
- Random drug and alcohol testing to maintain accountability
- Peer support and mentorship from fellow residents committed to sobriety
- Access to employment and education resources to rebuild life skills
- Safe, drug-free housing in Austin and South Austin neighborhoods with access to 12-step meetings, counseling, and community
Our men-only model emphasizes brotherhood, responsibility, and the practical skills men need to sustain recovery beyond the residence.
How do I get into a men's sober living home in Austin?
Entry into Eudaimonia’s men-only residences typically follows completion of detox or inpatient treatment, though exceptions may be made for individuals with stable sobriety who need structured housing. The admission process includes:
- A phone or in-person interview to assess readiness and fit
- Verification of recent sobriety or treatment discharge (if applicable)
- Agreement to house rules, including zero tolerance for drugs/alcohol, curfews, and participation in recovery activities
Call (512) 240-6612 to speak with our admissions team about availability in Austin’s men-only houses.
How long can I stay in men's sober living?
Residents may stay as long as needed to build a stable foundation—most stay 3 to 12 months. Many men extend their residency to solidify employment, rebuild family relationships, and deepen their recovery network before transitioning to independent living. There is no fixed discharge date; length of stay is individualized based on progress and goals.
Ready to join a community of men committed to lasting sobriety? Eudaimonia Recovery Homes’ Austin men-only residences offer the structure, accountability, and brotherhood you need. Call (512) 240-6612 today or explore our men’s sober living programs in Austin to learn more.