Life In Recovery

Movie Review: “Recovery Boys”

Professionally managed recovery homes · A house manager on site · Structured, phased programs

Written by

Anna-Grace Washington

Medical Content Writer

Medically reviewed by

Dr. William J. McCreight III, MD

Medical Director, 2019–2024

Published January 28, 2020 · Updated July 27, 2026

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.

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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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4.4 average across 4 rated Eudaimonia locations · 161 reviews · pulled from Google August 15, 2026

“Overall, it's a great place to build on your recovery. It's a different concept from traditional sober living homes because you're actually living in apartments. I have my own apartment so I have a…”
Chad2 months agoAustin
“I’d live here forever if I could. Clean, comfortable and great people live here. Exactly everything you’d expect from a sober living. Accountability for recovery; which includes 12 step mtgs, a…”
Nicholas Tolar4 months agoAustin
“I've been in several sober living facilities in the last three years. There were those that were only facades run by thieves and hypocrites. It takes not much to supply an excuse to a person newly in…”
Christopher Sandersa month agoAustin
“First of all really great experience at this house I mean everybody respects each other cook great food.. That guy Jamie though top notch chef in the kitchen every day slaving over a hot stove.. It…”
Jason Saizxsaiza year agoCollingdale
“Absolutely exceptional experience at this recovery home! Rich Pappas, the owner’s dedication shines through in every aspect – from the immaculate cleanliness of the facility to the genuine care and…”
Patrick Debinski2 years agoCollingdale
“I've been with Eudaimonia Recovery Homes for nearly 2 years now. From nice amenities to cozy beds. This as been the best part of my recovery journey yet! And I'm still going. Thank you guys in…”
Collin White8 months agoHouston
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clutch fork2 years agoColorado Springs
“Wonderful place to get grounded in recovery. Great place to learn the proper way to go through the 12 step program. The design and the staff teach at a healthy pace to get you through the steps in a…”
Danny Grimes2 months agoAustin
“If I could do four and a half I would but I can't so I'll err on the side of grace. The pictures on the website actually match the apartments. The maintenance is mostly on point except for smaller…”
Antonio Renaud2 months agoAustin
“Good location and the house is full of good guys. Everybody is respectful, clean and nothing is ever pushed onto you- only suggested. Your recovery is your choice and what you make it and this house…”
Steven6 months agoCollingdale
“This is a great place to start a recovery journey. They created a positive and safe environment to feel comfortable at. The house is updated, newer, and clean. Very easy living. The owner, Rich…”
Daniela year agoCollingdale
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Michael Kerr8 months agoHouston
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Trevin McCormick2 years agoColorado Springs

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