Drug Rehab Motion Picture Motivation: Basketball Diaries

For those that struggle with an addiction to drugs, alcohol, gambling, or any other compulsion, motivation to get clean can come in many forms—and seeing a movie that can be relatable to an addict’s life can be the right motivation to kick-start a successful recovery. Though some people think that movies can often be a bit fabricated, their messages can be very powerful and convincing. The movie Basketball Diaries is a drama film that can be potentially moving for those who struggle with drug addiction. Here’s a quick synopsis of the movie:

The film is an adaptation of poet and memoirist Jim Carroll’s (Leonardo DiCaprio) juvenile diaries chronichling his kaleidoscopic free-fall into the harrowing world of drug addiction. As a member of a seemingly unbeatable high school basketball squad, Jim’s life centers around the basketball court and the court becomes a metaphor for the world in his mind. A best friend who is dying of leukemia, a coach (“Swifty”) who takes unacceptable liberties with the boys on his team, teenage sexual angst, and an appetite for heroin all begin to encroach on young Jim’s dream of becoming a basketball star. Soon, the dark streets of New York become a refuge from his mother’s mounting concern for her son. He cannot go home and his only escape from the reality of the streets is heroin for which he steals, robs and prostitutes himself. Only with the help of Reggie, an older neighborhood friend with whom Jim “picked up a game” now and then, is he able to begin the long journey back to sanity.

There are a few lessons that can be learned after watching a movie like Basketball Diaries —most importantly being that for an addict to actually come to the realization that they have a problem is the key towards a successful recovery. It’s unfortunately very common for people to fall into drug addiction, especially in heavily populated areas like New York (NY) and New Jersey (NJ), where the stresses in life and access to alcohol and drugs is elevated. But it’s extremely important to first become conscious of the problem, and then find that burning motivation to change your ways. It can be very difficult for a drug addict to accomplish these things on their own, so that’s where Seabrook can help. Seabrook is an internationally recognized private and exclusive inpatient addiction rehab and alcoholism detoxification treatment center who has achieved an elite CARF accreditation status, ensuring that our rehab patients receive the highest quality treatment. Seabrook operates three facilities in the northeast. Our main rehab facility is located in rural Bridgeton, New Jersey (NJ), only a 90 minute drive from New York City (NYC). If you can find motivation to get control of your drug addiction from a film like Basketball Diaries, then the professional treatment team at Seabrook can help complete your recovery process!