Shuffle documentary exposes profit-driven practices in addiction recovery

Benjamin Flaherty’s documentary "Shuffle" examines disturbing, profit-driven practices in the American addiction recovery industry, the New York Times review says.

The film traces the recovery movement’s roots to the Oxford Group in the 1920s and Alcoholics Anonymous in the late 1930s, whose guiding text states, "The only requirement for A.A. membership... is a desire to stop drinking." According to the review, "Shuffle" lays out a collusion between moneymaking rehab treatment centers, double-dealing insurance entities and predatory social-media "scouts" that keep cash flowing into corporate pockets while the sick and suffering do not get well.

Flaherty, who became aware of the problem while undergoing his own treatment, documents insurance malfeasance with archival footage and some animation, and conducts interviews the review calls "gut-wrenching." The subjects are described as aware of what is being done to them and "powerless," "as if they’re caught on a carnival ride that’s gone out of control." The review labels the film upsetting and revelatory; "Shuffle" is a New York Times Critic’s Pick, not rated, runs 1 hour 21 minutes and is in theaters.

Key Topics

Culture, Shuffle, Benjamin Flaherty, Addiction Recovery, Alcoholics Anonymous, Rehab Centers