A Story about addiction • choices • hope
AddictedAlex's
Story
What would you choose if you could go back?
An interactive play and film that puts the power of choice in the audience's hands.
✦ The audience chooses the outcome ✦
Americans Living with Addiction
Families impacted by substance use
Received treatment
What This Is
A Story About All of Us
Addicted Alex's Story takes you inside addiction, not from the outside looking in, but through the eyes of someone living it. We witness Alex's pain, his shame, the obsession that has consumed his life. He never planned to end up here. No one ever does. Because addiction doesn't discriminate. It just takes.
But this isn't just Alex's story. We witness the impact of his addiction through the eyes of the people that love him, the anxiety, the broken trust, the sleepless nights, the helplessness. The hope that rises and crashes with every setback. The ones who become so consumed by their loved one's struggle that they begin losing themselves along the way.
You've seen this story before. In someone you love. In someone you lost. Maybe in yourself. The names change. The drug changes. The story doesn't.
You think you know how this ends. You're wrong. Before it's over, you won't just be watching, you'll be part of it. And the choice you make changes everything.
It's time to stop whispering about addiction. Addicted Alex's Story breaks the stigma and starts the conversation, out loud.
The Interactive Difference
Where Does It Start Over?
At a critical turning point, the story pauses. The audience votes. Alex goes back in time and makes a different choice. The story unfolds from there.
This isn't passive watching. It's participation. It's conversation. It's the beginning of change.
The Call
Sara's voice is on the other end. The bag is in his hand. This time, he puts it down.
The Ask
Alex is drowning and he knows it. This time, he reaches out before he goes under.
The Mirror
He's young. He's at a party and for the first time, he doesn't like who is looking back at him. This time, he listens.
Why It Matters
More Than Entertainment
Addicted Alex's Story is designed to do something rare: break stigma, start real conversations, and give communities the tools to talk about addiction openly.
Breaks the Stigma
Stigma survives because people don't understand. This story changes that. By placing the audience inside the experience of someone struggling, it builds the compassion that finally breaks the silence.
Starts Conversations
This story gives people something they've been waiting for, permission. Permission to talk about addiction in their own families. In their friendships. In themselves. Permission to finally break the silence.
Includes the Family
Addiction touches more people than the person using. This story makes sure those people are seen too, the ones who love too hard, carry too much, and suffer in silence.
Makes It Felt
Statistics don't change minds. Stories do. You won't remember a number. But you'll remember Alex. And that changes everything.
Centers Choices
Addiction isn't one big moment. It's a chain of small ones. This story pulls that chain apart and asks: what if just one link had been different? The answer changes everything.
For Any Community
The play brings the power of live theater to any stage. The film brings it anywhere with a screen and speakers. Two formats, one mission, reaching communities wherever they are.
The Impact
Where This Story Has Been
People Reached
2016 - Present
One Evolving Mission
Addicted Alex's Story
2024 - Present
The Interactive Choice
Adelphi University
Garden City, New York · with YES Community Counseling Center
The State Theatre of Havre de Grace
Maryland
Aberdeen Proving Ground
Maryland
North Harford High School
Maryland
Mt. Zion Church
Maryland
Addicted
2016 – 2024
The Original Play · 6,500+ Reached
Harford Community College
Maryland · Booked & funded directly by the college
The John Carroll School
Maryland
Perry Hall High School
Maryland
Dulaney High School
Maryland
North Harford High School
Maryland
Aberdeen Proving Ground
Maryland
Mt. Zion Church
Maryland
North Harford High School has brought this work to its community for ten years. Mt. Zion Church, for four.
After eight years and 6,500+ audience members, Addicted evolved into Addicted Alex's Story — the same truth, now with the audience holding the choice.
Schools, campuses, churches, and theatres have brought this work to their communities for a decade — funded by prevention partners, county agencies, and the institutions themselves.
Sponsors & Partners
Institutions That Have Funded This Work
Harford County Office of Drug Control Policy
Maryland · Sponsor
YES Community Counseling Center
New York · Sponsor
Leidos
Sponsor
Maryland Center for the Arts
Partner
Voices
What Audiences Say
"After watching my niece fight for her life for seven years and then losing her at age 24 to heroin, I can tell you this play is absolutely true to life. It captures the feelings of the person addicted and the family members honestly and deeply. This play is a must-see for every high schooler."
— School Psychologist
"This play brings a real and humanistic understanding of addiction and the experience of those who love someone who has struggled. Compelling for both youth and adults, it dispels stigma, provides hope, and is an excellent opportunity to truly impact youth, parents, and communities."
— YES Community Counseling Center
"Powerful. Heartbreaking. Effective. The most important theatrical work I have ever been a part of. The impact it has had on my students is absolutely moving."
— Nancy Green, High School Drama Teacher
"An incredibly powerful performance that showcases the impact of addiction on our youth, our families, and our community. Educational, insightful, heartbreaking yet hope instilling, essential for our fight against addiction."
— Caroline Ducoine, Psychologist
"I think this was absolutely amazing. As a person in long term recovery, I was able to see my story in Alex's. This will be a great prevention tool for our youth. Thank you for all your hard work."
— Audience Member
"I've been to speakers, presentations, and nothing has impacted me more emotionally than this play. It makes me want to stay sober. It needs to be seen in every recovery center."
— Audience Member
"Very powerful and moving. I love that the audience gets to participate and choose how Alex achieves his sobriety. This belongs in every high school in America."
— Audience Member
"This was a really great play. It portrayed a very accurate and real depiction of addiction and recovery. As someone who is in the field of addiction, this was amazing."
— Audience Member
Ready to Bring This to Your Community?
Whether you book the live play or host a film screening, you're giving your community an experience that creates real change. Both options include a post-show discussion guide.