“Shuffle”

Director Benjamin Flaherty’s “Shuffle” is an eye-opening documentary that dives deep into the shady world of addiction treatment in America. Filmed over three years, it follows several subjects who are trapped in a system that doesn’t focus on getting them better, but one that focuses on making money. By narrating the film himself, Flaherty uses his personal experience with addiction to guide viewers through this messed-up reality. It’s informative, effective, and disturbing.

The film exposes how treatment centers exploit insurance loopholes with the despicable goal of keeping addicts stuck in an endless cycle of detox, relapse, and readmission. These places aren’t trying to help people get clean, but are trying to maximize profits.

Flaherty exposes some of the more underhanded methods that are in the treatment center playbook. Social media is even used to lure in vulnerable people, and brokers get paid kickbacks for finding new patients. The whole thing is a disturbing business model built on one philosophy: bill, bill, bill. And the worst part? When someone actually starts recovering they become less profitable, so the system has no real incentive to help them stay sober.

The documentary balances personal stories with expert insights from figures that range from an FBI informant and an insurance analyst to a former treatment center executive. Hearing from addicts and their families is the most compelling, especially as some people manage to break free while others sadly don’t make it out alive. The documentary exposes just how devastating this industry can be to people that are brave enough to seek help.

The dark side of addiction treatment is heartbreaking, and “Shuffle” gives a shocking look at how profits are prioritized over people’s lives. This documentary is a push for real change and reform, and hopefully it will get the ball rolling by exposing a serious healthcare issue in our country.

By: Louisa Moore