DRUNK IN PUBLIC - The Letters

View COMMENTS regarding the impact of "DRUNK IN PUBLIC"

LETTERS - 2006

YOUR LETTERS ARE IMPORTANT & INSPIRING...

Dear Mr. Sperling,

My husband is in jail on drug related charges. He has been an addict for a while and is hopefully going into recovery when he gets out. My husband told me he is in jail with Mark David Allen. He called me and told me about him and told me to look up your website online. I was very sad and angry. I bought the film on your website.

I talked to my husband and he said Mark just drinks coffee and draws. The first day Mark was in jail he soiled all his clothes and blankets. Mark couldn't get down at night to use the restroom and that some of the inmates were really mean to him because of his odor and going to the bathroom in his own bunk. The guys in the cell were not happy and the deputies thought it was funny.

My husband is a very compassionate person and a surfer from Hawaii, so he felt the need to watch over Mark. He said he was trying to help Mark out. My husband gave him his own bottom bunk because Mark needed it. Mark let my husband get him clean blankets and was very friendly to him.

The story Mark told my husband was different from yours but he was put into a cell with some pretty bad people and no one was told about any mental or physical condition that he had. To me that is abuse and endangering his life.

So far, I watched the DVD twice...

I can't even begin to tell you how sad this makes me...I have printed out some information off of your website and mailed it to my husband. He said that Mark is being treated much better now that everyone knows his story from the information. My husband passed the information around the jail and said that even some of the deputies wanted to read it. Now they’re looking after Mark.

I also gave the DVD to the doctor I work for to watch. Maybe he can help?

When my husband decided to go into treatment his mother and I got involved in starting a chapter of a drug addiction support group. I am going to show your movie at our next meeting.

Isn't it funny, we can pass laws requiring people to wear helmets and seat belts for their protection but we are okay with watching this man kill himself slowly and painfully? I feel very sorry for him and I have no doubt that he will live out the rest of his life in hell and will die a very sad and sick man. I also have no doubt that if we institutionalized him and medicated him he could be happy. It is overwhelmingly sad.

I am very thankful for what you do and I want to help in any way I can.

I have had to deal with addiction my entire life and although it was never my own, this disease has brought me to my knees praying for strength. The pain has been so intense...

My father is an alcoholic and I already mentioned my husband. I would give my right arm to free either of them from this horrible disease. I love both of these men dearly. I know I have no power over what they do but I believe when it comes to a life or death situation, you do whatever you have to. With my husband I have had a little help from the system (and I do mean a little). I worked for a year straight to bring his bottom to him before he hit his own bottom which would have been a lot worse.

When they say jails, institutions or death I think they are very right and the way I saw it--Jail was my best option.

Anyway, I went to the jail on Friday and put some money on Mark's books. I have been careful to put just a little bit at a time. I know if he has money when he is released I'm not helping him.

Thank you again for making this film, I took one to the local Alcoholics Anonymous meeting and they said they would pass it along to Pacific Hills Recovery when they were done. I know this DVD is helping others but I can't help but to feel so helpless for Mark. This must be so hard for you.

I have always said that when I leave this world I hope to leave it a little bit better of a place than it would have been if I hadn't been here. You have definitely accomplished that. I am sure there is a group of people that at the time of watching the video don't even realize that is may have an impact.

I took the DVD to a treatment center and I didn't even get through the door and someone asked me about it. He said you spoke at his DUI class. He said he just figured Mark was dead by now. They asked if they could keep the DVD for a bit. I have been trying to loan them out and get them back so I can get them as many places as possible. I give your cards to people I let watch it so they can buy one if they want.

I was wondering if you or anyone has tried to get it on TV. I was thinking about writing to A&E but wanted to see if you would be ok with that. I don't know if you ever watch that channel but they have recovery and addiction shows on almost daily.

Anyway I have started a letter about you and Mark's story and if you are okay with it I'd like to let you read it and possibly send it to some people.

I just received more DVD’s. Thank you! I knew that people like you existed, I'm just used to seeing them on Oprah. Your kindness and selflessness is absolutely amazing!!! I made copies of the article from the Orange County Register to pass out. You inspire me and I know first hand that not only Mark’s story, but also what you do, can change lives. I will continue to do what I can. You really have changed my life.

I carried my husband’s addiction around like it was my own. I constantly tried to control it to a point that was unhealthy for me. I am learning to let that go. After your eye-prying message, I went out and bought a book called, "Codependent No More." I opened the book and didn't put it down until I was finished with it. I couldn't believe it. It's like it was written just for me.

Anyway, I am a healthier and happier person since you came into my life. For the first time in a very long time I don't have that pit in my stomach anymore. I am having a hard time putting into words just what this has done for me.

I am working on the whole "bigger picture" thing you’ve written about. It’s hard to not get caught up in the here and now. You inspire to make me a better person. I thank you for that.

I am going to try not to sound too strange when I say this but I think everyone that comes into our lives is there for a reason. We may not always realize right then but I think there is something to be taught or gained or given from each person that is put in our paths. I felt this way from the moment I read the story and what you’ve put on your website. Not many people would have stopped to listen to Mark or taken anything he said serious, but you did. And my husband did.

I was not raised to be religious or spiritual. My mother was an atheist and a science teacher. Religion was never a part of my life and my family is so far from spiritual. I have come to find that I am actually very spiritual and don't know what I would have done if I didn't get to know God. I am still amazed by life all the time.

THIS is one of those times. I hope that didn't sound too strange.

I know that this whole bigger picture thing is reality but I am having a hard time just letting this man die. There must be something--I drive around Orange County where most people wouldn't skip Starbucks for a day to help someone out. This really gets me. To say nothing can be done, that's just unacceptable.

Something has to change…

We pass these people all the time. There are the ones that look like drug addicts, the veterans, the ones screaming at the wind--These are all obviously very ill people but we just pass by and go about our day. We see nothing we can do to help it so we just ignore it. Why try to save their life? We put a few programs out there that very few are even capable of utilizing and we say, “We tried”.

This is why what you have done impresses me so much. How many times have people told you about how many people there are out there just like Mark? And how many times have those people told you of any efforts they made to help those people they obviously know about?

I understand feeling helpless and hopeless when it comes to situations like Mark’s, but why can we hold Mark against his will in jail, but we can’t move him to a facility where he can live more comfortably? Where he can be given proper medical attention? This is not rocket science.

There are families living in cars and motels, but people like Paris Hilton are driving around drunk in cars worth half a million dollars.

I just want to try to help make a change. As far as feeling obligated--I am obligated. If everyone felt a little more obligated to take care of each other and be compassionate this country wouldn't be so screwed up. You took your time, your money, your resources and your heart and put them out there in an effort to help Mark. Most people wouldn't have done that. You deserve to be recognized for that.

I will continue to do whatever I can to fight against this disease and a society that seems to want to cover up the problem rather than fix it.

Something can be done…

Anyway, my little sister is a student at UCI and she loved the film--It really validated what she wanted to do with her life. After she graduates next year we are going to try to start a shelter and/or awareness for the homeless. We also discovered that the Phoenix House was started by a few ex-cons who put their welfare checks together and created what is now the largest nonprofit drug rehabilitation in the country--Who knows what we can accomplish? I will keep you posted. Thank you again, David.

You are truly an amazing person,

--B.C.

Santa Ana, CA

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Dear Dave,

A co-worker and I viewed the video last week. She cried through a lot of it and I, jaded veteran that I am, held my breath for 81 minutes. It is powerful and meaningful. It is a good experience for those who are following the same path that Mark is, as well as those who will never know his living hell...

Then our newest staff member showed it to our inpatient combo intensive outpatient group. This group has some of the hardest street cases out there. The group was stunned.

A couple of our homeless fellows shared part of their story as a result of being able to identify with Mark--And these guys NEVER talk. The film really seems to affect those who haven't totally declined yet, but see their potential. We have 7 different programs at our facility, our detox and residential clients have had the opportunity to watch the film and it had a great impact... Additionally, our detox unit has shown it in some groups. All of the members of my staff that have viewed it are so grateful. You need to get this video out there--THANK YOU SO MUCH!

--Rhonda Fraser - Treatment Manager

Island Grove Treatment Center - Greeley, CO

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Mr. Sperling--

God bless you. I know that you are a good-hearted man. I would like to hug both you and Mark David Allen. I am an alcoholic and your documentary deeply touched my sister and I. She told me I just ‘had to see this documentary’…I'm glad I saw it today…I envy you for having the blessing to be able to offer your assistance in one of God's miracles. Mark's life is a miracle and your willingness to be God's helper in his life and in getting the word out is a blessing. As someone who has been buoyed by God's grace all my life, I can appreciate God's love even more when I see it through people like you. I thought I had some miracles in my life that were worthy of being called a miracles (and they are) but that Mark's organs are still functioning must be God's way of letting Mark share his story with the rest of us. Thank you for taking all the time and effort to help God get Mark's message to me.

Blessings--

--Carlos Daniel

Washington State

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Mr. Sperling,

I had the pleasure of seeing you give a screening of your movie to a small audience for ‘Sober Living By the Sea’ alumni. It has not been the first, nor the last time I have had the privilege of seeing the profound impact that 'Drunk In Public' has had on others (I show it regularly to an audience in my DUI offender classes). Thank you for producing such an incredibly powerful movie that impacts so many others by bringing about a shift in their awareness in regards to so many aspects of Mark David Allen and the society in which he exists. I truly hope that through this project more people can be transformed by your powerful documentary.

--Matt Kelley - Counselor at A.O.D.D.

Newport Beach, CA

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David,

I just viewed the film. My first response is simply WOW. You did a fantastic job portraying Mark's struggle with alcohol and his brain injuries…You did a great job pointing out the inadequacies of our system. How he can continue to be denied treatment is very baffling to me and I'm sure to many others. I still contend that there is hope for Mark's recovery, but that desire has to come from Mark. He is certainly not the only individual suffering from these issues--Many have overcome similar if not worse situations. As you implied at the end of the film, perhaps Mark might not ever get it, but I'm sure he will be instrumental in helping many others suffering from addictions and similar head trauma…

I will pass your message and your film on to as many people as I can.

You've done an unbelievable job with this production. Don't give up the fight. It just takes the right timing and the right people and amazing things will happen…This documentary far exceeded my expectations. The guys at the fire station were also very impressed. I'm sure this film has changed some peoples’ lives. To try and get this kind of information out to the public--is truly a labor of love on your part. You did a fantastic job with this film. My hat is off to you.

Blessings,

--Steve Russell - Firefighter

Seal Beach, CA

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Dear Dave,

I just watched DRUNK IN PUBLIC--What a movie! I'm glad to know that Mark knows the Lord... You are a good man and have been good to him. It's amazing how you have been woven into Mark's memory--You have touched his heart. And mine too. I can't believe that woman could look at Mark and think he has a job and a home to go to. I can't believe all those involved just let him walk out the door. It is very sad...It is all simply amazing. When is the book coming out? Keep up the great work. You are changing the world! I just ordered another copy of the film. I would like to give it as a gift—it’s a great gift-giving opportunity! Thank you so much!”

--Heidi M.

Huntington Beach, CA

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Sperling,

I am a teacher--right now I'm teaching 5th grade. I have been successfully living the A.A. and N.A. programs for over 30 years now and was browsing the recovery related items on Ebay. Your documentary is unquestionably the most powerful proof I have ever seen that alcoholism is a progressive disease. I have seen first-hand how the disease takes over a person's life, but your film captures the hopelessness an alcoholic feels. I plan to share it with members of my groups. Thank you for your efforts and your kindness to Mark David Allen.

I talked to the director of a men's halfway house in Salina, Kansas and he was very interested in seeing your documentary so I decided to get it for them. I have shared your work with several others in the AA and NA programs and the response has been the same...an incredibly powerful documentary!

I truly do think this documentary carries an impact not often seen in the real world. The concept of alcoholism as a progressive disease is clearly represented by Mark David Allen's obvious decline physically, mentally and spiritually. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers! Thank you for having the courage and fortitude to undertake such a powerful documentary spanning so many years! I also went to your web site and enjoyed reading about you and your d-BISCUITs. Keep up the good work! The world needs more people like you.

--Janet Jorgensen

Beloit, KS

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Dear Mr. Sperling,

Hi, I purchased your film and I just finished watching it about an hour ago and I am still physically moved. I have been in recovery 3 years now and I work in a treatment center as a tech on the 3^rd shift. My husband who was in recovery decided last week that he did not need A.A. anymore. We met in a homeless shelter 8 years ago. We both were low bottom drunks. Tonight, I somehow convinced him to watch the film with me. When it was over, I could see he was clearly moved and he quietly went to our bedroom. I'm giving him some space and thought I would email you.

The film was so REAL, so SAD and I am so GRATEFUL.

I will be showing it to our counselors where I work and I am sure they will want a copy for the treatment center. Thank you so much for your years of work and your kindness to Mark. I believe that Mark’s life, and your work, was, IS, and will be the plan of a Power greater than any of us.

--Cynthia Z.

Pompano Beach, FL

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Hi David,

I knew Mark when he was just a young man at about 22 years old. I was 18 years old. I used to hang out at the peninsula along with everyone else in our group of partiers. Mark was one of them. At the time he was surfing, partying and had a lot of friends. We would ride our beach cruisers up and down the boardwalk to go look for parties. Sometimes the party would be at his place. Mark was a good looking man at that age and I don't remember how I got the picture I’m sending you, but I must have seen it at his house and thought he was a cute little boy and asked for a picture—Me being 18 and all.

Over the years I grew up and moved on. I notice when I go down there (Newport Beach) that not much has changed. It's just a new generation of young dumb partiers. Some will move on with their lives as they mature and others will not grow out of it. They will sink to the depths of alcoholism and the disease will follow them for the rest of their lives just like Mark.

When you are young, you think you are invincible. All the sudden you turn 40 or so and you could be in a situation where you ask yourself, “What have I done with my life?" Life passes by so quickly. It seems that we were all so young just yesterday.

I was surprised when I saw the movie and what Mark had become. It left me feeling depressed. It was a great movie and would be inspirational to people, especially young people that think time will never catch up with them. I was left feeling like I had wished he had turned the corner at some point and married and had kids. He could have had a lucrative career or something at this point in his life but instead he is living on the streets. What a shame!

--Chris S.

San Clemente, CA

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Dave,

WOW! This makes you put things into perspective. I just finished watching it. Overall it's an impressive work, with tons of good stuff. The production is excellent…You're the only real human "friend" he has and he seemed to realize that…You've obviously made a good impression on him ministering to him a bit over the years, and I congratulate you on that. Most folks wouldn't handle that stench, much less the apparent futility of it.

God has spared him for some reason; I'm wondering why...

It's a major piece of work. If you don't believe in angels, you need so see this film. If you think drunks are funny, you need to see this film. The collective self-abuse and injury that Mark David Allen has lived through should have killed him ten times over, probably more. What purpose(s) the Lord has working through him are not certain; perhaps simply incredible mercy to a childlike mind that He won't give up on, or maybe a crystal clear warning for us all against self-delusion.

I don't know, but something in this story gives me hope.

You and the other officers who have dragged Mark's unconscious body out of harms way and revived him from seizures numerous times deserve an award for patience and uncommon mercy.

--Steve Williams

Honolulu, HI

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Dear Mr. Sperling,

I met you after the showing of “DRUNK IN PUBLIC” a few Saturday nights back at the annual SOBER LIVING BY THE SEA alumni gathering. I promoted your film to friends at a world class treatment facility named CIRQUE LODGE in Park City, Utah near Sundance the very next weekend. There were 300 clients from all over the United States. I also pitched it at the Institute of Chemical Dependency Studies where I am a student. It was reviewed by a respected cohort--And very favorably. All of these people will have jobs in treatment centers around the country. I hope this helps you. Thank you very much and good luck.”

--Simon S.

Unknown

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Sperling--

Thank you for your film. It is moving and painful to see Mark's descent into alcoholism and it reminds me how powerful that disease can be. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I work in the field of Chemical Dependency. I am also now clean and sober for 16 years.

I have seen so many stories in my work, and it still never ceases to amaze me the destruction that results from alcoholism or drug addiction.

I volunteered at CMC in San Luis Obispo as a literacy counselor in 1993 and for four years I did monthly AA panels (IRC, Mod K) at women's central jail. Now, I just go into the "tank" at court to evaluate potential drug court clients.

Finally, Mark's journey is unbelievable. I see portrayed the depths that a human can go and how powerful addiction is. It is especially powerful in the film because the twelve years are condensed into the length of the film which magnifies the effects.

--L.R. – L.C.S.W.

Orange County, CA

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