The documentary follows the lives of several individuals struggling with alcoholism in Germany, particularly in the northeastern region of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The story begins at the Güstrow clinic, where 60% of emergency cases are alcohol-related. The documentary then shifts to the village of Serrahn, a "dry island" that has been transformed into a rehabilitation center for alcoholics.
The main characters include Wolfgang, a 56-year-old who has been drinking heavily for decades; Frank, a 41-year-old sailor who is also struggling with pill addiction; and Ronny, a 28-year-old who has been sober for a few months but eventually relapses.
Throughout the documentary, the individuals face various challenges, including relapse, health problems, and strained relationships with family and friends. Despite these struggles, some of the characters find hope and support in their journey towards recovery.
The documentary highlights the complexities of alcoholism and the difficulties of recovery, but also shows the resilience and determination of those who are fighting to overcome their addiction. Ultimately, the story offers a message of hope and the possibility of redemption for those struggling with alcoholism.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The Güstrow clinic's emergency room receives patients from all over the district, many of whom are intoxicated, on Friday evenings.
2. 60% of emergencies at the clinic are related to alcohol consumption.
3. A doctor at the clinic mentions that many patients don't notice they are drunk anymore due to regular drinking.
4. A village 25 kilometers south of Güstrow has a low rate of alcohol consumption and is known as a "dry island" in the Mecklenburg lake district.
5. The village has a therapy clinic, assisted living communities, and an SOS station for people struggling with addiction.
6. A resident of the village, Wolfgang, has been waiting for a therapy place and has a history of drinking four bottles of vodka a day.
7. Frank, a 41-year-old former sailor, has a serious alcohol problem and has difficulty finding his way.
8. Frank has a pill addiction in addition to his alcoholism.
9. Frank's carer, Detlef, drove him to the doctor, but Frank ran away through a basement window.
10. Frank was found in a hotel nearby, where he had spent his last money.
11. Frank wants to stop drinking and is aiming for detox.
12. The relapse rate for patients in rehab clinics is the highest during Christmas.
13. Wolfgang, a resident of the village, has found new friends and is now looking after the village's therapy horses.
14. Ronny, a 28-year-old resident of the village, has a history of drinking up to three bottles of liquor a day.
15. Ronny stopped therapy and promised to stay sober, but relapsed and drank three bottles of schnapps and a crate of beer alone.
16. Frank the sailor was found in a tent in the Tiergarten in Berlin, where residents provided him with food.
17. Frank has two children, aged 22 and 14, but has no contact with them.
18. Frank is a trained agricultural technician but now lives on the street.
19. Frank's prognosis is extremely bad, with a high probability of dying in the next few years.
20. Wolfgang got a place in therapy and has been sober for half a year.