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

***

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

***

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

***

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

***

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

***

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

***

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

***

David,

I'm so impressed with what you did with your DRUNK IN PUBLIC documentary - after all these years - you really shaped it into something great.  Love it!  It’s kind of sad, to be thrilled for you and your work when the subject matter is so bleak.  It must have been hard for you to follow this guy year after year. 

It's just an incredible film...

What other festivals have you tried for?  Have you approached educational film distributors to sell the film to medical schools, AA, half-way programs, The Salvation Army, Covenant House, Phoenix House-type programs, high schools, colleges or churches?  Has the film been submitted it to HBO, Showtime, Spike, TLC, for acquisitions?  I'd think one of them would pick this up to air for sure.  What's next on your plate?  Great job!

--Holly H.

Los Angeles, CA

***

Dear Dave,            

               I'm 55 minutes into this film and I have to pause to tell you--you did a really good job with this film.  This documentary has brought tears to my eyes--This film is disturbing.  Also I can see the compassion you and the other officers have for Mark. 

           Wow, what a sobering view of alcoholism... 

           I knew about the lying but I hadn't known about the memory loss.  The other thing is I can sense your commitment to this guy, Mark.  I'll definitely show this documentary to other people.  Thank you, Dave.  The other thing I feel is that the officers in the jail, including you, of course, have been more like a supportive family to him, than his own family has been.  I mean with you asking about him all these years--Mark must know that he means something to someone--That he isn't alone?

--Ginelle Davido

Mountain View, CA

***

David,    

               I showed the film to a group of former patients, and later, to a small group of current patients.  Their responses were filled with emotions that ran the gamut from "disgusted" to "grateful" but all agreed that the depiction will leave a lasting impression that forces them to look more honestly at their relationships with their substance of choice.  The other recurring theme was frustration with the legal and mental health systems that seemingly failed Mark David Allen.  Our clients were unaware that the drug courts and mental health courts that referred them to our facility are not always available to those who need them the most. 

           Your work is admirable and will undoubtedly become a mainstay in drug and alcohol education. 

           I have begun to refer other professionals to your website as well as members of the local recovery community.  Thank you for your efforts!  If the promotion of your film (or any speaking engagements), bring you here to the Pittsburgh area, I would be pleased to help in any way possible.

--Tom – Substance Abuse Counselor

Pittsburgh, PA

***

Dear Mr. Sperling,

               What a gift that you haven't become jaded.   I am barely paid for the work I do at the halfway house "My Home Away From Home."  It works out to be about minimum wage.  I am a building contractor when I'm not working at the house.  I don't live there I live with my partner, Joe.  He helps me in the construction biz.  I got involved, initially, in the halfway house business because the guys we had working for us didn't have anywhere safe to live and it was affecting their work.

               So, I opened a couple of houses, but didn't really know what I was doing.  Then, a woman who had run a very successful halfway house biz for years died and left me in the position of president of the current house that I'm involved in.  She was really something.  I'll tell you about her sometime.

               I see myself eventually being supported by the halfway house full time.  I'd like for us to grow and have more beds and a detox place (non-medical).  We are not government supported which makes us so much more flexible.  If I could dedicate my hours to the house, exclusively, I feel like we could really make things happen.  But right now, we are where we are supposed to be.

               I agree with your views on the nature of people. 

              I run into the attitude that anyone could pull himself up by his bootstraps if he so desired.  It angers me when I hear this.  No, it sort of embarrasses me—If that makes sense.

               Anyway, I just watched your documentary and I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your work.  I bought the DVD on eBay because I was looking for some inspirational or educational material for the halfway house I run in Jacksonville, Florida.  Our residents are "low bottom" drunks who have many experiences in common with Mark.  I talked to some of the residents about the documentary and, interestingly enough, Richard (who is one of our hardest nuts), said "I've never been arrested for drunk in public."  He said this with pride.  I say this is interesting because Richard has been living in our house off and on for the last 20 years. When he "goes out" he lives "in the weeds" on the streets and this last time the cops got to the point where they refused to even pick him up any more.  The rescue squad also washed their hands of him.  (In Jacksonville, they don't arrest people for drunk in public).  He is no longer even "welcomed" in jail.  The hospital called me up after this last time and told me he had only hours to live, although through their attention, he pulled out and is back with us.  Richard hasn't lost any mental capacities, but he has cancer, blood clots, breathing problems, it goes on and on.  He is now our cook and will probably remain sober for a couple of months, but will go back out again.  This time he probably won't make it back.

I don't understand it any better than you do, except, I told Richard that he was, “Too afraid to live and too afraid to die.”  Anyway, thanks again for your work.  I hope it opens some eyes and hearts to the problem of alcoholism/drug abuse and its effect on society (if nothing else, the financial burden!).  It is so important that people understand that the homeless who wander suffer and that there really isn't much of a safety net out there.

 I was wrong though when I said that Jacksonville didn't arrest for drunk in public.  Some of the guys at the house have been arrested many times.  I don't know what the story is with Richard on that.  At any rate, the guys are watching your film tonight.  I'll be interested in their feedback.

            For me, personally, sometimes I wonder just how I ended up so involved with the halfway house, and why I still do it.  I ask my daughter, "Where else can a 50 year old woman feel like a prom queen?" 

            But that isn't it, at all.  I am treated with such respect here and such love by the guys (when they aren't being a pain in the ass, that is.)  But mostly, I get a stabbing in my heart sometimes that takes my breath away.  It is the small things that do me in.  Watching a man, fresh off the street, trying to eat his dinner without any teeth in his mouth, and just being so happy to feed him and when these times happen, I know that it is God who is feeling this way.  So, when I watched your documentary, it made me realize that there are other people out there, who for no apparent reason, are struck with this God-sensibility to love the "unlovely."  I know that I am merely a vehicle, and I wondered when I saw your film, if you felt the same way.

Dave,

I watched the film tonight and was very, very moved by this man's persistent drunkenness and the failure of the system.  Mark reminds me very much of a young man we have tried to help here in town by the name of Charles.  He was only a few hours out of a year long treatment program, Teen Challenge, when he lurched from the car, bought a bottle, went home and downed it.  He has a frequent arrest history for public drunkenness and other misdemeanor charges.  I think he's in jail for a year this time.

We're going to pray for Mark.  I have seen miracles in the lives of people when the alcoholism or addiction is given up to God. 

Our pastor is one of the walking miracles.  He was a pretty big drug dealer, carried a weapon, sold, used, and many other things.  He was a mainline heroine addict.  Treatment, Drug Courts, AA, hey just don't always seem to help as much as they could, but I have seen God work in a few lives when they make Him their Lord.

I wonder why God has kept Mark alive for so long.  He should be dead with the severity of his alcoholism, injuries, street life, etc.  I wonder if it is to save him.  The thought crossed my mind of him coming to our men's home, but it doesn't sound like he would stay any place long except when forcibly confined.  But, I do wonder.  If he drank, while here, he'd have to leave while intoxicated, but we do take folks back.  Charles has been in the home several times.

I'm going to ask the treatment coordinator at work to view the video.  It seems like somehow it could provide a wake-up call to those on probation.  I'm also going to ask out training coordinator if it could be used as part of our education program.  It softens your heart again and makes you come face-to-face with the defendant's behavior before he's placed on probation or sent to prison.

Please know how much I appreciate this film.  It had to be a labor of love and compassion--How else could someone keep filming this desperate, "derelict" man in his "illogical jurisdiction”?

-W.B.

Flagstaff, AZ

***

***

David Sperling,

           Your film was something that put me in AWE.  To see Mark and see the rationale that he has when sober is amazing.  Yet there is something inside of him compels him to drink one more time.  It is incredible how much the human body can withstand (putting poison--ethanol alcohol in it, and yet still survive--And still, the insanity of another drink comes and we are off again, over and over and over and over and over and over…

           I don't know what God has in store for this man, but I am SURE that his life is not wasted because something is to be learned from his life and story. 

           I only know that this story has to be shared with others--just like I shared my story with others.  I am in and have been in the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous since May 22, 1983…Twenty-three years--One day at a time.

THAT is why Mark is important to me.

--Bob Zubillaga

Norwalk, CA

***

Dear David,

--Unknown

Southern California

***

Sperling,

I recently purchased your DVD…I used to be among Mark’s circle of friends down at the beach from say, 1984-1995.  In June of 1995 I finally got sober myself and fortunately have remained so since.  I see Mark now and again when he is out for brief periods.  I usually sit with him for a while and reflect back and I am always amazed at his continued misery and displacement.  I always buy him lunch and am very saddened and grateful at the same time.  I went in and out of juvenile halls, jails and prisons for most of my life before getting sober.  Today life as I know it is a true blessing.  I received an old version of this film on VHS tape roughly 8 years ago, but I cannot find the tape, so I purchased the DVD.  I have a great interest in the homeless, disabled and less fortunate as I identify with them on a true level of understanding.  Peace to you.

--Bob B.

Santa Ana, CA

***

Hello David,

I am a nurse at Hoag ER.  I, once again, had the duty of taking care of Mark David Allen.  I was horrified and repulsed at his condition.  I have seen him numerous times over the course of the last couple years but today really set me off.  My morning started bright and early with him seizing numerous times and projectile vomiting across the room and down the wall, over himself, etc.  The smell was atrocious...My heart defeated...My mind wondering what the hell this person was even living for...I know that my first reaction was to ignore, shortcut and whatnot to rid myself of this patient that drained me and disgusted me. 

As I read this website of yours and thought of responsibility and a desire to help, where desertion seems to be the theme, I wanted to write and let you know that if there is anything I can do to help him or "us", please let me know. 

Thanks for your time and dedication to a cause that would be so easy to turn your back on.  I think it’s amazing what you are doing by touching other lives in the process…

That's pretty hot.

--Gina Vercnocke - E.R. RN –

Hoag Hospital - Newport Beach, CA

***

Dear Mr. Sperling,

I am an alcoholic.  By the grace of God I have been sober since 12/21/05.  More importantly, I am sober today.  I received your film this past Friday, thanks for the prompt delivery.

A therapist at Gateway Rehab—Greentree, here in Pittsburgh, PA showed us Mark's story a few weeks ago in the evening aftercare program.  The therapist’s name was John—I don't know his last name. 

I was touched by the message so deeply that I didn't sleep for a few nights and had to get a copy of the film for myself.

            After seeing it the first time I left the session in silence.  A few days later I saw a friend (he saw the film with me) at an AA meeting.  We looked at each other and at the same time said "that was me." 

My wife and I watched it last night.  Half-way through the film--she was in tears.  I asked her what was wrong and she said she saw Mark's story through me in my addiction.

             Thank you.  God is doing for me what I cannot do for myself.  Your love for Mark and the message you both have given me—IS PROOF.

             If you are ever in the Pittsburgh area please let me know.

Sincerely,

--Dave H.

Pittsburgh,, PA

***

Dear Mr. Sperling,

               The DUI clients we show "DRUNK IN PUBLIC" to continue to be "stunned" and "gnawed at", as the film sticks with them-as it does me, after seeing its content.  I wonder what a showing of it to an "open" AA meeting would do (I tell you-the film TOTALLY DESTROYS the "disease model" of addiction!  Mark David Allen proves that his alcoholism is a choice REPEATEDLY throughout your film!).

               As someone who worked in a long-term psychiatric hospital with MULTIPLE chronically mentally ill adults (many were Orange County Conservatee's) for 3 years--I can attest that the reason "the mental health system" will NOT take MDA is simply because his mental deterioration is NOT organic to begin with (as a true schizophrenic, or major depressant's illness is).

               You have made it clear that the psychiatrist's that "screen" 5150's, and 5250's do not "upgrade" Mark David Allen for longer-term treatment because he "tells them what he wants to hear".  This is true, along with the fact that, since his "threat to self and others" (THE criteria for "upgrading" above a 5250!) is NEVER APPARENTLY IMMINENT, Mark David Allen will always get "washed out", and yes-the same, the sad loop starts all over.

               I actually have current DUI clients that have served time with Mark David Allen, and many of them swear that the man "knows what he is doing" when he WANTS to go to jail (for some food, but not the change of clothes, I am sure!).

               At least the guy is on some kind of formal probation now.  I wonder what his medical status is.  I hope you continue to keep a "running tally" on Mark David Allen’s arrests, etc.  The fact that MDA continues to live is a testament to the fact that he may never get his wish to destroy himself permanently anytime soon.

               Furthermore, ANYONE in California can check themselves in to ANY "IMD" (Institution for the Mentally Disordered as it is known by the California Department of Mental Health), or even check into a state hospital like Patton or Metropolitan on a VOLUNTARY basis (as long as the hospital gets paid-they will take you-Med-I-Cal, Health Insurance, cash, etc.).  The "involuntary" commitments (based on a person's onservatorship status) do not come until AFTER the person has been at 5150/5250 & 5260 ward for the maximum length of time.  Then there is the court establishment of conservatorship, placement by the conservator, etc.

           Clearly what is needed in Mark's case is a court-ordered referral to Mental Health Court (I do not know if Orange County has one the way Los Angeles County does).  

           If ANY Public Defender can simply show that Mark has ZERO comprehension, or retention of ANY probation condition, then it would be BEYOND UNFAIR to sentence him to a probation since he would NOT "knowingly, or willingly" (both legal requirements for a plea bargain!) understand what he is sentenced to (or being restrained from-as you have pointed out!).

               Does he keep seeing the SAME judge and Public Defender every time?  Another oddity is that if a conservatorship DID somehow get established, and if Mark ever wanted to dispute it, he would be represented by. . .the OC Public Defender's Office (yes, they have a branch for conservatized clients!).  Once again-unless a PRE-EXISTING mental illness (not acquired via substance abuse!) can be established that makes Mark a "danger to self, others, or gravely disabled" (based on a mental illness), then he is highly unlikely to get that mental health safety net he needs. 

           The dividing line in public funding of mental health clients appears to be:  if you were born with it, and did not ask for it (childhood onset, or adult onset of schizophrenia, depression, bi-polar disorder, etc.) you are eligible for Med-I-Cal, SSI funding, etc., but if you substance abused your way INTO a mental health disorder (as Mark David Allen clearly has!), you are ON YOUR OWN (as Mark David Allen is and will apparently remain).

               Conservatorships are indeed "one-year terms" as allowed under something called the "LPS" law (LPS stands for Lanterman-Petris-Short, the three state legislators that got this law passed).  It has been state law since 1968 (when REAGAN was governor, and to the best of my knowledge has NOT been updated!).  A person on LPS conservatorship has a right to have a JURY TRIAL on a 10 day notice to determine their

"grave disability", to determine if the person should continue to stay on conservatorship (its a civil proceeding, and like in a civil lawsuit, only requires 9 of 12 votes for the conservatorship to be involuntarily continued-I had one client that took his Orange County LPS Conservatorship to a jury trial 5 times, and WON EACH TIME-though the guy was off the chart bi-polar, and was re-conservastized within a few months after getting off of each conservatorship!).

               To get conservatized by the OC Public Guardian's office, a proposed conservatee, would have to make it THROUGH a "5150", a "5250", AND a "5260", and THEN the 1 year conservatorship would begin!  As you know with Mark David Allen, he knows what to say to short circuit even the 5250 process (as your film showed, so the fact that he CANNOT provide for his "food, clothing, or shelter" due to a pre-existing MENTAL ILLNESS, continues to keep him in "no man's land".  The fact that he has "wet-brained" (Korsakoff's Syndrome) himself to the point of being "gravely disabled" will not get him into the mental health system.  He would honestly have to be suicidal, and/or homicidal, and fail ALL three levels of involuntary mental health commitment (5150, 5250, AND

5260) to get "in the system".  Of course the taxpayers of Orange County will pay for it, as they do ALL Public Guardian based conservatee's!  Med-I-Cal covers their medical costs, while Orange County covers their long-term treatment (psychiatric hospital stay, and public conservator and public defender) costs.  I saw it all first hand with many Orange County conservaterized clients in the three years I was a psychiatric hospital counselor.

               Mark David Allen would be lucky if he ever made it that far.

   In conclusion, I have shown this film to at least 4 of my groups--each one is completely amazed to numbness by what they've seen...It is meeting with stunned acceptance by our clients here at the program... Overall, your film is perfect in its accuracy.  It is horrifyingly candid...I'd recommend it for an Oscar, but am not sure what the process is for that!  I hope it continues to have every success.                                                     

Excellent work.  Thank you very much.

--John McCready, Counselor - A.O.D.D. - Alcohol Education Curriculum

San Juan Capistrano, CA

***