I must've waited a few years before I rented "Drunks" after hearing how amazing the performances were and also, and this is years ago, before I sobered up, how I would identify with "practically everybody" in the film.
I know it's just a film and I know there are many ways for alcoholics and drug addicts to better their lives but certainly this film is as close to what I've experienced out there in the real world with myself and people I love who struggle daily with alcohol and drug abuse.
It's like an all-star game of addicts, each one sharing their tales with excruciatingly, honest and wonderful acting. Is it acting? Hard to tell sometimes. As far as Richard Lewis--the comedian and author who recently told with humor and ruthless candor his own bout with alcoholism, it was an extra hit of "fascination",re-watching the film, if that's appropriate word, to realize that he so powerfully portrayed the lead with only a few months of sobriety, (in his real life) under his belt--or so he wrote and said in interviews. There's not a weak link in this cast and once you see it--this film becomes a part of your life forever. Where's the sequel?