The '80s PSAs hit different when Alan Thicke explains your dad's drinking problem in 27 minutes.
Featuring Alan Thicke, the film explores the struggles faced by children of alcoholic parents, highlighting the emotional turmoil and chaos within seemingly normal families. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing alcoholism as a disease and the impact it has on family dynamics. The narrative provides insights into the feelings of loneliness, shame, and frustration experienced by children, while also offering coping strategies such as the "three C's": you didn't cause it, you can't control it, and you can't cure it. The film encourages open communication and seeking support from others, like counselors or peer groups, to navigate the challenges of living with an alcoholic parent.
Acting
Alan Thicke's sincere dad energy hits weirdly hard.
Production
Peak '80s educational filmmaking aesthetic.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This aired during a wave of '80s educational films addressing family addiction, when 'disease model' language was still fighting for mainstream acceptance.
Alan Thicke was simultaneously starring on Growing Pains, making him America's most visible fake dad while hosting real family trauma content.
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