A groundbreaking documentary series exploring how chemical dependency and mental health challenges ripple through family systems—and how generational healing begins.
Documentary trailer and press kit coming soon.
Addiction has rarely ever been an isolated struggle. For generations, society has focused on treating the person in active addiction while overlooking the silent, deep-seated impact on the loved ones around them.
Created and executive produced by Dr. Alan Heide, PsyD, LMFT, The Family Disease pulls back the curtain on the invisible frameworks that sustain systemic addiction. Blending raw, unscripted personal accounts with expert clinical analysis, this documentary series investigates how unspoken trauma, codependency, and behavioral roles get passed down from parent to child—and provides a practical, compassionate roadmap to breaking the chain.
In production · Planned release January 2027
An intimate look at how generational alcoholism takes root within a home. Episode 1 examines the unspoken rules families adopt to survive, tracing how coping mechanisms formed in childhood evolve into adult struggles with addiction and burnout.
In production
From the “Hero” to the “Scapegoat,” family members naturally drift into survival roles when addiction enters the home. This episode features clinical breakdowns from Dr. Heide alongside real stories of family members stepping out of assigned roles and into authentic recovery.
In production
Examining how childhood family dynamics directly influence executive stress, perfectionism, and workplace culture. Episode 3 connects the dots between unresolved home trauma and corporate burnout.
Production slate
Healing isn’t just about sobriety—it’s about restructuring the entire family system. The season finale focuses on long-term boundaries, forgiveness, and establishing healthier legacies for the next generation.
Go beyond the final edit. Explore extended interviews with medical experts, raw outtakes from family roundtable discussions, and clinical commentary from Dr. Heide on the therapeutic concepts featured throughout the series.
Behind-the-scenes features will be added as production progresses.
Longer conversations with the experts and families featured in the series. Coming soon.
Dr. Heide explores the therapeutic concepts behind each episode. Coming soon.
A look behind the camera as the documentary takes shape. Coming soon.
We regularly bring The Family Disease to theaters, university campuses, corporate auditoriums, and community centers across the DFW metroplex and beyond. Each screening is paired with a live, interactive Q&A panel featuring Dr. Alan Heide, featured interviewees, and regional mental health advocates.
Screening dates and venues are being finalized. Check back for announcements, or contact us for screening updates.
