Self Medicated (2005)
A searing, semi-autobiographical drama about grief, addiction, and survival — drawn straight from the life of its writer, director, and star.
Self Medicated - Movie Information
- Original Title: Self Medicated
- Release Year: 2005
- Directed by: Monty Lapica
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 47m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 1, 2005 (United States)
- Alternative Titles: Own Demon (DE)
- Production Countries: United States of America
Self Medicated - Plot
Based on true events. On the edges of Las Vegas, 17-year-old Andrew's life is spiraling out of control. Unable to cope with the loss of his father, Andrew's descent into drugs and violence is gaining momentum, and the once promising young man is now headed for self-destruction. Andrew's mother, helpless to control her son and fighting an addiction of her own, refuses to watch idly as her only child destroys himself. As a last resort, she hires a private company to forcibly kidnap and confine him in a locked-down and corrupt psychiatric hospital. As Andrew is subjected to the secret physical and emotional abuses of the program something inside him is re-awakened. He must somehow get free to save what's left of his life, but to do that, he knows he must first face his own demons head-on.
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Self Medicated - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Monty Lapica
Main Cast
- Monty Lapica
- Diane Venora
- Kristina Anapau
- Michael Bowen
- Greg Germann
- Matthew Carey
- Shane Stuart
- William Stanford Davis
- Michael Mantell
- Faleolo Alailima
Writers
- Monty Lapica
Self Medicated - FAQs
Is Self Medicated based on a true story?
Yes, Self Medicated is based on true events and is largely semi-autobiographical. Writer, director, and star Monty Lapica drew directly from his own experiences as a teenager struggling with grief, addiction, and confinement in a troubled-teen program to craft the film's story.
Who directed and wrote Self Medicated?
Monty Lapica both wrote and directed Self Medicated, and also stars in the film as the lead character Andrew. It's a deeply personal project — Lapica channeled his own adolescent struggles into every layer of the film, from the script to his performance on screen.
What is Self Medicated about?
Self Medicated follows Andrew, a 17-year-old on the outskirts of Las Vegas whose grief over his father's death has sent him spiraling into drugs and violence. After his desperate mother arranges for him to be forcibly placed in a corrupt psychiatric facility, Andrew must confront his inner demons to survive and reclaim his life.
What really happens inside the facility in Self Medicated?
Inside the locked-down psychiatric program, Andrew endures secret physical and emotional abuse at the hands of staff. The facility is portrayed as corrupt and exploitative rather than rehabilitative, and it's this brutal environment — paradoxically — that forces Andrew to finally confront the grief and rage he has been running from.
Who are the main actors in Self Medicated?
Monty Lapica leads the cast as Andrew, with Diane Venora playing his mother Louise. The supporting cast includes Kristina Anapau, Michael Bowen, Greg Germann, Matthew Carey, Shane Stuart, William Stanford Davis, Michael Mantell, and Faleolo Alailima.
Does Andrew escape the psychiatric facility in Self Medicated?
The film builds toward Andrew's desperate need to break free — not just physically from the facility, but emotionally from the grief and self-destruction consuming him. His path to freedom hinges on whether he can face his own demons head-on, making the resolution as much an internal journey as an external one.
When was Self Medicated released?
Self Medicated was released on June 1, 2005, in the United States. The film is also known by the alternative title Own Demon in Germany, reflecting its themes of personal struggle and the internal battles at the heart of the story.
What are some movies similar to Self Medicated?
If Self Medicated resonated with you, consider exploring Midnight Express (1978) for its harrowing confinement drama, C.R.A.Z.Y. (2005) for its raw coming-of-age intensity, or Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) and Infinitely Polar Bear (2014) for emotionally complex, character-driven storytelling.
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