A documentary about the millions of Americans living in long-term recovery from alcohol and drug addiction will be shown at the Vashon Theatre this weekend, brought to the island by a woman who believes it has an important message.

The film, called “The Anonymous People,” aims to remove some of the stigma and secrecy of addiction, transform public opinion about addiction and shift policy toward lasting solutions, according to the film’s website.

Islander Pauline Richardson, who has family members who have struggled with addiction, decided to bring the film to the theater after seeing it last summer.

“It gave me a sense of empowerment to bring it Vashon,” she said.

The documentary follows recovering addicts from all walks of life — celebrities, public figures and ordinary citizens — living without drugs and alcohol, Richardson said, noting that islanders who struggle with addiction issues and their loved ones could benefit from seeing it.

“They need to hear the message that long-term recovery is happening,” she said. “It’s a better slice of the age-old story.”

The film tells people’s stories and celebrates them, she said, and also takes aim at the incarceration of addicts as a failed solution.

Islander Stephen Bogan, a counselor who works with youth and adults who struggle with substance abuse and addiction, also saw the documentary last year as part of a conference. Like Richardson, he said he appreciates its positive, affirming message.

“It’s a really uplifting film,” he said.

He noted that for many years, because of the stigma around addiction, it has been a tenet of 12-step programs that people must maintain anonymity. In some ways, Bogan said, it has become like a secret society, and those kinds of secrets can be harmful, help maintain the stigma and hinder those who would otherwise seek help.

People can still keep confidences, Bogan said, but being frank about their own experiences will likely have benefits.

“Let’s not confuse membership in 12-step groups and being open about being in recovery,” he said. “If you voice that and share that … more people will know what recovery looks like.”

The film is not rooted in any treatment modality and does not espouse any theories, Bogan said. Instead it focuses on normal people in recovery.

Following the film, Bogan and Richardson will co-facilitate a panel with a young woman in recovery and representatives from Al-Anon and Alcoholics Anonymous. Also on hand will be representatives from social service and support organizations who can provide further information.

The documentary is traveling around the country through new online service called Gathr, which enables people to request their own screenings of a movie that might not otherwise come to their communities. To bring the film to Vashon, Bogan said 45 tickets had to be sold in advance. That goal has been met, he noted, with the Vashon Alliance to Reduce Substance Abuse (VARSA) purchasing several to give away, and tickets will also be available at the door. The film will be shown at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at the Vashon Threatre