Better Times DVDs
Our currently available DVDs are listed below and some are shown above on the "DVD shelf." You may click on a DVD on the shelf to bring up a pop-up window with a video clip from the DVD. If you want to read more information about a specific DVD, click on a title in the list below. This will provide you with a brief description about the DVD, the running time of the video, and suggested retail price. Immediately below the list of video DVDs is a section where you may view video of Dr. Pursch talking about each of his videos, offering information about the titles, their content, and how they may apply for your needs.
NOTE: If you have upgraded to IE8 and are experiencing problems viewing video clips or any Flash content, you're not the only one. Here's a link for Adobe's IE8-compatible SVG Viewer installer.
Please contact us if you would like to place an order, so that we may provide you with any current discounts or special package pricing.
- Leaving The Land of Loss (Life, Love, Loss & Recovery)
- They Call Me Mr. Trejo
- Alcohol, Drugs & the Brain
- Responsibility and Recovery
- Keys to Freedom: Recovery in Prison - The Answers & The Questions (for Men)
- Keys to Freedom: Recovery in Prison - For Women Only
- The Kitten Who Drank and Used Too Much
- Expect a Miracle: The Mary Barnes Story
- Living Sober - Class of ‘76

Dr. Joseph A. Pursch Talks About His Videos
Clicking on any of the 5 text links below will open up a pop-up window containing a short video talking about the corresponding Dr. Pursch video, its content, and how they may apply for your specific needs and applications.- Dr. Pursch & John Frederick talk about “Living Sober - Class of ‘76”
- Dr. Pursch talks about “Responsibility and Recovery”
- Dr. Pursch talks about “Alcohol, Drugs & the Brain”
- Dr. Pursch talks about “Keys to Freedom - Recovery in Prison: The Questions & Answers (for Men)”
- Dr. Pursch talks about “Keys to Freedom - Recovery in Prison: For Women Only”
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Leaving The Land of Loss (Life, Love, Loss & Recovery)
What do a 92-year-old Academy Award-winning actor, a wounded army veteran from the Iraq war, a production company with no track record whatsoever, and a dog who walks upright on its hind legs have in common? They all bring their own experience, strength and hope to this inspiring video production. The actor is the timelessly talented Ernest Borgnine. The veteran is Melissa Stockwell (1st Lt. Retired), a U.S. Paralympic swimmer who has lost a leg. The dog is Faith, an Internet mascot and icon. This is the first production initiated after the inception of Better Times Productions. It weaves through true to life stories which describe a process whereby each of the individuals involved has overcome setbacks that, initially, shattered their world. This video delivers a powerful, life affirming message of hope that reaches the heart and soul of its viewers by touching on human feelings, and the solutions available to those who suffer... too often in silence. It's a motivational road map through the trauma of loss; loss of a loved one, a limb, loss through illness, addiction, or even incarceration. It is perfect in any rehabilitation setting, including alcohol, substance abuse, personality disorder, physical and PTSD-emotional behavior therapies, and for any individual who is dealing with any kind of loss in their lives. Stories of alcoholism, drug and gambling addictions are interwoven with messages of hope and recovery... some delivered from a special, unique and inspiring perspective.
Running time 11 minutes 30 seconds

Price $49.95 (MSRP $59.95)
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They Call Me Mr Trejo
Actor Danny Trejo describes his journey from child criminal and drug addict, to serving 11 years in notorious places like San Quentin and Folsom State Prisons. Danny became a champion lightweight and welterweight boxer in prison, yet his biggest victory was completing a 12-step program that broke the mold of alcohol and drug abuse, where he learned how to take responsibility for his actions and hold himself accountable, which has lead to a fulfilling and sober life.
Running time 30 minutes (Spanish = 29 min)


Price (English version) $89.95 (MSRP $99.95)
Price (Spanish version) $89.95 (MSRP $99.95)
Price (Combo - both vers.) $149.95 (MSRP $179.95)
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Alcohol, Drugs & the Brain
This features Dr. Pursch's indelible mix of humor, information and motivation. It examines, in astounding detail, the roots of addiction and thoroughly explores and explains the myriad consequences of being “under the influence.” Alcohol, Drugs and the Brain is a positive, breakthrough educational movie that can do much to aid in the prevention and treatment of substance abuse and its adverse effects, both socially and economically.
Running time 28 minutes


Price $49.95 (MSRP $59.95)
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Responsibility and Recovery
Winner of the CINE Gold Eagle Award, not only addresses why we have and use our character defects, but also what can be done about them. For the alcoholic or addict, unless character defects are addressed, true recovery is not possible!
Running time 28 minutes


Price $49.95 (MSRP $59.95)
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Keys to Freedom - Recovery in Prison: The Questions & The Answers (for Men)
Dr. Joseph A. Pursch's interventions leading to recovery have made a difference in the lives of thousands of Americans. An author, columnist, interventionist and expert witness, Dr. Pursch has appeared on 60 Minutes and Good Morning America, among countless other programs. Since his days as a Navy psychiatrist, Dr. Pursch, now in private practice, continues to be a spokesman for recovery from addiction and has dedicated his life to aiding alcoholics, addicts and their families. He is particularly concerned with the relationship between alcohol, drugs and unlawful behavior.
The Answers running time 28 minutes

The Questions running time 25 minutes
Price $49.95 (MSRP $59.95)
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Keys to Freedom - Recovery in Prison: For Women Only
Before an audience of incarcerated women, Dr. Pursch sketches an imaginative scenario on the dialogue between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ parts of the brain, that which scientists call the ‘medial forebrain bundle’ and what Dr. Pursch terms ‘The Pleasure Pathway’, which can lead straight to prison. Dr. Pursch demonstrates how it is possible to retrain the brain and avoid the twin pitfalls of relapse and recidivism. This innovative video features a lively question and answer session that deals with such special problems as fetal alcohol syndrome, issues with children and family, women as victims, and other areas of concern.
Running time 36 minutes


Price $49.95 (MSRP $59.95)
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The Kitten Who Drank and Used Too Much
A fairy tale, a fable, or the truth as seen through a child's eyes? Actually, this video, produced by Better Times in association with ggdigital media, is all three. It tells the story of pre-teen Pat the Kitten, and what happens to him and his family, as drugs and alcohol take hold of their lives. The first secondary prevention film ever made for elementary and middle schooler's and their families, it is also suitable for young and old... from 6 to 96. KITTEN also addressed parenting, relationships in addictive families and other issues. And don't miss the surprise ending!
Running time 9 minutes


Price $19.95 (MSRP $29.95)
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Expect A Miracle: The Mary Barnes Story
The inspirational story of Mary Mitchell Barnes, a lost and drug addicted high school drop out and runaway at 16, whose life underwent a transformation that can only be described as miraculous. With the help of understanding parents, treatment and a support system and recovery program, she turned her life around at age 21, and went on to accomplish things she had only dreamed of. This video is a perfect recovery tool, in an age when more young women and girls are turning to drugs and alcohol more often than their male counterparts. A great message of hope for parents, too.
Running time 28 minutes


Price $19.95 (MSRP $15.95)
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Living Sober - Class of ‘76
This is the first ‘recovery’ film of its kind. It contains great information and countless messages of hope and promise.
Running time 28 minutes


Price $14.95 (MSRP $19.95)
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