Disney+ Shoots an Adaptation of Yo, adicto, Telling a True Tale of Recovery
The streaming platform has begun production on its namesake adaptation of Yo, adicto, a project produced by Alea Media, known for Entrevías. The series will bring to life the true story of a screenwriter who faced a long, difficult path toward recovery and personal reinvention.
Joining the cast is a lineup led by Oriol Pla, with Nora Navas in a prominent role. The production also features a special collaboration with Ramón Barea, Marina Salas, Itziar Lazkano, Bernabé Fernández, Catalina Sopelana, Vicky Luengo, and Omar Ayuso. The ensemble highlights a mix of seasoned talents and rising stars coming together to portray a deeply human journey.
Yo, adicto chronicles the moment when Javier Giner, a professional in the audiovisual industry, makes a life-altering choice at the age of 30. Unable to cope with the pain he experienced and the harm it caused to others, he enters a detox center seeking a way out. The story tracks years spent in a self-destructive loop marked by alcohol, drugs, and risky sexual behavior. At the darkest point, a survival instinct pushes him to seek professional help. That decisive act sets off a transformation that reshapes his life, guiding him toward a new sense of self. The narrative follows his months in a detox facility located on the outskirts of Barcelona and traces a difficult road from guilt to reconciliation, from shame to recovery, and toward redemption. Along the way, viewers meet a cast of unforgettable characters: fellow participants, the caregivers, and the families who stand by through the toughest moments. The series presents a raw and intimate portrait that transcends the specifics of addiction, offering a broader look at resilience and human connection.
Filming takes place at multiple locations around Barcelona, capturing the emotional landscape that defines the journey. Helmed by director Javier Giner alongside Elena Trapé, the project will unfold across six episodes. The creative team includes executive producers Aitor Gabilondo, Javier Giner, and Laura Rubirola Sala. The writing team features Javier Giner, Aitor Gabilondo, Jorge Gil, and Alba Carballal. Yo, adicto is published by Planeta and has emerged as one of the most impactful literary works of recent years, now reaching a new audience with this anticipated adaptation and boasting seven editions to date.
Giner expressed surprise and gratitude for the chance to bring his most intimate story to a global audience through Disney+. He emphasized the goal of reducing stigma around addiction and shedding light on human experiences often whispered about due to pain and shame. The production team aims to illuminate dark corners with a clear message: recovery is possible with help, commitment, and effort. The statement reiterated that the project seeks not only to entertain but to foster understanding and dialogue about addiction, treatment, and personal growth, especially for viewers in North America who connect with stories of struggle, hope, and renewal.
In a broader sense, the producers describe the adaptation as an opportunity to offer a candid look at what it means to confront one’s vulnerabilities. The creative voice behind Yo, adicto stresses that the series goes beyond the specifics of any single addiction, presenting a human experience that resonates with audiences who have faced similar battles. The project intends to spark conversations about mental health, support systems, and the pathways to recovery that exist when people choose to seek help and persevere through challenging journeys. The collaboration with Disney+ signals a commitment to authentic storytelling and to bringing international stories to a wide audience with sensitivity and craft, while staying true to the book’s enduring impact as a modern literary phenomenon reported by Planeta.
Gabilondo added that the project arose from a strong belief in the power of personal storytelling to illuminate universal themes. He hinted that the series would explore emotions in ways that celebrate resilience while acknowledging the difficulty of reclaiming one’s life from addiction. The collaboration is framed as an invitation for viewers to witness a transformation that mirrors real life: imperfect, challenging, and ultimately hopeful. The team hopes the series resonates with viewers across Canada and the United States, offering a humane portrayal of recovery and the human capacity to rebuild after deep personal loss.