Mike Flanagan is a well-known horror and supernatural filmmaker who frequently uses his own experiences to craft compelling stories. He has discussed in interviews how real-life struggles and their resolutions can be reflected in literature and movies. An example of this is the connection between Stephen King's books "The Shining" and "Doctor Sleep."

According to Flanagan, these two pieces together examine the path from addiction to recovery in a manner akin to following a river from its tumultuous source to its more tranquil downstream flow. According to him, "The Shining," in spite of its paranormal aspects and remote location in a spooky winter hotel, is a metaphor for the hold that alcoholism has over a person's life. It is possible to interpret Jack Torrance's loneliness and reoccurring memories as a metaphor for how addiction separates people from their support networks and drives them farther into hopelessness.

Going on to "Doctor Sleep," Flanagan interprets it as a tale of recovery and atonement. It centers on Danny Torrance, who has struggled with the trauma and fallout from his experiences in the haunted hotel throughout his childhood. The book explores Danny's path to healing, focusing on issues like reestablishing relationships, achieving inner peace, and conquering past traumas. According to Flanagan, this follow-up symbolizes a transition from darkness to light, mirroring the journey that many individuals take in their quest for addiction recovery.

Flanagan emphasizes the value of narrative in comprehending intricate human experiences like alcoholism and recovery by tying these two tales together. His interpretation challenges viewers and readers to look past the obvious horror and identify more profound, relatable themes that touch on the universal battle with one's own personal demons and the pursuit of atonement.