Addiction

A collection of resources that can help you learn more about addiction – the types of addictions, which treatments are available to help in recovery and more.

Screenshot from Chasing the Dragon: The Life of An Opiate Addict; from prescription medications to heroin

Chasing the Dragon: The Life of An Opiate Addict

The FBI and DEA released this documentary "in an effort to combat the growing epidemic of prescription drug and heroin abuse" with the hope that it will help educate "students and young adults about the dangers of addiction." You'll hear in-depth stories from several people, some who are in recovery and others who have lost a loved one.
Screenshot from The Fentanyl Crisis: Stories of Heartbreak and Hope; About the opioid crisis, fentanyl, and overdose

The Fentanyl Crisis: Stories of Heartbreak and Hope

Fentanyl continues to drive overdose deaths in Virginia. Statewide, the synthetic opioid contributed to 76.5% of the 2,656 overdose deaths in 2021, according to the Virginia Department of Health. The community of people who've lost loved ones to the drug is quickly growing, many looking for ways to draw focus to a problem they believe is not getting enough attention.
Screenshot from Inside Canada's Fentanyl Overdose Epidemic; opioid crisis and harm reduction

Inside Canada’s Fentanyl Overdose Epidemic

SBS Dateline (Australia) wants to know what they can learn from the Canadian opioid crisis and the fatality of fentanyl, and use it as a warning for Australians. It discusses (1) why fentanyl kills so many people, (2) how it first came to Canada, (3) the importance of harm reduction services, and (4) programs and support services in place to help people in several different ways.
Screenshot from State of Addiction: What Every Family Needs to Know About Opioids & The Opioid Crisis

State of Addiction (Opioids): What Families Need to Know

This news special discusses the opioid crisis with several individuals, including Mark Wahlberg's brother Jim. You'll be introduced to a brief history of opium and quickly realize that this crisis began with easily accessible prescription medications. You'll also learn some strategies for talking to children about drugs, which is crucial to do given the sheer impact that opioids are having on youth.
Screenshot from Bryan's Hope: Heroin & Opiate Prevention & Education; opioid, heroin, prescription medication

Bryan’s HOPE: The Heroin Epidemic & Prescription Medications

"Bryan, I'd like to think, was just like any other boy growing up, active, happy, healthy. It wasn't until he starting taking prescription Vicodin that he morphed into somebody that I didn't know." Everyone in this documentary has something unique to offer - their own personal insight into the opioid crisis, the addictive strength of prescription medications, and the easy move from pills to heroin.
Screenshot from Hooked Rx: From Prescription to Addiction; Prescription Medications and the Opioid Crisis

Hooked Rx: From Prescription to Addiction

This documentary covers the opioid crisis in Arizona. You'll hear from frontline workers, policymakers, and counsellors, as well as parents who have lost a child and those who made it to recovery. This video focuses on the route that people take to becoming addicted, starting from being prescribed a prescription medication to suffering from a full-blown addiction. It also discusses the ease at which people are able to obtain the pills, as well as some stories about medical professionals who abused their prescribing powers. 
Screenshot from An American Epidemic: The Opioid Crisis

The Opioid Crisis: An American Epidemic

After making his first documentary – Kids are Dying – Michael DeLeon, who runs ‘Steered Straight‘, travelled throughout the U.S. to nearly 40 states to talk to people about the opioid crisis. He speaks with parents who have lost a child, professionals in the field, addicts in recovery, as well as celebrities to create this eye-opening film.