Prevention & Treatment

Addiction PBS - The Science Behind Addiction, Dopamine, The Reward Pathway, and Opioids

Addiction: The Science Behind | PBS

This incredibly informative documentary from NOVA PBS discusses opioid addiction, highlighting that addiction is not a moral failing, but rather, a treatable chronic medical condition. It provides a general overview of the science behind addiction, detailing how dopamine, the reward pathway, and other brain regions change as a result of substance abuse, and how these changes result in drug-seeking behaviours and withdrawal. While there are several personal stories from those affected by addiction, the primary focus of this documentary is to provide education on the science behind addiction and the importance of evidence-based treatments.
Screenshot from Keloland News Special Report: Opioid Crisis; addiction and recovery

KELOLAND News Special Report: Opioid Crisis

"Over the next hour, we'll share the stories of people overcome by this dangerous addiction, and we'll show you the grief families are going through. We're also taking a look at the local efforts (by doctors and law enforcement) to get ahead of the opioid crisis, and we're looking at local and national resources. We'll let you know what's available, how you can help, and what our community needs."
Screenshot from The Fix: Examining Rhode Island Opioid Epidemic; the opioid crisis, addiction, and recovery

The Fix: Examining Rhode Island’s Opioid Epidemic

This documentary covers the opioid crisis in Rhode Island specifically, but the messages within it are important for all communities. While there are some personal stories from people who use drugs, the main focus is on listening to the opinions of frontline workers who see the societal impacts of addiction on a day to day basis.
Screenshot from Smashed: Breaking the Cycle of Alcohol Use Disorder featuring Dr. Jeff Harries

Smashed: Breaking the Cycle of Alcohol Use Disorder

"Dr. Jeff Harries, the founder of the Canadian Alcohol Use Disorder Society, has been working to ensure that AUD be understand and treated as a medical condition." He strongly believes that "people suffering from this disease should not be shamed or marginalized. His 20 years of experience in prescribing effective medications and spreading awareness of a more effective, compassionate approach has helped thousands of people to recover and heal." Unfortunately, his work was derailed when he was diagnosed with ALS in 2018. He passed in 2021.