Watch The Prescription Opioid and Heroin Crisis: An Epidemic Of Addiction

The Prescription Opioid and Heroin Crisis: An Epidemic Of Addiction is a 2018 documentary that brings attention to the current opioid epidemic in the United States. The documentary features prominent figures in the field of addiction and healthcare, such as Dr. Andrew Kolodny, Dr. Gabor Maté, addiction specialist Dirk Hanson, and journalist Sam Quinones.

The film begins by introducing the audience to the origins of the opioid epidemic, highlighting the over-prescription and marketing of prescription painkillers by pharmaceutical companies in the early 2000s. The audience is then taken through the rise of opioid addiction in America throughout the years, with a strong focus on the connection between prescription opioids and heroin use.

One of the most striking features of this documentary is the heartbreaking stories of people who have been affected by opioid addiction. Family members and loved ones of those who have fallen victim to addiction share their experiences and heartache, painting a picture of just how devastating this epidemic has been on individuals and communities across the country.

The film is structured in a way that both educates and calls for action in terms of addressing the opioid epidemic. The audience is given a clear understanding of the science behind addiction, how opioids work in the brain, and just how devastating they can be in terms of long-term use.

Throughout the film, there is a clear sense of urgency and a call to action from those interviewed. The audience is made to understand that the opioid epidemic is far from being over and must be addressed with greater urgency and resources than it is currently receiving.

The Prescription Opioid and Heroin Crisis: An Epidemic Of Addiction is not only a call to action but also a call for greater compassion towards those struggling with addiction. The film highlights the importance of evidence-based treatments and the need for society to shift from seeing addiction as a moral failing to seeing it as a chronic disease that requires long-term care.

The documentary illustrates the relationship between pharmaceutical companies, doctors, and government regulators in perpetuating the crisis. It sheds light on how the companies lobbied to have the FDA approve opioids for chronic pain management, knowing, or ignoring that addiction would be an unintended side-effect. Some corners are critical of the fact that the makers and pushers of opioids deserved more scrutiny and proper punishments, but the film mostly discusses the human impact of the opioid epidemic.

The film concludes with an emphasis on the need for action, including the expansion of access to addiction treatment programs, the need for greater government funding, and the importance of holding those responsible for the opioid epidemic accountable. The documentary aims to spark discussions and action towards finding long-term solutions to the ongoing crisis.

Overall, The Prescription Opioid and Heroin Crisis: An Epidemic Of Addiction is a powerful documentary that brings attention to one of the most pressing public health crises facing the United States today. It is informative, thought-provoking, and emotional. It serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences that can result from government inaction and corporate greed. The film is a must-watch for those who want to learn more about the opioid epidemic and the need for a societal shift in how addiction is viewed and treated.

The Prescription Opioid and Heroin Crisis: An Epidemic Of Addiction is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 42 minutes.