Watch Bill Moyers on Addiction: Close to Home

1998
1 Season

Bill Moyers on Addiction: Close to Home is a thought-evoking and eye-opening documentary series produced by Acorn Media in 1998, which dives deep into the realm of addiction and substance abuse. The eminent journalist and political commentator, Bill Moyers, known for his ability to tear down complex matters to their rudimentary constructs, spearheads this gritty exploration which sheds light on the unexpected faces, countless struggles, and the ever-tangled issues surrounding the world of addiction.

It's a show that covers a broad scope of viewpoints, encapsulating not just the suffering addict, but also the ricocheting impact on their families, their communities, and their societies. The series swiftly shifts from personal narratives unveiling the raw human craving for these substances, towards the scientific aspect - the studies and the hard data that paint a picture as to why addiction is not only a social issue but a biological and psychological battle.

Presented in five parts, Moyers diligently dissects this intricate subject. He begins by focusing on the human face of addiction, that is often tarnished by stereotypes. The viewers get to witness the struggle of real people battling addiction, moving beyond the superficial judgment of society and into the continuum of pain, guilt, recovery, and hope.

Among the segments, the audience is introduced to stories of addicts from diverse walks of life, traversing the wide spectrum from the streets to the corporate offices, signaling the universal reach of addiction. The stories pay particular attention to the impact on stratified communities where the resources to combat addiction are scant.

Another profound topic Moyers digs into is the effect on the families. Their agony and constant battle to save and support their loved ones, while themselves grappling with guilt, shame, and societal pressure is portrayed with utmost empathy and respect. This segment brilliantly deals with how addiction extends its tentacles beyond the immediate sufferer, creating a ripple effect of pain and distress.

Switching gears to the hard science behind addiction, the show offers insights backed by cutting-edge research findings. The destructive impact on the human brain and how it alters the body

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Seasons

5. The Politics of Addiction

March 31, 1998

The so-called "war on drugs" costs the United States government billions of dollars each year. Moyers talks with people who are seeking to change American policy from a criminal-justice approach to a public-health model. He also looks at how doctors and other advocates transformed America's attitude toward smoking.

4. The Next Generation

March 31, 1998

Addiction is a cycle, passing from generation to generation. One in five American children lives in a home with an addict, but even those who don't can be at risk. Many anti-drug programs have little effect. But there is hope for kids in even the worst circumstances--if they can be reached in time and given the support they need.

3. Changing Lives

March 30, 1998

How can we free the brain from addiction? While every addict's brain undergoes similar changes, there is no treatment program that works for everyone. Recovery is a personal process, and avoiding relapse is the hardest part. Moyers visits innovative treatment programs, including the one that helped his son.

2. The Hijacked Brain

March 29, 1998

What does addiction do to the brain? Why will addicts sacrifice everything--food, shelter, family, job--for a fix? Moyers meets with scientists who are charting the physiological changes that take place in the brain as drugs kick in. Meanwhile, genetic researchers work to determine who is likely to develop alcoholism.

1. Portrait of Addiction

March 29, 1998

Nine people from many walks of life, including a former drug czar, former police officer, marketing specialist, columnist, counselor, actor, and a journalist, chronicle their own journeys through addiction, from the first, ecstatic rush to the compulsive, obsessive hunger for a high. They leave no doubt that addiction does not discriminate.

Description

Switching gears to the hard science behind addiction, the show offers insights backed by cutting-edge research findings. The destructive impact on the human brain and how it alters the body