The latest documentary by former bodybuilder Chris Bell—who took on steroid abuse in Bigger, Stronger, Faster* (VL-9/08)—is timely, given that the opioid epidemic, which encompasses both the overuse of prescribed medications and heroin addiction, has reached crisis proportions in the U.S. A Leaf of Faith examines a natural substance called kratom, which is harvested from an abundant plant in Southeast Asia. Kratom leaves have been used for hundreds if not thousands of years as a pain reliever with few apparent ill effects, according to a regional researcher interviewed by Bell—as well as brewed into tea, which suggests it might be both a safer alternative for treatment of chronic pain, and a means of weaning addicts from opioids (the testimony presented in favor of kratom is largely anecdotal). Bell celebrates a 2016 victory in obstructing threatened FDA action (which was prompted in part by spokespeople for natural supplements already on the market) to place kratom on its list of controlled substances. But he also includes—although without much emphasis—claims that kratom has potentially serious side effects, including death, and while favorable comments are made by several doctors, most of the scientists and physicians interviewed argue that more clinical testing is needed before its use should be officially allowed (it should be noted that this year the FDA issued a warning against kratom’s use for any purpose). An interesting contribution to the continuing debate on how to address the opioid crisis, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)
A Leaf of Faith
(2018) 87 min. DVD: $59.95 ($299 w/PPR from edu.passionriver.com). Passion River (avail. from most distributors). Volume 33, Issue 5
A Leaf of Faith
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