Filmmaker Sarah Holt’s PBS-aired NOVA documentary focuses on the opioid crisis that has destroyed countless lives in recent years. The abuse of narcotics like heroin and fentanyl and reckless overprescribing of OxyContin and other drugs have impacted Americans across all socioeconomic demographics. The film seeks insight from doctors, psychologists, and neuroscientists, who explain in layperson’s terms how addictions can occur and why it becomes very difficult to easily break the destructive habits. Arguably, the most fascinating segment here shows scans of what the human brain looks like when a person is hooked on drugs. Addiction also focuses on treatments for weaning a person away from opioid self-abuse, and discusses the still-lingering stigma that burdens many addicts, who are often viewed as pariahs or worse by the wider society (several former addicts speak frankly and eloquently about the physical and emotional pain they underwent). Narrated by Joe Morton, this compelling, disturbing, and timely look at a social disaster that shows no immediate signs of abating is highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (P. Hall)
Addiction
(2018) 60 min. DVD: $24.99 ($54.99 w/PPR). PBS Video. SDH captioned. ISBN: 978-1-5317-0815-3. Volume 34, Issue 3
Addiction
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