Addiction

Produced in partnership with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, this hard-hitting series from HBO consists of 14 segments—one 90-minute documentary and 13 additional shorts—filmed by some of the industry's top documentary filmmakers (including Chris Hegedus, Eugene Jarecki, Barbara Kopple, Albert Maysles, D.A. Pennebaker, and Bruce Sinofsky). Presented in a four-disc set, Addiction covers all aspects of drug and alcohol addiction, ranging from the definition of addiction and an understanding of relapses, to the latest in medical treatments and unique concerns for various social groups—such as the adolescent addict—of the population of 22 million Americans suffering from addiction (less than 10% of whom are receiving treatment). Taking viewers into a hospital emergency room (where it is estimated that over half of the trauma incidents are related to drinking and drugs) to see firsthand the damage caused by alcohol and drug abuse, Addiction interweaves comments by users and leading national experts as it looks at the nature of addictive behaviors, the importance of getting early treatment, and the real challenges faced by addicts struggling to kick habits. Accompanied by the book Addiction: Why Can't They Just Stop (edited by producers John Hoffman and Susan Froemke)—as well as a pointer to an extensive website that includes resources for family members—this is an essential addition for high school, college, and public libraries. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: H, C, P. (L. Stevens)