Among the Many

Subtitled "Wisdom, Companionship, and Hope for Those Who Have Lost a Loved One to Drug Overdose," Among the Many employs excerpts from moving interviews with survivors—particularly parents—to express the devastating sense of loss resulting from the drug overdose death of a loved one, which is made even more difficult by the hint of social stigma that exacerbates the pain. But it also explores coping mechanisms that can help to deal with the resulting grief and guilt, including individual counseling and group therapy. Two experts offer their observations on a phenomenon that has become increasingly common as a result of the opioid epidemic: Franklin Cook, the founder of a phone support service for bereaved individuals and a specialist in suicide prevention efforts, and Sandra Farrell, a therapist concentrating on drug and alcohol recovery. Both offer acute and sensitive insights into the family dynamic that occurs when a son or daughter struggles with addiction—a reality powerfully conveyed in photographs of the deceased accompanying the interviews—while also providing information about the resources available to aid those who are left behind. A sadly timely guidance program that can help those affected by the current opioid epidemic, this is recommended. Aud: P. (F. Swietek)