Opioids: Addiction, Overdose and Death

 Opioids: Addiction, Overdose and Death

Shorter than but similar to a recent entry from Human Relations Media on the subject (The Opioids Epidemic: How I Became a Heroin Addict, reviewed in VL-1/17), this guidance title features recovering drug addicts (including one I recognized from the previous entry) who share their experiences. A Young host explains the difference between opiates such as morphine or codeine and the mixed bag opioids including fentanyl, oxycodone, vicodin, heroin, and Percocet. Using graphics to illustrate how the drugs work in the body, the program covers the dangers of suppressed organ systems, the trauma of withdrawals, and painful issues with families, as well as isolation (one interviewee talks about how drugs eroded “my sense of being a human”) and suicide attempts. Viewers are cautioned to look for non-opioid options for handling pain, and given the always-good advice to “stay alive.” Bonus features include a PDF teacher’s resource book. While not as comprehensive as the earlier mentioned title, this is still a solid and timely program that addresses an epidemic crisis. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Williams-Wood)

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