Untreated & Unheard: The Addiction Crisis in America - Full Film | Partnership to End Addiction

[@tomburch7117]

I’m 66 years old and have been seeing pain management doctors for over 25 years. Government regulations have made it almost impossible for people like me to get adequate treatment for pain. I’m receiving a low dose of opiates and can no longer take care of myself. Simple things like doing laundry or cooking a meal are tasks I just can’t do anymore. My doctor claims the CDC regulations limit the amount of meds he’s allowed to prescribe.

[@1whocs486]

I know I suffer from. Pain as well .. my Dr gives me Tramadol and Lyrica I'm very blessed for now ..

[@pursedelighted]

Sorry you going thru that but those are lying because cdc said they it clear that the new regulations were for family med or primary care doctors NOT long term chronic pain patients. Take care

[@jewels18261]

that is sad to hear my friend. Medical regulations go against best practice for clients of the system tasked to provide care 🥺💜

[@paulaankrah]

I was in multiple treatment centres during the 2000's, the staff were sicker than the "patients" and they had formed a God complex, which was unbearable. I'd get dry maybe last a year than drink. One treatment centre, I walked in an alcoholic with a cocaine problem and walked out with a heroin and crack problem...I eventually got clean and sober with the 12 step programme and I thank God that I have him in charge because I have no power without his grace, thank you Jesus!!!!!!

[@keeper6458]

God bless you. Stay strong my friend!

[@1whocs486]

AMEN THEY ANSWER TO ALL PROBLEMS MY LORD AND MY SAVIOR ❤

[@vincentkeller4725]

Nutcheck!

[@CountryRoad2006]

My husband and I are 3 years sober from alcohol. We just had our first child. People never thought we’d be the people who got sober. It’s inspired some others to do it as well. I applaud these people for caring enough to help others. My little brother overdosed on OxyContin in the military. It devastated my family. It was easier for some to ignore his addiction because he was in the military. He was supposed to be too strong for his addiction to kill him. 😢

[@jeanmyers1787]

I’m so sorry. OxyContin was produced by Sackler family as none addictive & doctors supplied it accordingly as none addictive painkillers, making billions. When it was found to be addictive their drug company, who had high up people in their pocket merely paid a fine. It’s disgusting!

[@AlfredoDeLaFe1]

Sorry for your loss ❤💔 I lost my little brother too

[@1whocs486]

I'm sorry for your loss

[@jennodine]

It’s so refreshing to see the world beginning to understand that tough love is the worst way to “help” a loved one who is addicted to opiates.

[@deidradahl2802]

The addicts, young or old who knowingly put shit into their mouths without the drug sellers putting a gun to their heads to force them to buy, or putting drugs in snacks for unsuspecting kids to consume, are idiots. Waste of sympathy

[@LoloO42]

Absolutely! Causing someone to be homeless with no family support is like signing their death certificate. Btw, dysfunctional families thrive on this cruel behavior.

[@hunnydoo7737]

Yes, but I don't have to allow you to live in my house while you're in active addiction, because I feel guilty. And I don't have to give you money, but I will do everything in my power to help you get into rehab

[@deidradahl2802]

@@hunnydoo7737 Spot on, your safety comes first, an addict will hurt a person for money to buy drugs

[@sugarman08]

It worked for me back in 1983

[@jesselynds5411]

coming out of a drug addiction, with the current systems in place, if you don't have a supportive family (emotionally, financially, logistically), you're absolutely doomed to repeat the past. I spiraled for years and years and I finally received a 'bailout' from extended family and that's what got me sober. It's not like every time i got clean i wanted to fail, i wanted to get my life right every single time, but feeling absolutely marginalized, mistreated, unsupported, and isolated, kept me repeating old habits.

[@jesselynds5411]

like i received financial help, i got a few months rent and bills taken care of, a cheap car, clothes, which made me feel like a brand new person and like i was cared about. that goes such a long way. it helped me with the motivation to get a job, a phone, sober friends, everything fell into place with proper support, and i could never be thankful enough. i eventually reached a stage where i was able to give back to my 'benefactor', and am even thinking about starting a family now that i'm 7+ years clean.

[@charannaneal3042]

​@@jesselynds5411wooooow what a blessing. I'm so happy you had good support and folks to show you that they cared. Keep moving forward you absolutely deserve it. You deserve to live your best life and I'm so happy for you. You deserve to have kids and a life companion if that's what you want. I'm rooting for you to stay the best you can be! Take care and don't look back!

[@jesselynds5411]

@@charannaneal3042 thanks for the kind words, but i learned pretty early on, after enough relationships, that i didn't want kids or a significant other. I'm very happy alone, just with my family and friends. i actually just became an uncle

[@tanyawaugh9093]

Well said.

[@1whocs486]

Well I'm glad you made it .. keep up the good work God bless

[@sloane4836]

All the pharmaceutical companies should have to fund rehab clinics and medications like suboxone and methadone.

[@jeanmyers1787]

Very well said!

[@lcooke224]

THIS is the way!

[@bayoubabe6698]

YES!!!!

[@samantham8696]

So many states won hundreds of millions of dollars against the drug companies. Where did that money go? It sure didn’t get to any of the addicts who need it. Why isn’t treatment easily available and free?

[@hollynonya6991]

Dummy it's not the pharma company killing people It's the illegal labs REAL pain patients can't get their meds, buy them on the streets and die or commit suicide We are way past pain pills here

[@francesfriesel6477]

I am so heartbroken by these families' stories. I was on opiads before, and after back surgery. Stopped with no problem, never oxycontin. Thank God.

[@1whocs486]

Right only take the least amount possible to get through the pain

[@missgigip]

Exactly a lot of people are like this too but everyone seems to think that if they are prescribed opioids and take one they are automatically addicted but that’s not true at all..too much misinformation out there

[@sugarman08]

I can only speak from my own experience in 1983 I was in a therapeutic community for 3 years it was a nonprofit so it didn't cost my parents anything. It was run by a bunch of people who had been through the same thing. It was a stigma then my mother wouldn't tell anybody where I was. Anyway out of 30 people or so who came in there's only two of us still standing

[@1whocs486]

Wow

[@affordable-art9501]

I'm a licensed clinical psychologist and psychotherapist in Europe. Your film motivates me to take all initiatives I'm able to organise for this population in my city. Thanks for the insights of all that you presented. All the best to this initiative!

[@JoTracy]

Saw a program where an intellectually and physically disabled woman was thrown out of a Hospital Police were called, because she "wouldn't leave" She COULDN'T WALK and they wanted their wheelchair back She was arrested for being too ill to walk She died weeks later on the street Horrifying neglect and inhumanity 💔

[@raeganzittle4731]

The system doesn't care about us

[@catlovely5438]

That's America....

[@missgigip]

Wow that’s horrible

[@elizabethferrari1346]

This world isn't able to understand disability. I have disabilities and I'll most likely die on a street somewhere.

[@alicat7281]

I’m a recovered former addict. I have over ten years of sobriety , and one thing I can tell people with all certainty is that criminalizing drug abuse only makes things worse.

[@sikkitty]

If you hate what addiction makes people do - ADDRESS THE UNDERLYING ISSUES BEHIND IT AND ATTACK THE ADDICTION & NOT THE PERSON. The powers-that-be who consider addicts' use as a CHOICE (i.e. they just want to get high) and not as self-medicating (physical and/or psychological pain & trauma). They are loath to change their view of the individual, but I would expect they would actually 100% SUPPORT rehab, therapy and MAT. They hate addicts because of the things many addicts do such as stealing, begging lying, that they are a burden on society. Finding a good treatment program gives addicts their lives back & with a good support system, those behaviours stop. This is the only thing that makes sense - the War on Drugs has been a huge failure, damaging enormous sectors of our society. Yet they continue doing the same thing with the same hateful results, this is the very definition of insanity. We really are smarter than this; time to move past prejudices against it and do the smart thing to address it properly.

[@Anita_Backrub]

I just got seven in July. I always partied on weekends and was a responsible adult but opiates took me out. It’s by Gods grace and mercy I’m here today. ❤

[@sookie4195]

I completely disagree as a former IV meth user

[@patheticprepper4496]

I am not going to enable an addict! Its wrong and Your wrong!

[@Anita_Backrub]

@@SheriffofKZbin I don’t think the death penalty works as a deterrent when it comes to any crime.

[@lindajennings5953]

I wish so much that I had someone to help me when my son was going through his addiction. I’ve been looking for a way to volunteer or do anything to make a difference somehow in life, and this program was truly inspiring. I don’t know of any programs at all that deal effectively with the parents of their addicted child.

[@marenawhite3322]

Very awesome show !!!! My father wanted to shoot me in my active addiction 😮 I am clean and sober for 42 and a half years after 7 years of using alcohol and inhalants. Recovery rocks ❤🎉

[@1whocs486]

Your my Hero ❤

[@taraalexandria8807]

Save Lives. Legalize Safe Supply!!! End Prohibition! End the War on People who Consume Drugs. Recovery does not mean Abstinence. ❤

[@galegrazutis964]

For God's sake they are nothing but a blight on society. Crime streets filled with garbage and their tents seeing these lowlives shooting up. Stepping around their shit on the streets Having them break in to people's homes to steal to get their next fix. Being mugged. Then for all the misery they cause our taxes are wasted on their self inflicted medical care!!!

[@1whocs486]

100%

[@JoannaMankenberg-r5u]

I don't agree. All other 23:43 drugs a big yes. Unfortunately fentanyl is a drug very few people can just dabble with occasionally. I've tried most drugs an unfortunately fentanyl is a monster. Use it a couple times and your hooked. I wish it all gone. Close the borders check all packages etc.

[@JoannaMankenberg-r5u]

I don't agree. All other 23:43 drugs a big yes. Unfortunately fentanyl is a drug very few people can just dabble with occasionally. I've tried most drugs an unfortunately fentanyl is a monster. Use it a couple times and your hooked. I wish it all gone. Close the borders check all packages etc.

[@piecesoftheheart9231]

I learned tonight that overdose rates in European countries are 1/20 what they are in the US….. medication assisted treatment is easy to access there, they’re not booted from MAT programs for not following extreme restrictions, they’re able to take home months worth of their meds…. OUR STATS ARE 20 TIMES WORSE… literally. What is the US freakin doing?! “War on dr^gs” aka “war on sick people”

[@wishingyoupeace]

addiction is the 2nd problem When we start to treat the reasons so many need opiates in America, maybe we'll see some progress. And when we allow people to be treated for their pain whether emotional or physical, addiction will no longer be a crime.

[@racheldoesacrylic4089]

God bless all who are trying to help addicts as said its a disease /mental health disorder / Thankyou for all you do xxx

[@masterofwit339]

1:01:25 this right here is the absolute most sincere & spot on sentiment I’ve heard. Harm reduction. I’d also like to add that addicts are terrified of “being found out” in today’s society bc once you have a “red mark” in your electronic medical file, you are flagged for life. I’m not even talking about being able to get (take home) pills when in pain… I’m referring to *not being treated in an actual hospital for severe pain* if and when that occasion arises. Or being judged and subsequently not given the deserved respect, or even being listened to, by a PCP bc of it. The overall stigma has not gone away or even been lessened by the general public, rather when parents lose a child (be it young or old) they come to realize what a serious epidemic it is. They learn that it’s not just the “loser junkies” on the street who are struggling and dying. Mental health help is abundantly unaffordable and inaccessible. And, even with insurance (unless it’s the best of the best), rehab & detox are also inaccessible. Long term care is inaccessible. Addicts suffer. In all ways. We just want to be “normal”. Sending love and strength to all of these families and beyond. As a side note, if anyone is interested, there’s a YT channel called “Texas pictures documentaries” that covers OD stories, as well as highlights recovery & harm reduction. They’re doing some great work over there. ♥️

[@tammyduke4213]

I didn’t hide my son’s addiction as I would reach out to many. I thought who I reached out to would and could understand as I trusted help. The ones who I trusted turned against me and my son. If only I could have gotten help I begged for. He would not be in prison today. My son was not a bad person. He was only self destructive and hated himself and tried so hard as I watched. I’ve witnessed him screaming in torment suffering for help. It is truly a disorder that begins with trauma then more trauma on top of trauma over and over!! It’s heartbreaking. It’s getting worse! Seems only people who has been or had a loved one go through it do not understand. I took my son to hospital’s so many times, only to be told your going to die with blood pressure meds and a list of rehabs. The rehabs all didn’t have a bed available or too much money. Drs do not help!!

[@GD1_3]

Im 40 been sober for 10 years. I used for roughly 4-5 years. It was so bad at one point i was shooting in tack rooms on horse tracks with syringes for horses. I was lucky unfortunately 3 close friends didnt survive their battle. I miss them everyday. So my message to those struggling is just ask for help any and every way because being to scared or worried to get help will cost you your life. Dont be another # be a success story. You can do this!

[@kxmalahov]

I AM 39 and I am addicted to amfetamins, alco and weed. i do work, full time and I am a single father + i do look after my father who is a proper alchoholic. i am hiding it.....I love my nearly 14 years old son. I do not know what to do and there is no help. if i ask for help, i will loose my son....its shit, i am scared and there is no way out........i am fuckked

[@skyhigh1154]

Dont fall of the wagon bro 💪

[@user-rc8yf9bb3u]

Same here bro I am heroin addict of almost 20 years(IV) and father, fortunately for 2 sons they live with their mothers. But I do not have any family alive that can help me and I live in a third world country and there is not a chance I can get help. I cannot save enough money to be able to pay for rehab nor can I take off work because then I will loose my apartment I basically have no choice but to keep on using I cannot afford to ever ever ever get sick cos the moment I stop working I will get sick and that's not the worst of what will happen. The fear is so intense and the pressure is always always on. I haven't had more than a day off for almost ten years and my employer takes advantage because desperation shows and is exploitable. At this stage I'm too afraid to so mot suicide but actively pray for the end so that I can get some g.d damn rest.

[@kxmalahov]

I do not know what to say, bro..... I know how hard it is....my son stays with me and he is the only person who kind of helps.....I really want him to become a better version of me. I have tryed suicide when I lost him to social service, but the metal pole just could not handle my weight and then I got so scared and did try to escape, laying there, pissed myself and did cry and cry ...my son was living in other family for 3 years. I am so proud of him. 3 years I was without alcohol, but in a same time I started to use amfetamines and now I do not know how to escape......it is a never ending circle....Where do you stay??? I am in Scotland, UK....AND i AM SCARED, scared to ask for help. the worst, mate. but you stay strong and fight...it is easy to give advice, but try, man.....try!!! @@user-rc8yf9bb3u

[@1whocs486]

I'm so sorry for your loss and I am glad you made it ❤

[@carrielopez1728]

This is an amazing video. I hope that as a society, we start having empathy for these people caught in the grip of addiction. Like was said in the video, their life isn't a party. For sure these people are suffering.

[@carrielopez1728]

By the way, I'm a nurse and I have Narcan with me as a just in case. I've never had to use it but I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it

[@qeliayn5948]

I’ve been following the American drug crisis for awhile now in utter disbelief. It’s just a train wreck I can’t stop trying to understand. I’m in Australia, we have public health, and a government that won’t allow open borders or drugs to flow into the country. It’s very difficult to get drugs on the street in Australia and even though we do have drug addicts, we have a public health system that takes care of them. We also have a government, both left and right that put the people first. Your successive governments spend trillions of dollars on a War machine that destroys countries all over the world. You have a president who can’t even string a sentence together and a Congress that is basically geriatric. I don’t know what it’s gonna take for Americans to wake up, and look around the rest of the world, at least first world countries like Europe, the UK, Australia, and Canada and realise that if you spend less money in places like Ukraine and more on your own people, you wouldn’t have so many problems.

[@sikkitty]

I absolutely agree - however it's not a matter of spending money on PLACES like Ukraine. It's a matter of repaying campaign donors with fat government contracts, and nothing creates as many different types of economic opportunity as war. From vehicles (including tanks, ships & planes), to arms & munitions, to food, clothing, toiletries & even temporary housing for troops - the list goes on and on and that's just for the military industrial complex. There also and debt to pharmaceutical companies and energy companies and the list goes on and on and all these huge corporations that fill their coffers for the next election. Politicians in America don't work for the people - they work for the REAL power - huge corporations, the too-big-to-fail banks and, of course, Wall Street.

[@racheldoesacrylic4089]

@@sikkitty i agree what's happening in America is beyond evil , young and old on the streets looking like Belsen victims ,pregnant girls slumped on dirty street, old men and women with pets it makes me weep ,i am an ex addict and thank God i was given a drug reduction programme to help me get off smoking heroin and opioid tablets / but i will be honest i still miss being high 12 yrs later that's how strong a normal heroin addiction was for me ,not all these new infiltrated drugs with animal tranquilisers in them fentanyl etc way more stronger and deadlier ,whoever started to put this stuff in the street drugs should be strung up ,its so strong some haven't a hope ,one try off it and their dead ,evil beyond words xxx

[@racheldoesacrylic4089]

Another aspect is people feel so sht and rotten ,angry even because when your coming off drugs your serotonin levels in your brain are so depleted ,wish they could give out something for this ,and the longer you been on something the worse it is , that's why people go back they cant deal with the negative feelings anxiety fidgeting and low mood etc ,hell its just a nightmare man xx

[@sikkitty]

@@racheldoesacrylic4089 it takes a long time for your brain chemistry to get back to normal and also people need therapy to address the problems they're running away from or trying to numb. It's a long process that doesn't magically get fixed in 5-day step down on methadone

[@sikkitty]

@@racheldoesacrylic4089 the stuff they're selling on the streets is truly scary these days

[@krissy8363]

This is the best documentary that I have ever watched on addiction. As a healthcare worker with a passion for this topic I have seen many. I have also seen addiction first hand as a provider as well as had it touch my family. Very well done. Thank you to the wonderful people who participated and shared their stories!! ❤❤

[@janetbrooks8505]

I’m not sure when this show was done, but there are a few states that have decriminalized drug use and drug use is exploding and in the open. Decriminalizing without having long term treatment isn’t working either. How about Treatment centers they have to go to instead of jail with medical and mental health services, some addiction needs a year of inpatient treatment to undo the damage of addiction and the PTSD it causes. Turn these vacant buildings into centers for rehabilitation and recovery, make sure the people in there are safe from people on the outside and safe from themselves. My heart goes out to all who are suffering

[@kbbejlmommy]

It's a catch-22. Putting addicts in prison doesn't help them, but giving them the blessing to keep using doesn't help them either. I agree with you... and that was SUPPOSED to be the plan in Oregon and Washington, but even though many people want to get clean, unless it is mandated (prison or rehab) they won't always go. I have a very good friend who was given that choice... prison or rehab. He did a 12 month program, did an internship at that same facility while working on his degrees (a Bachelor's and Masters) and now runs part of that same program. We can't just say "it's all good... everyone do all the drugs you want." We now have proof that doesn't work.

[@piecesoftheheart9231]

This is a troubling phenomenon that seen regarding firearms too, except reversed… where firearm rights are restricted, g^n crime skyrockets.

[@maureendrennan9328]

God bless us all, we are all one huge global family. I was in tears at the end as my own journey has made me a better mother, woman and human being. Understanding....... ❤❤❤

[@galegrazutis964]

Oh God!! I don't want to be a huge global family!!

[@UsmcDevildog-rd1yt]

3 years clean and sober from heroin and fentanyl right here. I came back from war with PTSD really bad after losing some close friends of mine and turn to heroin and fentanyl to escape I battled my addiction for many years finally my son was born and I have a little over 3 years clean and sober now it can't be done

[@KS-us9cb]

Addiction is a highly misunderstood disease. We as addicts / alcoholics, hope that the stigma will soon be removed. I speak from my own experience.. Judgement is always on your heals whilst in active addiction. Support, understanding and love is a far more suitable embrace!

[@lizybit]

This is an excellent video that offers insight into a heart shattering problem in this country.

[@jennifermullin6258]

Thank You for doing this Piece. I did everything that DCF(CPS in Florida) wanted. I can still provide better than the people my youngest Son is with (My oldest Son is in College, has his own apartment, car..). Nothing can fix what he now, has been through. And I have lost hope- in a hopeless system. 🙏 God help Us Mothers with children, that are also addicts.❤️‍🔥

[@EMILY4DAYS]

The system is horrendous! 😢

[@leizaharpur9899]

It's the same in Australia too. For every child that Child Services keeps in their systems, they can claim big funding $$ frm the gov. It's clear this is what it comes down too ❤❤

[@1whocs486]

Turn to Jesus and I mean really trust him ...I promise you He will come through for you and your children He is real talk to Him read His word I promise you He will be there for you and your children

[@1whocs486]

I am heartbroken for the Mother who lost both sons ... what a strong woman May God help her ❤

[@2012evolution]

RIP to the souls that were taken too soon, and my condolences to their family and friends ❤

[@vincentkeller4725]

Get to steppin!

[@MurzelMachtMusik]

Fentanyl is such a horrid substance. I was on pain patches that contain it and never have misused in any form. Used from medical facilities with a special narcotics prescription as is the law in Germany, where I live. Still after using it for over a decade, my bowels showed signs of being no longer very mobile, my bladder was damaged and my sex hormones were totally off. Also I was a noticeable bit detached. Not that I noticed, my friends noticed but only told me, after I went through with the detox process. The first bit was very ugly but doable. It was definitely a plus that I didn't have any psychological dependency. Every six month a new detox wave has been arriving for two years. My body is still far from ok, but I gained strength, my regulatory systems learn to regulate again. (I used to pass out from standing up all the time. Even my temperature wasn't at all regulated normally. And everyday life is still very smelly, loud and fast, penetrating my senses. It is a thing I want to get used to. I notice I am well on the way. If you have a chance to not take an opioid, don't do it. If you have to, do it transdermally (patch) and best only short term. Try to avoid Fentanyl especially. It is more addictive and hard to kick as other opioids. And it wreaks havoc in the body, even when you have chronic pain. I did use another opioid, which had so much less side effects. If I would ever have to use another patch, it would be Buprenorphine. It is used even as way out for addicts as medical substitute. I now use different non medicinal ways to live with pain. All the best to everyone!

[@jeanmyers1787]

Best wishes to you. In UK Fentanyl is only used in prescriptions for end of life cancer sufferers but it seems to contaminate everything for illegal use.

[@1whocs486]

What do you do for your pain

[@MurzelMachtMusik]

@@1whocs486 There is a technique to recondition your body, so when I feel pain, I consciously tell my body, it's ok, no emergency here, keep going. It takes a while, but with most types of chronic pain it works well. I have also started to see pain as part of life, like joy. Something that is a normal occurrence but will be overcome. But at that point I had already reached a situation, where I did no longer experience a high intense constant type of pain. More like aches and pain from overusing muscles. I am still on Gabapentin but could half the dose. And I do reintroduce sensations to parts of my body which show paraesthesia type of pain. This means deep pressure and brushing from gentle to intense to get it used to it. It works well. I wear shoes without pain now. Movement, like going on walks seems to have a pain modulating effect for me. So I go for a walk or two daily. I am not well enough yet to run or do most other types of sport. But swimming is one I can do, that strengthens my muscles without putting strain on the joints. So far I haven't come anywhere near to consider an opioid again and I haven't even touched any other pain meds that are less potent. I am not sure this will help. But it is all worth trying. And there is always more out there to try. Good luck and best wishes!

[@pfb74]

​@@1whocs486Ayurveda is herbal medicine. There's a lot you can do with regular herbs. You could look into that if you're looking to change something in your lifestyle. I began using it to grow my hair out when I was 18. Now I use it for a skin disease I was diagnosed with last year. Herbs work wonders. I don't know about how it works for those in recovery so best of luck to anyone who tries. I hope it brings you solace and comfort!🫶🏾

[@JiminyChristmas2-f4w]

Hello from Kentucky USA 🇺🇸. You’re in my thoughts Paul. There’s a lot of people that loves you, and are rooting for your clean bill of health. Much love🤍

[@seanberthiaume6909]

Athough A LOT of people do drugs most don't let it get the best of them but this fentinyle is before my time...

[@RemyMartinVSOP]

Heartbreaking story about logan and seeing how devastated his mum is.

[@joanneransing388]

"Everybody failed my son (but me), He died because the system failed him! For 11 years the system failed" ... The reason and the answer is revealed in these words.

[@pageribe2399]

"The system" can't live an individual life!

[@1whocs486]

I'm sorry for your loss

[@pfb74]

I just wonder if she tried to get him into treatment herself and why she expected law enforcement to do so when he was brought back and taken for medical treatment?

[@kbbejlmommy]

My daughter's fiance did 90 days in jail for failing to complete a counseling program for a DUI (That he was unable to complete because of COVID...but they didn't care.) When you violate probation/parole, you get put in jail. He did't go to jail because he OD'd... he went to jail because he violated the terms of his agreement from his last run-in with the law.

[@rachelcagnacci3993]

I have had cancer and a hip replacement, I had pain, but I did not take the pain meds after I left the hospital! We need to learn to fill pain and cope with life, there is a pill or drug for every feeling we don't want to feel! We need to start feeling!

[@MakingRecovery]

This is such a great look at this epidemic and recovery system. I was addicted for over 23 years. I was on suboxone for 15 years until the day I didn't have it and ended up overdosing on fentanyl waking up to the paramedics over me. I finally found recovery two years ago and am now a peer recovery specialist to help show others how it IS possible to recover from this. So... I can honestly say this documentary is SO on point In every way. Also, recovery is possible for everyone! No matter how bad you think things have gotten. If I knew how SO much better my life would have gotten as it is now...I would have taken recovery MUCH MUCH more seriously when I first sought treatment over 15 years ago. My only regret is letting all those years of my life go to waste. Which IS what motivates me to help others now. It really doesn't have to take that long. EVERYONE deserves recovery, everyone deserves life❤ thank you to the makers of this documentary ❤

[@Nader_61]

1:14 "I don't know anyone that's struggling, who doesn't want to stop." Lady, you obviously don't know many people struggling. I can introduce you to several who have no interest in quitting. Regardless of how much damage they do to their loved ones and themselves.

[@FirstPeterr]

Salute to all of us who take life seriously and respect our bodies. All the people that overdosed passed away doing what they love. We are better than them. ACCOUNTABILITY!

[@piecesoftheheart9231]

Ew… as a 17 year recovered prior substance ab^ser, absolutely not. We were LUCKY… plus a side of privileged.. and a pinch of strong will.

[@bayoubabe6698]

Almost All the people going through Drug Court were just sitting in meetings, not really engaged, they often came to meetings late or playing on their phones. However I watched several people from Drug Court get clean and sober🙏. But it really comes to the surrender…those who did were changed. It takes determination, time & support from others. It’s true that it’s hard to get into treatment, especially if there’s no insurance. God Bless those that are out there in the trenches and also the addicts. YANA♥️🙏♥️

[@jesseniavargas6969]

26:40LOOK AT THE TINY MIRACLE 🎀BABY GIRL🎀 SHE'S SOOO LITTLE AWW.🙏🏻

[@jana8599]

Force the manufacturers of opiods to watermark their product. I was functional when my pain doctor treated my pain.

[@charismalove2633]

This pulls at my heart strings , especially the mama who lost two of her boys 😭 and CMS has no back bone. Sadly Big Pharma runs the world and has these so called leaders in their back pockets! Keeping people sick and keeping prisons full is what makes money! Healthy people don’t make them money! It is a sickening and saddening reality of our world 🥺

[@jeffjones3040]

If Big Pharma ruled the world, why did they get the sh*t successfully sued out of them for selling an FDA approved product? Oxycontin. Now people with actual PROVABLE, SEVERE pain, are NOT treated successfully for it. Doctors just don't care anymore since the govt. implied they better not.

[@pena.3302]

Yes Sir..Just Like Henry Rollins Puts It.Theyre Always making Sure To Kp more people Caught in there Web..Like Big Pharma to it all/& related.&'To quote;Another Neil Young 'Song;(Neddle n the Damage'@Simular Fdbk'!)Keep on Rickin in The Free World'-"Just Another Kid Who'll nva Get to grow up nva Get to be Cool".!-"My bit here is "Hey its Time to Shine A big Powerful Light On What we all know is a Corrupt Criminal Blatant Their Money making system.. god i hope Thats where the 'Focus' Goes'!!

[@bkm2797]

charismalove2633, Don't let it pull too hard because you seem to be lacking in details which would probably change that thought. We are spiritual beings having a human experience, it is when life becomes hard and what we do that determines the outcome. Most full on addicts have destroyed every relationship, stolen from every family member, friend etc. their focus is on getting high and escaping life and responsibility, ask any ex addicts, millions upon millions have been prescribed pain meds but the majority stop when the pain is better, pharmaceuticals will always be around, but it's how you respect your life and whether you choose to live it is up to each person. We must take responsibility for ourselves, we must stop looking outside ourselves to blame or we will never grow our soul.

[@robertafierro5592]

Wow! You really said it so well! As long as something PAYS no one will stop.the cycle.

[@OurTube_TheOriginal]

Overdose is also often suicide..it isn’t just partying teenagers it is adjacent to the housing crisis etc. and the rate of homelessness. Deaths of despair, not only that fentinyl is potent. Big pharma doesn’t create demand. Our economy took a turn as did our culture in the 80s/90s of materialism and greed unbridled. America has cultural social psychological problems. Look up people living in the Netherlands/Holland and how much better it is and other places such as Norway too. Also there are studies with rats; those in a stimulating enriching enviornoment and are not

[@jewels18261]

great video.! A breath of fresh air in the lethal atmosphere of the morally flawed, neverending war on the most vulnerable which rages in every society on our planet. Tragic that common sense is as hard to find as compassion in a victim blaming punishment based system.

[@midbreezy]

When you think its only the other people who are affected...time will show you otherwise.

[@maureendrennan9328]

Very good documentary. ❤

[@soniamartin4914]

Excellent documentary. Heartbreaking but so much hope too.

[@kalayne6713]

Addicts have more support and more care and compassion than chronic pain patients.We have no rights, no say, are regarded suspiciously, we did not choose pain, like an addict chooses their drug of choice. It's so very wrong.

[@1whocs486]

Yes I suffer from chronic pain too

[@missgigip]

Exactly it’s very frustrating - everything is about the addicts but nothing about the people suffering from chronic pain and other medical issues that opiates help with relief and having a quality of life

[@3mexhuas]

Thank God you didn't get addicted because you didn't have the inherited gene. If you had the gene, you might be singing a different tune.

[@pursedelighted]

I am with I suffer with chronic pain for over 20 years it can wear you out just trying to find something that can give a little bit of a normal life.

[@fitleo]

Yup the rehabs in NJ are not worried about your sobriety they are worried about keeping the beds filled! I had a seizure at New Hope and no one came in and checked on me and I guess I must of put a hole in the wall from seizure and they have the nerve to send me a bill every month to my house to pay for the hole in the wall!!!! The ambulance came and got me. Surprised they didn't try to charge me for that

[@1whocs486]

Oh I'm sorry ...are you clean now

[@jeffjones3040]

There is only one way to "Improve" the situation. Make it legal and CHEAP. People will NEVER STOP wanting to feel better and/or different when their default feeling is not good. Changing THAT, is basically (NOW, anyways) impossible.

[@demaskus2016]

It's is decriminalized and cheap to buy in Oregon, but ppl are dying and replaced by others and has the biggest homeless population per capita in the country and they don't help ppl get off drugs eventhough there's nonprofit organizations that are supposed to help

[@jeffjones3040]

@@demaskus2016 ....What is your solution? Ask yourself WHY people take drugs. They always have and they always will. We can only try to mitigate some of the problems and damage.

[@jeffjones3040]

@@demaskus2016 ...I mean REALLY CHEAP. Not what the Media calls "Cheap".

[@demaskus2016]

@@jeffjones3040 ppl take drugs because they want to. Everyone has choices but there's no justified reason to be allowing these drugs to continue to be put out in the streets to kill people.. we are at war sense 2001 and genocide is happening now.. fentanyl is a weapon of mass destruction

[@taraalexandria8807]

Yes, it should be Legalized and a Safe Supply. ❤

[@JimMozo-ng7gv]

This helps restore my faith in humanity! An inspiration.........

[@marytague6268]

Brilliant doc!👏👍

[@heathermartin9040]

This is so heart breaking! And sadly treatment centers have gotten a bad wrap based on some really bad players! I have a small facility that actually does care .. it literally does break my heart to think that there are people that would hurt those that are so hurting! Praying we can come together.. the facilities that really do care .. and share our model and have that followed across the board .. I am a person in long term recovery .. in my family today there are 14 of us in long term recovery and I have a daughter that has struggled for years and years and is now in a wheelchair due to Fentanyl! It ate away her white Brian matter .. it is called heroine induced leukencilopothy .. spelling is a mess .. and she needs full time care! I too sent her to a boarding school and it just went down hill from there. She did the South Florida Shuffle and it pushed me to open a facility that really cares .. again we are very small but we have touched many lives and I am so grateful I get to be part of the solution! But I do feel like we are a small ripple in this big cesspool.. praying for all the families that have lost their lives ones .. their children .. it is just heartbreaking 💔💔 holding space for all those suffering with this disease m!

[@tracynorris5012]

I'm in a dire situation right now with my daughter, age 39, and granddaughter, age 22. They're in jails separately cuz of drug abuse. I'm so exhausted, but I will Never give up on them. Praying for an answer 🙏

[@VictorMendez-l6u]

@@tracynorris5012 let them sit in jail best place for them.

[@jen_wren_x]

It’s like being diagnosed with any disease but your criminalised for using the medication which makes you feel well.. it’s 100% cruelty & inhumane!!! 😡

[@peckhamprincess7098]

I live in the UK where we have free health care, the government paid for me to go to detox & rehabilitation. I relapsed loads of times & now on 8mg Espranor, I get a prescription every 2 weeks & go to my local chemist every day to get 16mg Espranor, you pop it on your tongue & it melts, I have lived the same home for over 20 years, I brought up my 2 children & they are nearly in their 30s, without medication to stop my addiction I don't know where I would be? Watching the US & seeing how hard it is to get help breaks my heart? I have Narcan in my house in case as I have lost a lot of friends? I think I have 8 of them? My doctors throw them at me? I never think about the price! I don't have to pay? It never enters my mind till Watching this video, I hope the US wake up & help their young people as they don't need to die.

[@wdncnu]

Not comfortable to watch, but so important to do so. Well done.

[@missgigip]

What about all the opioid panic and hysteria affecting those of us who deal with chronic pain and how this is creating a bunch of red tape in order for us to access our life saving medication? There is the section of people who can’t access opioids or have been cut off who no longer have a quality of life due to the dea scaring doctors and limiting quantities…it’s terrible ..this whole panic and hysteria and there are those of us who don’t sell our pills, follow the rules, do the counts etc and we’re treated terribly..it’s going from one extreme to the other

[@pursedelighted]

Sorry u are going thru that but it isn't all the government fault because they made it clear the new regulations was for family med or primary care doctors or emergency room visits.if I am trained as a pain management doctor and when to school for this why would.i cut or stop your pain meds.they were not breaking the law.think about it .take care

[@missgigip]

@@pursedelighted I am in pain management thankfully and my docs have been great .,I’ve seen a lot of people suffering tho and it’s terrible how some are being treated as criminals at times or being harshly judged..there has to be a middle ground

[@missgigip]

@@pursedelighted the government has scared doctors and they are cutting off people cold turkey or severely dropping their dosages

[@robbymorrison4058]

I went through the va, and I maintained a good sponsor, I have 20yrs clean.

[@michelledownie9073]

Excellent documentary!! Alas, the comment about expecting someone to bring a casserole to your house after you've lost a loved one to an overdose, like they would if your loved one had died because of cancer is ridiculous!! Cancer is not self inflicted! I'm on oxycodone, I have stage 4 cancer so I'm worried about addition.

[@nannersguyaners2745]

When it is the poor people of color who are suffering/dying the answer is ‘war’ - when it is other cohorts - then it is a ‘crisis’ and shouldn’t be criminalized - it’s all awful - but does nobody see the double standard?

[@Nurse66]

ITS SO EXPENSIVE THAT MOST FAMILIES CANT AFFORD IT!!!! IVE HEARD 25,000 FOR 30 DAYS!!!!😮😮😮😮😮😮

[@merlin6625]

Mega Kudos to the uploader for this video!! 👏👏👏👏👏 I was addicted to Opiates over 25 years, now I'm sober. If I can beat the Drug Demon you can do it too, I'm no better than you. Kick the habit and get your life back!! We have the ongoing lawsuits against the Drug Companies but they don't want to pay us anything for our damages, and we are all damaged after being addicted!! May the Great Spirit watch over you all!! A'ho 🙏

[@I.AM.JUPITER]

What’s really interesting is that this did not affect the black community as we are not prescribed pain killers since doctors think we are lying. I had 2 surgeries during this epidemic and never once prescribed anything more than aspirin. We all know how this compares to crack - and what happened to the black community. We saw blk Americans as animals and those folks are now seeing what we went through in our families

[@joecalf1896]

I have been praying for decades over the same life issues and I get no response. I have given up.

[@pursedelighted]

Please don't stop stop praying. I believe God has a miracle just for you.take care

[@Allegedly..Angela]

Boy every system is a damn mess- healthcare/ elder care/addiction care- yet billions are-spent but none can actually GET the care they need. Wheres all this money going???

[@1whocs486]

In the people's pocket that run this country Joe is the main one

[@april6662]

Thanks for this excellent documentary!!

[@kennelskybar]

Wonderful positive ending. There are always someone there. ❤️

[@Robert-ws3mk]

This video needs more views !

[@jeanmyers1787]

It’s here in U.K. as well but no one talks about it in government, just the charities.

[@drintx5734]

What a wonderful documentary. Thank you.

[@mindbody777]

BUSINESS of recovery... ain't that the truth!

[@BushyHairedStranger]

Drug Courts are not diversion, they are punishment. Anyone who thinks different hasnt been through drug court!!

[@AliveBoldTV]

The Rehab industry cuts out the most important component or rehabilitation? The family!! The family must be included

[@Ann-eb8fo]

Thank you for this...just thank you.

[@michaelmoran3372]

You need to stop blaming the system. It’s really difficult to save people from themselves.

[@baileyhallfilms]

they were really compassionate and helpful about the system need for fixes

[@Linda-qt8qk]

Jesus help us you’re the only one that can. Have mercy on our people.

[@carowilki7380]

Don't leave your representatives and senators out of the cause of this. Also the government. They have caused the opioid crisis. Single handed.

[@briandmckeown72]

Truth. It is NOT an epidemic of drug use. It is an epidemic of policy, stigma, punishment, and isolation.

[@MrBobbo18]

Government caused family trauma? Government raped that girl at 12? The government isn’t there to be your parents.

[@nasreenebrahim2220]

For sure

[@Anita_Backrub]

They ALL GOT RICH FROM IT!

[@angiehemp4295]

​@@briandmckeown72greed is at the epicenter of it all.

[@z.shb_]

i don’t get why these mothers are sad they got out of rehab and didn’t immediately get your baby. CPS will protect your child from you. you have to prove you are sober for long periods of time before you get your child back. it’s common sense, without it people who just go to rehab, get sober, get their kids, and use again. the point is to prove to CPS that you are sober indefinitely. otherwise you shouldn’t have access to your child.

[@eliareyna5268]

Interesting, when my sons were growing up in the 90s. “Say no to Drugs”, and if they did get into them, labeled as criminals, got no help. This country is Sooo Evil.

[@1whocs486]

We have over the years let our government get rich off our backs and our loved ones backs

[@peternorthrup6274]

Accept the fact that the war on drugs has been lost. People need to start asking why the FDA and politicians why they make it so difficult for people do get suboxon?

[@bayoubabe6698]

Blessings to all the families 🙏✌️🥰

[@irockuroll60]

“All the systems failed my son.” I empathize with you mam. I am sorry for your loss. However, this is the issue right here-your son failed. He was an addict. He made the choice to use and to continue to use even tho he knew the risk. I was/am an addict. It is awful. It is the hardest thing to go thru as a human. It ruins everything in your life-every relationship is ruined. At the end of the day, the “systems” are responsible for your son’s addictions. Mam-do you believe that you failed your son? Or, just the “systems”?

[@AliveBoldTV]

The fact that this had less than 200k views when there are 20 mil people walking around with substance use disorder is really hard for me to handle right now.

[@rog3833]

The uk is going down the pan as well, with all that crack and the coke flooding the country. People are ripping off their own mothers for the stuff around here. Ive lost 4 people that drank alcohol on 4+ grams of crack, and their heart stopped.

[@kathyhenry2362]

All of the systems in Kelowna, BC Canada- Interior Health Region- are failing my son.

[@andreaeady8000]

I’m so sorry. I lived in Kelowna for 20 years & have struggled with addiction for almost 30 years - Suboxone , 3 Rehabs & Dharma Recovery support groups saved my life. I live in Embrun, Ontario now but is there a rehab facility there?

[@davep.4865]

My son spent five years in Broward county Florida in county jail, waiting for a trial for non-violent death charges to support his addiction. He was from Ohio and because of interstate laws. The lawyers in Florida couldn’t help him and the lawyers in Ohio couldn’t help him. They don’t allow toothbrushes only a finger condom. Five years! He relapsed and missed one probation appointment and they flew him all the way back to Ohio and mental health advocate said no more jail time and lake county judge slam the gavel down and said I can’t let this go unpunished two years in prison! He did four years in prison prior his very first offense at 17 for theft charges that they used a 37 year old heroin addict police informant that was released from prison for rape to set up my son, and found the stolen goods in the informant‘s house, and the informant wasn’t charged and they give my son four years in prison! My son died on Christmas day six weeks after he was released from prison the last time. He did 14 years in jail for his illness that started when he was 14. It was always about punishment, and his addiction was always punished and never treated. He didn’t have a chance. He was a athlete all through school. Very smart in math. He had a huge heart and love to help others. I’ve had even jail staff walk up to me and tell me what a nice young man he was and it’s too bad he got involved with drugs. He helped a lot of other people make it through and get their lives back on track. I am at least glad to see someone finally put out a video that tells some truth about our system and we’re doing nothing still.

[@bobjary9382]

Thats heartbreaking Dave , I cant imagine how you deal with it. I have three grown up kids and although they, like myself, have engaged in 'out in the open' full disclosure and discussion, drug use over the years they have no addiction issues thank the lord. Im a very laid back person and not many things even register as far as getting me annoyed , but if anyone looks to upset or harm my family I will stay up night and day, pull every resource and favour, adopt any strategy necessary to bring about change for the good. But to be up against the state like you, and its messed up idea of whats right and see your boy suffer so cruelly when really he sounds like such a lovely person ....I dont have words, its beyond evil. I am so sorry, the way you write about your son is an indication of the love and admiration you had for him , bless you man.

[@1whocs486]

He killed someone ??

[@Emma82813]

i wish had half the mother joshs & logans mom was. rip boys 💔

[@sidstovell2177]

Strange how the cartels are killing off their clients. Very sorry for the families.

[@deidradahl2802]

Strange how the cartels clients are putting shit into their mouths and veins, without the cartels forcing them to do so at gun point

[@demaskus2016]

They all need Darwin awards

[@StarreLabell]

Our government is letting the cartels kill American citizens by turning a blind eye to fentanyl and Tranq. Now they say fentanyl is in all drugs, like meth, cocaine and even weed.

[@fatdaddy1996]

I'm told that if a drug "brand" is killing users, then that's the one the addicts want because it must be stronger. Imagine wanting the thing that's more likely to kill you! Just think about that.....

[@BarbieCP72]

So sad that they are making this a race issue…blacks, whites, Hispanics, and others are all suffering from this evil epidemic. Let’s all unite and do our part. I lost my only brother to fentanyl and see many others out there of all different races and color. Uniting to do our part is the first step. Blessings to all

[@I.AM.JUPITER]

You don’t understand what happens with crack in the black community. Crack flooded our neighborhoods and then they impose long prison sentences for crack. They (white people) demonized blk people who were addicts - we lost a generation. But, now, since this is affecting white people, now, it’s, they need help. You have no idea how they hurt the blk community

[@katharsyis]

imagine someone saying i HEAR YOU when you are hurting and using drugs to cover this up, ANY drugs can be abused for such and are DAILY, dont HATE these people, love them for WHO they are and see how quickly the drugs are 'needed' when the person who is 'addicted' finally realizes its love and support they need, not the drugs they use to hide from reality.... My little sister IS an addict and will be until the day she dies unfortunately, but this CAN be 'worked with'! but not with putting these people in jail or some drug rehab program that rarely works if at all, instead help them to fill the hole inside with love and compassion and ALL the things we ALL as humans crave and desire! what if addiction is in all reality a lack of love, compassion and care for another? my little sister IS 'clean' now days, she might smoke pot and thats MORE than ok if she isnt on the hard shit and stealing prescriptions or check books, a win win ALL day

[@lisaarendt1759]

Another issue is that if someone wants to go into sober living from rehab, they don't allow you to be on maintenance medication

[@klarity1111]

I don't understand the prejudice to Suboxone.

[@lisaarendt1759]

@klarity1111 neither do I. However, some are waking up. A friend of my daughters in in an Oxfor house now and he is allowed suboxone

[@1whocs486]

Oh really...why not ..they need that help

[@3mexhuas]

Everyone with a loved one who is an addict should listen to the song, "Save Me," by Jelly Roll. It tells the pain addicts live with.

[@kworpilates9728]

God bless you sweet souls changing peoples lives. You are Angels x

[@amyhudson1023]

Great film. Well done

[@TravisCotter]

Love is the way to overcome addiction. The X-man

[@BlissedOut]

Sorry story. There are several countries making good progress by decriminalizing and providing treatment. Nothing for people to realize. Politicians need to stop the war and start the cure.

[@nilsanarvaez7947]

Excellent doc! ❤

[@ambersykora352]

Maam your son didnt have a fever. He was in active withdrawals. Which im sure you know now looking back.

[@galegrazutis964]

ABSOLUTELY.! My best friend had breast cancer it ran in her family. That's a disease. I know it really pisses her of when addiction is called a disease. The government didn't pay a cent for her treatment. But we spend billions treating these lowlives!

[@sergeeiseedjii6037]

I hate this I am an addict and it's not even the heroin it's when someone who doesn't do it and doesn't have any tolerance to heroin does a Xanax or some dope and they overdose because it was fentanyl.