This Is What Happens to Your Brain on Opioids | Short Film Showcase

Driven by opioid addiction, drug overdose is now the leading cause of accidental death in the United States.
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Opioids are part of a drug class that includes the illegal drug heroin and powerful pain relievers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, fentanyl, and many others. In 2015, more than 33,000 people died from overdoses involving opioids. Every day in the United States more than 1,000 people are treated in emergency departments for not using prescription opioids as directed.
Lily Fang's animation, Susan’s Brain, is part of a free online course produced by HarvardX and Harvard Health Publications. The course, The Opioid Crisis in America, challenges preconceptions about addiction and about who can become addicted to opioids, and this animation illustrates changes in the brain that lead to addiction. Dr. Elena Chartoff and Dr. Hilary Connery, both of Boston’s McLean Hospital advised on the brain science within this animation. This video is provided courtesy of the President’s and Fellows of Harvard College © 2017.
Read more on the topic in the "Science of Addiction" issue of National Geographic magazine: www.nationalgeographic.com/ma...
Lily Fang: lilyfang.com/
www.health.harvard.edu/
Driven by opioid addiction, drug overdose is now the leading cause of accidental death in the United States.
Opioids are part of a drug class that includes the illegal drug heroin and powerful pain relievers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, fentanyl, and many others. In 2015, more than 33,000 people died from overdoses involving opioids. Every day in the United States more than 1,000 people are treated in emergency departments for not using prescription opioids as directed.
Lily Fang's animation, Susan’s Brain, is part of a free online course produced by HarvardX and Harvard Health Publications. The course, The Opioid Crisis in America, challenges preconceptions about addiction and about who can become addicted to opioids, and this animation illustrates changes in the brain that lead to addiction. Dr. Elena Chartoff and Dr. Hilary Connery, both of Boston’s McLean Hospital advised on the brain science within this animation. This video is provided courtesy of the President’s and Fellows of Harvard College © 2017.
Read more on the subject in the "Science of Addiction" issue of National Geographic magazine: www.nationalgeographic.com/ma...
Lily Fang: lilyfang.com/
Harvard Health Publications: www.health.harvard.edu/
The Opioid Crisis in America: www.edx.org/course/opioid-cri...
Dr. Elena Chartoff : www.mcleanhospital.org/biograp...
Dr. Hilary Connery: www.mcleanhospital.org/biograp...
This Is What Happens to Your Brain on Opioids | Short Film Showcase
• This Is What Happens t...
National Geographic
/ natgeo

[@johnmarstonlives]

You forgot the part where Susan starts using heroin instead and dies

[@fujinyumi5632]

Sad, but true

[@anazbin.m8939]

@@fujinyumi5632 have you seen requiem for a dream?

[@fujinyumi5632]

Anas Anas No, I haven’t.

[@SkyFallDancer]

Yeah. Cos everyone who becomes addicted to prescription painkillers eventually ends up using heroin. Dude, small minded comment. Addiction ain't a joke.

[@fujinyumi5632]

SkyFallDancer YT r/wooooosh

[@wadewylsyn8904]

I went down this path stemming from a car accident, ended up on heroin for 5 years. I never knew how bad it would get after taking these things. Sober for 3 years, still going strong, and never looking back. I am grateful to be here typing this.

[@cliffkonkle3467]

I am happy you are here too my friend. Sending LOVE

[@MB-gl2bl]

Awesome! :) We are proud of you!

[@dicksooker2119]

awesome job! you should be proud! keep it up friend, much love.

[@jasoncraun9056]

Thts incredible bro I hope to be where you are someday soon

[@Romanov999]

Ok. Thanx for sharing. Lol.

[@AjayiSola0]

Psychedelics are just an exceptional mental health breakthrough. It's quite fascinating how effective they are against depression and anxiety. Saved my life.

[@GlobalVisa-pf9pt]

Microdosing helped me get out of the pit of my worst depressive episode, a three year long episode enough to start working on my mental health

[@olegkroitory304]

Can you help with the reliable source I would really appreciate it many people talk about mushrooms and psychedelics but nobody talks about where to get them. Very hard to get a reliable source here in Germany. Really need

[@ratthasatkhomsan8644]

He's Shane.myco

[@cemalcanguzel3683]

The shroom experience stands as my most remarkable journey, an awe-inspiring encounter that left an indelible mark of amazement.

[@bestaneierflott1195]

He’s on insta?

[@Hison-Dcarman]

Opioid addiction actually destroyed my life. I started doing drugs since my teenage, got addicted to Opioid. I suffered severe depression and mental disorder. Not until my wife recommended me to psilocybin mushrooms treatment. Psilocybin treatment saved my life honestly. 6 years totally clean. Never thought I would be saying this about mushrooms.

[@KicksConceptsshoes]

Amen God bless people. Save your health save your mind. Life is better without heroin, opioid, alcohol and cigarettes. And you have more money in your pocket. God bless everyone who has rejected the devils intentions to be addicted to alcohol and cigarettes etc which can cause so much damage to health.

[@laurj09]

Can you help me with the reliable source 🙏. I'm 56 and have suffered for years with addiction, anxiety and severe ptsd, I got my panic attacks under control myself years ago and they have come back with a vengeance, I'm constantly trying to take full breaths but can't get the full satisfying breath out, it's absolutely crippling me, i live in Australia. I don't know much about these mushrooms. Really need a reliable source!! Can't wait to get them.

[@RubenDuate]

YES very sure of Dr.benfungi. I have the same experience with anxiety, depression, PTSD and addiction and Mushrooms definitely made a huge huge difference to why am clean today.

[@SharonFalcon-fj7nb]

Ive done shrooms last month in my house. It taught me how severely traumatized I was from alcohol. I healed from many mental traumas from my past and was able to forgive, let go. Shrooms to me is a remedy not a vice. I even felt more refreshed the morning after. So no hangovers. No depression mood for days. No anxiety.I now have a more calm mind

[@nicholda436]

How do i reach out to him? Is he on Instagram

[@t_r_i_g_g_r_e_d4161]

the lesson is dont ride a bike

[@mmorrison151]

lol

[@johnleremy502]

Lol.. lol..

[@dreamweaver961]

Well just be careful and dont wreck.

[@tammywines9789]

Lmfao

[@wezilla21]

Lawl

[@Divineshot]

I feel Susan's pain, I use to be an addict but now I'm sober. I finally found true pleasure in my life and for that I am truly grateful. Everyone have a great weekend! :)

[@yvonnespearing]

but do you ever feel real happy feeling like the fake one..thats the problem with a lot of addicts,feeling like I'm happy ok and just feel good..???

[@Divineshot]

JAGG KOUT sorry but I'm not sure what you are asking.

[@yvonnespearing]

are you a addict? If not than you will be confused, when you take them you feel a wonderful high, when you never take them you feel happy but not over board happy, so do you ever go back to being naturedly happy. THats one reason addicts relapse.

[@yvonnespearing]

sorry you were a addict ok

[@Divineshot]

JAGG KOUT no need to be sorry but thank you and yes, I am happy now, because I found what I am passionate about and that is my escape.

[@jakebesaw]

This was extremely well made. Missing details however on how people like Susan are likely to find substitutes for pain relief like heroin when their Doctor cuts them off from Legal Pain Relief and the dangers of cut drugs & overdose.

[@offgridandy.]

More often people do drugs of some sort to blend in with their social circles. No injury required to become an addict.

[@ktbyayo1762]

@@offgridandy. nowadays this is getting truer and truer

[@alvodin6197]

People may try drugs for various reasons, however; people don't end up addicts simply because their friends take drugs. People love to blame drugs and compartmentalize their problems. "Everything was ok until this thing". Your problems started in childhood, not last year, that's the reality that people are too afraid to face.

[@RH-ni8xp]

@@alvodin6197 W

[@AgxntOrange]

@@offgridandy. That might be more true of party drugs. But not opiates. The people I know who became opiates addicts were either 1) previously prescribed and ended up addicted or 2) abused/neglected person looking for an escape from reality.

[@oynlengeymer2434]

the part where they talk about genetics and life experience and show her watching her parent drinking as a kid, smiling and learning as she watched.. I felt great sadness. How did we get so lost?

[@akllls617]

It’s so scary how much we take in as kids without even noticing

[@maximus9146]

Godless -Lawless

[@morallybiased1772]

Democrats

[@rainej7013]

@@maximus9146exactly

[@Wrldoncets]

I remember being super drawn towards my parents alcohol as a kid and I loved the smell of weed cigarettes and other chemicals as a kid I started smoking at 8 and then after a while into middle school I smoked weed I loved it I was a pot head I smoked with numerous groups of kids I didn’t even know all I knew was I need to get high after a while I stopped everything changed then a few years later I got in a depressing horrible breakup with a girl I loved and started hanging out with people who were taking pills and other drugs which lead me to everything in the drug categories addiction grabs you tight till you give in and pray for the best of the one pill in your dresser drawer stay strong stay sober young ones

[@texasg5001]

Glad I don’t have a brain, according to my wife

[@thekingofthefall72]

Lmfao

[@jamalsalads]

ok boomer

[@thekingofthefall72]

@@jamalsalads cringe

[@zandalee3530]

😂😂😂

[@scottcupp8129]

I'm in the same scenario. My wife swears up and down that my brain is nonexistent.

[@maria_____.]

you skipped the part where susan becomes a heroin addict

[@rdizzy1]

Chemically the same thing happens, and some people do indeed get help prior to making that jump.

[@jessepoker2008]

Heroin? That stuff hasn't been around in years. It's all Fentanyl now!

[@asher6657]

ironically we invaded Afghanistan, the producer of 95% of the world's opium a few years before the opioid epidemic started. Coincidence? i think not

[@dankadybong7948]

Asher . yeah ppl know nowadays. its a war on lack of drugs.. and to seize other ppls drugs lol

[@carolynmmitchell2240]

Asher also Vietnam was the largest heroin producer when we invaded them and the troops kept getting strung out and that's when pee testing started for the first time ever.

[@smellypatel5272]

As someone studying medicine, I can wholeheartedly say that this is an excellent lay summary of what goes on, and the animation is top notch. Wish we had more of these types of animations.

[@matthewbudlong9813]

You are about a douche if you think this describes Susan hahahahahaha Susan has much more to tell you believe me. Like the same person that made you a femme is going to treat you. Right that makes perfect sense. Study on Campaign contributions that are giving from the PHARMA and you will learn more about meds.

[@izzydeadyet7336]

I agree! I've been on hydromorphone for 17 years, sent this to my mother because I told her it explains it so well

[@chasemoneygang4913]

@@izzydeadyet7336 what did your mother say

[@JDFe]

This should be shown in schools!

[@rhysioeren3203]

What is not totally clear for me is that according to the video addiction seems rare, is that really the case?, people can but news and reports seem to show a huge problem related to the abuse of these medications. really get in control is that easy for that much people?

[@markbasarab]

I was on vacation and broke my arm in a motorcycle accident and had to get surgery. They proscribed me Oxy because of the pain. Yes it felt good and the pain would go away but within 3 hours it would come back and I would have to take more. One week of being on them I saw how it started to change me. My own mom that would take care of me I would yell and freak out at her for something that would irritate me. Within one week I stopped taking them even though the pain was there. Please look into opioid addictions it’s so easy to get addicted and not only does it ruin your life but also the people around you.

[@floofle4318]

Similar experience; I fractured 3 parts of my thoracic spine this year, Oxy for a week and I was already changing in ways I didn’t like. I ended up throwing away the rest out of frustration and dealt with the pain and withdrawal symptoms as best I could. I think it was for the better

[@bunk95]

Surgery is fictional.

[@ktaco8386]

2010 I was prescribed it after I had an emergency c section with my son. My experience was similar, i took it for a week and saw the effects it had on me. I stopped. I was 16 then with enough sense to stay away. 7 years later, it's back in my life and it took its hold. For 5 years I was dedicate to this cycle. Ive been clean since july 28 2023. What pain causes people to do; there's no limits. But as sure as there's darkness, there's light. We are resilient. We have the power to heal ourselves. I believe that truly. It all starts with the thought, as did all.

[@ayo2064]

Has anyone mentioned how good the animation is? Because this animation is really good!

[@dontsettlefor500mill]

You sound like you're oddly euphoric. Like you've been eating gravy and fentanyl biscuits....

[@acgillespie]

Susan is one hot mamma isn't she? I bet it is yummy

[@alexbisou5659]

Lee if you are 2 years old yea.. lol i guess they do not want to put a real woman getting hooked on Heroin by docs

[@toshibe2805]

​@@alexbisou5659​it's really well done from an artistic standpoint. it's expressive, it's fluid, and it conveys what it needs to. filming actors would've worked, but it would've been bland by comparison.

[@jettywetty9398]

Yooo ITS AMZAING

[@soulrebel5631]

"When i was a teen people would tell me, if you take drugs you're gonna die. Now that I'm 60 they tell me if i DON'T take drugs imma die"

[@maxmillman9477]

You're not 60, what 60 year old says "I'ma"? Haha

[@NGC-qm1so]

@@maxmillman9477 The cool ones

[@maxmillman9477]

@@NGC-qm1so Clearly!

[@yesyoucan7877]

@@maxmillman9477 my mother is 58 and talks just like that

[@miapdx503]

@@maxmillman9477 60 isn't 90 dude😒

[@lisamarieashby2523]

I have medically, chronic pain. Without these meds, I would be dead. However, the meds do not make me feel euphoric. Never have. I am always tired and still in pain. No amount of drugs will ever change that. No medication of any kind is "safe". All have side effects and draw-backs. Use them carefully and under good medical care. Do what you can to avoid or minimize their use.

[@matovicmmilan]

Be careful not to tell your dr that you're still in pain and that the med makes you always tired because they often use both of these as excuse to cut patients off of their meds. They could easily say "the med isn't effective, you could do better without it"!

[@sandrabrecht627]

I thought my Dr. was prescribing meds that were safe. Morphine was too much for me after my failed neck surgery, so I asked for a lower dose and was given Fentanyl and Oxycodone. I thought the only people who died, died because their medication were tainted Not the real thing. After years of suffering different symptoms . I fond that my own meds were killing me slowly. Now my meds were just stopped suddenly I don’t know what to do except take my old meds and I’m running out !

[@karenglenn6707]

I have medically recorded and chronic pain also and am in Australia. I am in opiates, as long as I can have some semblance of a normal life and do my gardening I am ok. I cannot walk well anymore, I’ve had numerous fractures from osteoporosis caused by cortisone. I’ve had severe falls due to neuropathy in my feet. I did not choose this for my life, I worked for the police for many years and was very active. My dose was reduced by me and my Dr many years ago as it was sedating me, and the dose has never needed to be increased.

[@beatnik6806]

"physical sickness far more worse than any flu" even that is an understatement. Its anxious, depressing soul sucking darkness. Its hopeless, worst nightmare you live in while withdrawing. Not a single moment you feel bearable, not even a glimbse of comfort. I never ever imagined a person can feel so bad, and when I started using I thought myself "I can take it, so what if you feel sick. I can stop any day I want" and when I wanted, I couldn't, and after several tries trying to quit, here I'm still struggling with opioid addiction. I'm so sad they probihited ordering kratom to my country because my friend was able to quit with it. I'm never giving up though and one of these days I make it.

[@yvonnespearing]

you feel utterly alone,in the world an the d feeling is god aweful,seen it hubby now I take them but has prescribed ,but Ihave a funny feeling I might be in trouble.becasue your body gets addicted scared

[@take.my.handle]

Well said. Kratom can usually be found even where it "can't"... hope you are doing much better now x

[@georgetaylor7366]

I am an addict in recovery, thank you for producing this short story, maybe, with more stories like this, instead of the needless snide comments left by others, a life can be saved.

[@adamking4246]

So how are you?. I wish you luck on your recovery.

[@user-pq6mr6op3p]

Oh shut up.

[@suspiciouswatermelon7639]

Loser

[@eviehammond9509]

Im late to this party, but want to say hang in there youll be so much better for it. Its a huge undertaking but you CAN DO IT. TAKE CARE.💜💜💜

[@Romanov999]

You found balls to live your life like decent human being. Congratulations.

[@mikey7257]

Opioids are horrible. I was taking percs for years thinking it gave me energy and made me more focused. In reality i was in a daze and incredibly angry all the time. If there are any addicts out there you can get clean. Get help or whatever you need to do to free yourself. As good as you think you feel on them, being off of them feels better

[@TheBigJawn]

Preach

[@nicolenance6310]

Can you please give me some advice on how you quit? Im an opiate addict and ive gotten to the point where i can take 15-17 norco 10mgs at once or 12 10mg percocets at once. Im currently trying to get into a clinic to get suboxone or methadone but it takes forever! Currently my mother is buying my opiates dailey to keep me from getting deadly withdraw symptoms and the pills cost from 8$ to 20$ a piece! And we are running out of money. If you have any advice how to quit please tell me. And btw ive been in rehab twice and clondine does not help me it makes me collapse. If you know anything please tell me because my mom can not keep spending 50-100$ dailey. And i only get around 5 percocets 10s for 100$ because they are 20$ a piece, therefore it only lasts me literally one day.

[@mikey7257]

nicole nance you’ve taken the first step and that’s reaching out and wanting to quit. You cant avoid the withdrawal symptoms. You’re going to feel it no matter what. The worst of it is about 5 days and can creep back now and then for a month or two. Your mom has to stop buying them for you. Chocolate, cheese and meditation are your friends. Hot baths and comforting funny movies or tv shows. If you have family support it’s much easier. It’s going to hurt but it goes away. If you slip up it’s ok. Try again. Cut ties with everyone who supplies them for you. I wish i had a quick, painless fix for you but there isnt one. I will tell you this though....do or die. That was incentive enough for me. I overdosed on 180 mg oxycontin. I wanted to see my kids grow up. If you need a voice just reply to this thread. I will be here to listen as much as i can at any hour.

[@mikey7257]

nicole nance i normally wouldnt suggest one drug for another but smoke a ton of weed. It does ease the withdrawal symptoms a bit

[@mikey7257]

Josh Luther yes you do. I was prescribed them too because i fractured my back. That’s how i got hooked. This might sound like BS but try acupuncture. If u try it with an open mind it might help with the pain.

[@Fomites]

It's interesting that when I badly ruptured a disc in my lumbar spine I used extended-release morphine which was effective as a pain killer (analgesic) but I didn't like it at all and was glad when surgery fixed the problem. At other times when I have had opiates prescribed I have only used a few from the packet then stopped. It seems that I am not an opiate/opioid person. It could be genetic misfortune to be susceptible to opioids. But I find alcohol to be quite addictive though. We need to be non-judgemental on others who have addiction and treat it as a medical problem with compassion.

[@mercedesterrell101]

You’re right ..happy new year to you

[@aleksandram981]

See I hate alcohol but LOVE Opiods

[@hugohugo6992]

Alek, same! Alcohol buzz is alright I guess but opioids my lord 😋🤤dunno how you CANT not like em (I just use pills like tramadol or oxy when it’s available, I don’t touch street stuff much)

[@shajanshaik5421]

I wanna thank Susan for being an example for all of us. I hope you get more like this in your life. This channel and we all are here for you to save you always (yes obviously by giving you some troubles).

[@shelleybeans5981]

I hope you realize that "Susan" is a fictional character. She & her story were created for the making of this video. I'm sure there are some real people who have a similar story but the vast majority of patients prescribed an opioid for acute and chronic pain, don't become addicted. It's between 0.6% - 1% respectively.

[@Foxfried]

You didn't include the whole story... Susan was already high on mushrooms before going on a bike ride.

[@alexlopez7506]

Mushrooms is the best drug on this planet

[@jonnyp3283]

She was on her bike to go by a bag of blow. They left that out.

[@robtc642]

Oh, I see what you did there, LSD plug! Smart!!

[@ericktejada2591]

Lmao you’re hilarious 😂

[@smalltowngirlbigcityheart3724]

@foxfried 😂😂 I was wondering why they left that part out!

[@MrHereugo]

Feel so sorry for addicts of any kind ✌🙏

[@VR_Wizard]

Don't feel sorry for to long and rather help them to retrain their brain.

[@LividImp]

Even me? I'm slamming chocolate chip cookies right now.

[@2010RSHACKS]

Jonas, addicts aren't idiots. I'm sure many are idiots, actually, but most are just vulnerable people. I can do tons of different drugs without becoming addicted to anything but if I just lost my job or a family member or something I'm not sure I could still say that.

[@brooke449]

thank you for being a kind, understanding soul. It is definitely a lonely road but its nice to know not everyone is judgemental. 💜

[@samdiveley8816]

Jonas Briggins i envy your ignorance

[@barnacleboi2595]

Wow this was animated beautifully. Also describes the cycle of addiction perfectly. This video should be a required watch for highschool students all across the country, maybe the world. This video is extremely important.

[@barnacleboi2595]

@vanessa jones Lol sure yea thanks for trying to scam me bro! I appreciate it.

[@twitchster77]

My doc once gave me a prescription for Ativan. I took one pill and liked it so much that I took the other 29 pills back to my doctor the next day. I knew if I'd have kept them in my apartment I'd have abused them.

[@danielkeem8341]

*breaks arm* *gets pills* *gets addicted* *seeks treatment* hey take these pills *takes pills* *head SLAP*

[@user-tw8kt1gs3u]

Daniel Keem underrateddddd point

[@alvinoid12]

Actually, if we had heroin-assisted-dosing clinics, the drawbacks to society (and individuals) are far less than the current facepalm-worthy war on drugs.

[@user-cf6dn5tg4f]

Alvin Csunderlik I feel like u just want heroin

[@notasoviet1016]

Well it’s not like just anyone could walk in there, it would probably be a mandatory stay, where they slowly lower your dosage until they’ve completely stopped, they would then be entered into a rehab facility

[@rcket6057]

@@user-cf6dn5tg4f I feel like your joke wasnt funny lmao

[@ailu5165]

the animations helps a lot with the visual understanding of what’s going on inside the brain

[@gtomomma8886]

Yep. Spot on. Good video

[@cherylbuntsma8230]

Best explanation of the cycle of use, misuse, dependency, addiction and recovery I've ever seen.

[@Katlick]

This info is exactly what I was looking for, delivered in a way I really like. I'M SO IMPRESSED

[@lifeasjayonna1923]

I learn more on KZbin than I learned in school 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@Alexis-gi1nl]

My PE teacher assigned this video to me lmao

[@lifeasjayonna1923]

@Rene Gomez how about you go & worry about yourself instead of what I said. Thank you. Good day. NEXT!

[@thinginground5179]

@Rene Gomez how is 14 a toddler you dickhead

[@munozjordan70]

same lmao

[@sledgehamr6303]

Because your not supposed to learn at school! your supposed to obey and shut up 🧐

[@shamia8980]

Susan represents a family member of mine. Sometimes family and friends can only do soo much. But May God Bless and be with all the Susans of the 🌎

[@vincewarren1271]

Basically addiction takes the place of other things that we once enjoyed doing and then stopped doing once the addiction started.

[@izzydeadyet7336]

This explains the cycle very well ! I just sent it to my mother, I've been struggling with opioids (hydro morphone) for 17 years.. and this is exactly how it happens.. alot of people I knew did switch to that purple fentanyl when it emerged, because it was cheaper, and I can tell you they're all dead but a few superhuman junkies .. I stuck with the pills but I'm probably way past my expiration date by now

[@jennifer8929]

Hang in there. Pray and get the help you need. 🙏 it’s never to late.

[@izzydeadyet7336]

@@jennifer8929 truly faith is the only thing that's gotten me through

[@aungthein1647]

What is the rationale of substituting , Opioids with Fentanyl ? If Opioids managing well in controlling the chronic pain well , why bother to change . If you are happily married with your current wife , you do not need to divorce her , and trying luck with a totally new woman , who you know nothing about . The definition for , ADDICTION should be reviewed by CDC members , consisting of chronic pain sufferer . METTA . may you all be free from Chronic Pain .

[@HopeinJesus1987]

God bless you, and please never give up 🙏🙏

[@DetroitFettyghost]

​@@aungthein1647TOLERANCE BUILDS IN USE

[@Kojikhanaa]

I was prescribed 120 Vicodin a month, for 2 years, after a motorcycle accident. I quit cold turkey, without any outside help, all by choice. The process broke me mentally and physically for almost an entire year. I soon found my own way to escape the need for the drug, and now spend my free time helping others going through the same, terrible reality that IS addiction.

[@slip8293]

People with life long chronic pain do need opiates to function but you need a doctor skilled enough to see the difference between an addict and a chronic pain sufferer. I have neuropathy and have tried everything you can imagine to stop to life destroying pain I wake up with everyday and I've finally found medicine that stops my pain without that high feeling you get from big doses of opiates. Not everyone can take them responsibly but there are those who long term or even life long opiate medication is the only answer.

[@dani-ol5xb]

Totally agree! I have chronic pain due to nerve damage and endometriosis and find that alot of people shame me for my medication. Some people need interventions in order to live.

[@toriglenn3506]

I suffer chronic pain for which there seems to be no cure as well, what is the medicine that stops your pain? I've been left on cocodamol for years now, which only takes the edge off the pain but doesn't stop it.

[@Reimerjoey]

Smoke weed bruh

[@Jules-fx2sc]

I have painful spinal conditions, for which I was prescribed extended release tramadol. My pain was terrible at night before any meds, and now doctors tell me I have to reduce my pain medication. I have tried to come off it myself, but I am waking up so much during the night through pain and waking my partner up too. I am exhausted the next day and my walking is severely affected. I dont know how I will cope without appropriate pain relief, and how my life will be.

[@frankymino8773]

I have IBS (irritable bowl syndrome) and have tried every diet imaginable and medications without any success. Imagine the feeling of having to go to the toilet all the time or days of severe bowl cramps and loose bowls. It really puts a halt on things. Cant leave the house and can't even do anything around the house. It's horrible. I have been on codeine (panadine forte) for many years now though my doctor manages how many are prescribed per month. It's the only medication that actually works by eliminating the symptoms completely and bringing my bowls back to normal. Unfortunately there is no cure for IBS. Yes I rely on codeine but it allows me to get on with my life.

[@kendraharris1194]

It’s very hard to kick any addiction....I am also a recovering addict who just started my own channel and experience.....congratulations to anyone who is at least trying to get clean....much love and success ♥️❄️

[@XempireX18]

3:52, susan finds pleasure in life once again by riding a bike. soon she will fall again and break another arm and get back into the opioid cycle. hahaha

[@theov3rmind]

Yeah, she'll have an "accident" heh

[@aamorlu]

Joker Salvadores is everything ok

[@JJ-me4yu]

@@aamorlu 😂😂😂😂💯

[@umbra9705]

Lmao my thoughts exactly

[@pj7919]

XempireX18 Wash, Rinse, Repeat.

[@Jeudaos]

this is incredibly interesting. I have known for a LONG time that I have an addictive personality. However, every time I get even slightly tolerant to my pain meds. I force myself to stop taking anything until I'm in SEVER pain. Sometimes it's a few days, sometimes it's just one. But I've NEVER taken more than one Norco at once, ever.

[@c.a.greene8395]

I have been given everything in the opiod family from my doctor including fentanyl patches, morphine drip into my heart by shunt, belladonna opium suppositories ( which are rarely ever given to anyone ) znd I have quit taking them more than 15 times in 35 years. I reduce slowly once my weight gets above 120 lbs. Then it's a slow decline down to 82 lbs until I need them again. Digestion of jello or even water feels like broken glass - the opiods give me enough relief to eat more than 2 times a week. Without them I would have died long ago

[@everevelyn1094]

@@c.a.greene8395 I’m so sorry you’re suffering! Sometimes I wish doctors could just do a brain surgery to turn off the part that signals pain.

[@hunner-eq7jt]

@@everevelyn1094 Unfortunately, even if doctors were able to do that kind of operation, it would just lead to a whole new set of issues.

[@domjonah4329]

They're right when they say the sickness is unbearable. It's by far the worst thing I've ever felt. You literally cant get the thought of getting more out of your head because you feel like you'll die otherwise.

[@consolegamer8871]

Unless you experience for yourself you'll understand what they go through.

[@ellavonk9289]

This was incredible, i always wondered what my oxys did to my brain and how it all worked.. i hope one day i can be painless and stop taking them

[@piaaadah]

Opiates make your pain worse over time. People think it's helping and they're confused how they still have pain. It's because it doesn't actually help anymore when you take them long term.

[@duramax2079]

How are you doing a year later?

[@samdiveley8816]

this made me cry. i know your pain all too well Susan

[@STEALTH1USA]

@Angel I'm in stage 2 for a hand reconstruction after a bad accident. I had trouble getting off tramadol and gaba the first time around. Now I have been prescribed norco. Any tips from y'all to not become dependent on this stuff?

[@STEALTH1USA]

@Angel not a bad idea at all! I'm taking tylenol and aleve during the day and saving the hydrocodone for nighttime. You're so right about the brain tricking into feeling more pain. As soon as the 4hr timer rings for the norco I get "increased" pain. Thanks so much for the prayers brother. Lord knows I need it now

[@ottomankebabmapper4623]

@@STEALTH1USA dont take it

[@scottcupp8129]

@@STEALTH1USA Rebound pain

[@EvilStrikesTrueCrimeChannel]

Same here 😔

[@loverofsunflowers]

What a great and informative video. Now i feel like a better understanding of how addiction works.

[@learnmore9657]

This was so wonderfully narrated ❤️

[@Sufisticated4U]

I've suffered from opiate addiction for over 24 years, I've lost everything and exhausted all options of help and assistance . It feels like the only way out of this vicious cycle if destruction and carnage is death, i can't handle this life anymore so please pray for me, I've failed miserably 😢😥😔😔

[@natalialaverde1018]

Hey. You didn´t fail miserably. You have been fighting for 24 years, that alone is proof of your amazing courage. You deserve a happy and healthy life. Don´t give up.

[@Sufisticated4U]

@@natalialaverde1018 aaww thank you Natalia 😊..it's an endless battle..everyday and every minute of the day.. stay safe stay blessed

[@Sufisticated4U]

@shredderkrang hey thank you sooo much for reaching out..means alot..I've paid for private treatments all my life and haven't got anywhere...something somewhere hasn't quite worked for me thus far..I live in the docklands area..and I've tried NA, i couldn't understand NA as some people use it as a social gathering to hit on others while others claim they're are clean for X amount of days etc when I shouldn't judge at all but can't stop noticing how intoxicated they look and can barely sit on their chairs...any way...there used to be a self referral place for treatments which sadly shut down in 2019...I've exhausted all resources at my disposal burnt all bridges and now in despair. ..

[@djmm25]

are u here ?

[@bunk95]

Addiction is fiction.

[@indiawildfilms]

it is hard to stop addiction !

[@robinsss]

marijuana has been shown to be effective in treating almost all of the withdrawal symptoms associated with opioids...…………………………. nausea and vomiting, stomach cramps, muscle aches and high blood pressure...…………...in addition , marijuana is not physically addictive and has no physical withdrawal

[@arifsudarsono6509]

Take Kratom buddy , its herb (leaf) and can help you withdrawal from opioid easily , i swear it works ...

[@charlesleger6787]

@@robinsss will help to take off about 15-10% of the pain for 20 mins yea ...helps with the obssession of opiods too.. i smoked a 200$ ounce of 4A grade kush in 5 days lol

[@robinsss]

if you can stay away from opioids for 7 days the physical addiction will be eliminated

[@SkyFallDancer]

@@robinsss 7 days!!??? No chance!!!! ....more like talking weeks! .. But everyone is different. And it also depends on what you were taking, how much of it and how long for. And its more the mental withdrawal that gets people. Not physical. Mental withdrawals can last so frickin long. Until your able to train your brain into enjoying the stuff you uses to enjoy.

[@c0ntra605]

The doctors diagnosed me with lymphoma yesterday and this video really helps me understand the painkillers they give me. I really appreciate it.

[@Vainglory100]

You still ok

[@H.J.G]

I wish more videos like this existed. Like, what happens in the body when you experience trauma etc

[@bekeneel]

physical or mental?

[@AyeshMedic]

God. This was such an Amazing Video!!! The extensive concepts of Pharmacology covered in such a short duration and with more depth full meaning. Great Job!

[@starcolApryde]

As a chronic pain patient, I'm glad you all showed that most patients who take opioids for a long time have little trouble coming off opioids when their problems heal. The very few who have the genetic predisposition to become addicted to legitimate pain treatment do not warrant the opiophobic restrictions currently being put on patients. People with diagnosed, untreatable conditions are being left completely without pain treatment, because of the vastly misguided 2016 CDC guidelines. People in pain, deserve care and treatment not to be kicked to the curb or treated like addicts.

[@spiritmatter1553]

I’ve suffered chronic pain for most of my life. It began with a slip and fall on ice.

[@mercedesterrell101]

Thanks for this .. God bless you

[@jessicaleser8822]

This is everything. I have MS and DDD and eight bulging discs and had to try all alternate methods for pain relief imaginable before my doctor finally prescribed tramadol. One pill a day and I can finally function normally. Sometimes there are no other way to treat pain.

[@aungthein1647]

I am retired family doctor , Chronic pain , well controlled on , Opoid for 2 decades , drove 100 km per day , 6 days a week , seeing 30 patients a day , untill retired 2 years ago . I use , Opioid , minimal effective dosage , able to titrated to control my pain symptoms , with good quality of life . Human beings are responsible for destroying the image of Opioid which like all other medicals product , to be used wisely . Alcohol , was banned , like Marihuana , which both of them are now legalized . Pain killers , relieve the human suffering . I believe , all board members with CDC are health physicians , academicaly oriented . Chronic Pain sufferers should be included within the CDC . METTA . may you all be , free from both Physical and Mental pain .

[@CRF250R1521]

best comment right here! this is so true....they even explain in the video that they gave her pain pills 3 MONTHS AFTER the accident. Absolutly disgusting

[@editingreality4779]

I've been clean for a long.time,12 years and life has never been better, things still happen good and bad but recovery is totally do-able so if there is anyone out there who's having problems don't give up!!!

[@annasoucek6407]

I would love to hear something positive , bc I don’t think I can do it

[@annasoucek6407]

? ? I cant believe it, but I quit fentanyl and pain meds after 23 yrs of use. I used small doses of suboxone for a few months, kratom for energy to keep me moving. Good food, kept my nose on target. Very happy. I have some sleep issues but life is looking good. You were spot on when you said “do it on your own terms” I needed to feel I wasin controll. Thx ❤️

[@1513beast]

@@annasoucek6407 what's a good way to stop taking hydrocodone

[@Hangingwithtyrell]

This was so digestible, powerful, & informative

[@Ann-ub4mf]

EXCELLENT Video and Commentary....Thank You.

[@KrayKarma]

A great video! brilliant visuals and explained simplistically but with plenty of useful information.

[@germanengineerbenz]

"with the help of medication" ....yeah from one drug to the next.

[@briang8766]

Video was a crock of BS. Sounded more like a propaganda infomercial for Suboxone... a synthetic opioid even more addictive than the pain killer itself.

[@TheGunit272]

You got it right. This video is just advertising and advocating more drugs and addiction. Sick!

[@Jeudaos]

well said

[@MaDrung]

To add something to this stupid conversation you have: Not all drugs have the same or equal bad effects. Some drugs can help you with the transition of stopping addiction and better treat your problem.

[@terilefevers6189]

Bryan G huh. The use of Suboxone literally saved my life and the life of others as well. It is not intended to take forever.

[@rgrawb]

Huge message and great information!!! What a great video! Really informative!!!

[@whitexicano2597]

Videos like this reduce the balance and take away pain relief and improvement of quality of life from people who really need help with pain, thus continuing the cycle of people in pain seeking easier illegal alternatives

[@kek23k]

The sounds used on this video gave my ears pleasure.

[@ensabanor9939]

I KNOW RIGHT!!!

[@karenperell-gerson7319]

Yes

[@joshuaclemency6883]

I was an addict as well I got treatment and escaped that dreadful way of living . I get pleasure in working hard and raising my family now. Thank God

[@daniellemichayla]

I beat addiction by going cold turkey & focusing on as many positive things in my life as I could find. Eventually my brain returned to normal. If I can do it, you can do it.

[@julzlebi3305]

Hey. At first when you started out with positive activities, did you have trouble concentrating or finding joy in them?

[@akllls617]

@@julzlebi3305 I do .. only a month in.. no MAT and I don’t feel much joy

[@Thepateisgreat]

What opioids were you on and how long did it take? I’ve been snorting fent from the streets for about 2-21/2 years now. I tried going cold Turkey bc I have no medical insurance during Christmas and it about ended me. I didn’t sleep, hallucinated for days, threw up, and had accidents. I feel trapped and like I have destroyed myself. I am only 26; and I isolate and don’t talk to hardly anyone bc of how much this is embarrassing and how much the addiction cripples me. God bless.. - O from the south East coast

[@akllls617]

@@Thepateisgreat listen you can’t do it cold turkey i did opiates for ten years the last four five years were fentanyl everyday I had an easier time getting off oxies and heroin but fentanyl I couldn’t even lower my dosage .. I been there I was constantly isolating and getting high until I was finally forced into treatment and now I’m four months clean .. it’s possible and it gets better . Don’t be like me I gave opiates my20s and I regret it hopefully you figure it out

[@gsjourney3054]

@@akllls617nah you totally can. You are projecting ur inner battles. Start telling yourself that it’s possible and you just need to get through a week at a time. By 2-3 weeks you should feel a lot better. If you go into the mindset that everything is the worst ever you’ll just drive urself crazy. Listen to music and get some edis and eat the whole pack everyday.

[@sneakysam2540]

Nice one Susan ! Now you've made it harder to get pills ! Thanks alot !

[@ryseuglh]

Great video, very informative for people who might not be too familiar with this stuff!

[@codycrossman]

Ryan Coffelt My thoughts as well. Kind of a beginner's intro. Well made though, to the point. ✌️

[@quattro5413]

My brain on Opioids says "YAYYYYY"

[@burf4963]

Your body during withdrawal says "BOOOOOOOO"

[@omw9965]

So many young people in my city have died because of this, even older people, once addicted the person has no control, no matter what you tell them, I fell sorry for people like this, witnessed a family member strugle with this addiction, witnessed others die, really sad, on the streets this is causing havoc but most ordinary doctors just don't care, they are also responsible.

[@jennifer8929]

I know this doesn’t compare to Xanax but I almost got addicted to that stuff. It creeps up on you. I knew that if I continued it would destroy me. I have a family history of addiction. I know it’s a very complex situation in communities with so many factors causing drug addiction. Videos like this does help bring more awareness. I remember growing up in the 90s DARE in schools was very beneficial. It stuck in my mind. It helps you make better decisions when a tough situation presents itself. Empowering.

[@a64738]

And the strange thing is that at least here in Norway some doctors do not even tell their patients that what they are getting is addictive opiods. The patiens think they are getting normal painkiller like Ibuprofen and Paracet if they don`t actively seek information themselves about what they are taking...

[@donniecreasey7722]

Good video. Breaks down what alot of people know but I'm sure most don't. With 3 years sober off pills and smack it was definitely the hardest thing I've ever done ,but in the same breath the best.

[@twixxtro]

Do u have some perks left over?

[@kathleenmaionchi2566]

Very simple and very good. That's all some people need and is the best way to reach them. Again I say, well done.

[@pppukkie1185]

thank you for making it easy to understand

[@Stealthdude21]

I liked the graphics, it really helped me fully understand opioid addiction and how it starts.

[@katekat6379]

Opioids are the only things that make me feel sane sometimes

[@breanne3267]

Same.

[@upgradeyourawareness3539]

Me too

[@cm1133]

You’re very pretty. Have a nice day.

[@MaturaMia]

this video is absolutely amazing !

[@leslievega8035]

Wow, thank you for sharing this

[@ucanalwaysbekinder]

This is the best simple explanation I have ever seen

[@DC-fo3jr]

This is so well done , good video

[@dylanreynolds4899]

Been going through this terrible cycle for almost 15 years now, I'm 31 and opioids have controlled almost half my life at this point...

[@dpicks24]

Lucky

[@marcom248]

Christ can set you free from opioid addiction 🙏🏻✝️ I'll pray for you

[@odoblackstar_8397]

Thank you this documentary is very interesting and informative Very easy to understand thank you very much

[@sossboygenes6967]

Rest In Peace juicewrld 😪

[@ob1934]

How does this have to do with him lmao

[@sossboygenes6967]

owen bender percocet and codeine are both forms of opioids.

[@virginiagonzales6153]

Stop tagging walls

[@joshh8073]

@Liam Zegel he had a reason because of what he was going through. But yeah he shouldn't jave been overdosing 😥

[@distructed1878]

Informative video, nice animations, calming narrator voice. But try to keep the volume of the music below the voice of the narrator :)

[@stickyfox]

My heartfelt condolences to those who have had their lives ruined by opioids, but they're not evil when used under the supervision of a competent doctor. I took hydrocodone for five years to treat back pain flareups, never increasing the dose and never with any adverse effects. It's been taken away from me now, and I just suffer when the pain hits. When it reaches a level that makes me think about suicide, I *sometimes* can get a prescription for a week.

[@xoxoxoxoxo7997]

Wow I feel for you. Why were they suddenly taken away from you?

[@suzannehudson6898]

When you take painkillers as prescribed, they really help. People need to accept responsibility for themselves. If you let an oxycodone pill dissolve in your mouth, you’re not taking it as prescribed. Don’t try to blame someone else if you have an adverse reaction.

[@florencechang2354]

Why don't you just treat your back? Your body is still hurting even if you don't feel the pain under the effect of opioids. Injury is what you really should be treating.

[@stickyfox]

@@florencechang2354 Degenerative disease is a one-way street. There are lots of ways to slow and alleviate the damage, including medicine, diet and exercise, and surgery and behavioral therapy. Also I should clarify that my "using hydrocodone for five years" means I had it in my medicine cabinet for the 3-4 times annually that I need it. Flareups last about a month. Studies show that opioid abuse is most common after six or more weeks of continuous high-dose use. When all of these therapies are applied, even successfully, patients can still suffer from what's called breakthrough pain. Additionally, injuries like mine are recurring in a significant percent of patients, and the only treatment other than surgery is rest and stretching for two to twelve weeks, during which every moment spent sitting or lying down can be excruciating. Fast-acting painkillers and steroids are *supposed to be available under the supervision of a physician* when that happens, so that people can continue to live a normal life instead of receding into solitude and depression. But that last line of defense been taken away from us to protect the bottom lines of corporations. Before you jump to the conclusion of whether or not I'm responsibly treating my injuries, consider that I'm just advocating for access by millions of pain sufferers to the *legitimate medical use* of drugs that are known to be safe and efficacious when not abused.

[@wombat1309]

Sounds like you don't know what addiction means...that's addiction.

[@tomg5187]

Absolutely beautifully made video!

[@dreamweaver961]

I understand that this must be true to a point but I took opioids for 5 years because of a back injury. At first I did feel stoned, mildly enjoyable, but over time that feeling wore off and I never thought I should take more because I liked that feeling. I also found that over time the pain killing effects wore off too, I guess this is where most people start to take more but this is where I decided to take less. If the pain became too bad I could take my normal dose and it would help again then I would back my dose back down again. I decided one day to quit and that's what I did, just quit. This is why I find the addiction part hard to understand.

[@corahelseth8684]

it makes sense that you find the addiction part hard to understand, because you didnt get addicted

[@dreamweaver961]

@@corahelseth8684 You are right, I don't get addicted and no I don't believe it's a thing. People use it as an excuse to do bad things and have something to blame for it.

[@vintagedarling4468]

I had a similar situation, this video is so on point. Now I'm grateful for my renewed strength in the Lord, the withdrawals were horrible but I made it through.

[@ssrobs2552]

John Adams I know you weren't talking to me but if I can help I'm more than willing to.

[@bob9280]

SS Robs he wants to talk to the lady not you lol

[@trint3089]

I just had a tooth removed and they gave me opioids. I’m so lucky they only gave me 6, and the pain was so horrible that being in the pill just made me feel able to sleep. Nothing else.

[@xoxoxoxoxo7997]

It does very well treating tooth pain. Glad they limited the amount. I remember years ago I said I had a toothache and I received a script for 30 hydros and a refill for 30 more

[@iamvoicelessmusic]

Absolutely love this animation!

[@samuelzakhary8976]

Happy thanksgiving everyone !! I wish everyone the best..

[@ishbanyadav]

Well created!

[@paquitalizardonarvaez1861]

What a terrific explanation!

[@psychedelicvibes7488]

Great quality video also very informative

[@cmonster6]

Did Susan's pain mysteriously disappear because she stopped taking pain meds?

[@holdmybeer]

at the end they said she was taking a medication. haha.

[@rileyhasswag699]

perhaps by the time she stopped taking them she wasn't even feeling the pain and was just addicted

[@rdizzy1]

Nope, which is why being an addict as a chronic pain patient is far worse. Luckily suboxone can treat both addiction, and chronic pain.

[@sukarnos3xy]

WHAT

[@donnydanger273]

If she takes the meds as prescribed she should have no trouble at all with it.

[@tonkonton]

This animation was stunning!

[@Yinyanchant]

What a beautiful wee animation. thank you 🤗

[@mitchchranofsky5658]

this was very well put together, coming from a former addict.

[@allabarra756]

I have been on / off Pethidine for 30 years, as required, as I suffer from chronic renal calculi. However, I have never had a problem coming off them even after a long period of use. After googling this drug, I was amazed to find how many members of the medical fraternity are addicted to them. Especially GP's. So clearly, not everyone is the same.

[@dollyperry3020]

Very well done!

[@RNCHFND]

Dolly Perry Yeah, this animation is gorgeous

[@eddvcr598]

Wonderful animation. Very unique!

[@bussterdouglas]

I am a current opioid addict and this video is beyond accurate

[@mannyataghosh384]

Hey how are you?

[@bussterdouglas]

@@mannyataghosh384 thanks for asking, I am still in my addiction but I’ve finally cut down to once or twice a week

[@ForYou-ub6uc]

@@bussterdouglasdo u have instagram? I pass the same

[@atharvapande1373]

I loved the animation

[@mommaawareness]

That was very informative..... Thank you.. People gotta want to get help. It's a personal discovery towards self love again...

[@stevebennett9839]

As a recovering heroin addict with almost 3 years clean after 15 years of use (14 of those being I.V. use) I can honestly say this video is pretty accurate. If ur just starting to experiment with opioids then STOP NOW. Trust me u don't want to go down that road. It's not fun losing ur friends and family, trust, basically everything u care about. Jail is no fun, running from the cops is no fun, getting robbed, overdosing, not being hygienic, there's no good to it at all. That's if u survive and don't die. I could go on. DONT DO DRUGS.

[@celestebrusciano4051]

This is almost exactly what happened to me... except I broke my leg and then 13 days later had my neck cut open in surgery having my salivary gland removed... the recovery was horrible... needless to say my doctor at the time over prescribed meds to me and I became dependant on them.... this continued on for some time as when I would stop the meds I would become violently ill!! I’m so happy to not be in that predicament any more...

[@supaooze3600]

It’s like being wrapped up in a gigantic fluffy warm protecting cloud that makes all those bad thoughts drift away.

[@AndrewDoom]

Yup. Was straightedge my whole life, not even a sip of beer I kid you not, when I took 3 of my dads oxy pills in the medicine cabinet when I was extremely depressed. It is literally like being hugged by god. Euphoria all over. I wish I never knew what that felt like.

[@scottcupp8129]

That is a very accurate analogy.

[@sarak6860]

@@AndrewDoom I never felt that with Oxy, but I felt it strongly with Hydro (Vicodin). It's a good thing that Oxy became my regular pain drug instead of Hydro.