Personal stories, expert insight, and practical prevention strategies come together in this examination of the opioid crisis and its impact on families. Medical professionals, law enforcement, parents, and recovery advocates discuss prescription opioid addiction, the growing threat of fentanyl and counterfeit pills, and the importance of educating young people about substance use. Alongside stories of addiction, trauma, and loss, the program looks at what parents can do to build trust, encourage open communication, recognize risks, and help protect their children.

TOPICS: Fentanyl, Impact on Children, Impact on Families, Opioid Crisis, Opioid Use Disorder, Opioids, Personal Stories, Pharmaceuticals, Prevention & Treatment, USA, Youth

Real stories of heroin addiction, overdose, grief, and recovery reveal the devastating impact of the opioid crisis on individuals and families. Parents who have lost children share their experiences alongside people in recovery and professionals working in addiction treatment. Their stories explore the powerful effects of prescription opioids, the progression from painkillers to heroin, and the realities of treatment and long-term recovery. At the center is a mother who turned the loss of her son into an effort to raise awareness and help prevent other families from experiencing the same tragedy.

TOPICS: Grief & Loss, Heroin, Impact on Families, Medication-Assisted Treatment, Methadone, Non-Profits, Opioid Crisis, Opioid Use Disorder, Personal Stories, Pharmaceuticals, Prevention & Treatment, Suboxone, USA

This documentary explores the opioid crisis in Western Pennsylvania through the voices of people whose lives have been shaped by heroin addiction. Featuring individuals in recovery, grieving families, healthcare professionals, and community advocates, the documentary examines how prescription opioids, stigma, and untreated addiction contributed to a growing public health crisis. Alongside stories of loss, it highlights the people and organizations working to expand treatment, support families, and reduce overdose deaths, offering a message that recovery and hope remain possible.

TOPICS: Grief & Loss, Heroin, Impact on Families, Non-Profits, Opioid Crisis, Opioid Use Disorder, Opioids, Personal Stories, Stigma, USA

Michael DeLeon's first documentary explores how the opioid crisis is affecting children, teenagers, and families across the United States. Through interviews with grieving parents, healthcare professionals, educators, and people in recovery, it examines the progression from prescription drug misuse to heroin addiction while highlighting the devastating impact of overdose, trauma, and loss. The documentary also emphasizes prevention, early intervention, and the importance of educating young people before experimentation turns into lifelong addiction.

TOPICS: Grief & Loss, Heroin, Impact on Families, Non-Profits, Opioid Crisis, Opioid Use Disorder, Opioids, Overdose, Personal Stories, Pharmaceuticals, USA, Youth

After recovering from nearly two decades of addiction and 12 years in prison, Michael DeLeon traveled across the United States speaking with families, healthcare professionals, educators, and people in recovery about the opioid crisis. Through their stories, this documentary explores the devastating impact of prescription opioids, overdose, and addiction while highlighting the importance of prevention, treatment, and recovery. Together, these voices reveal how deeply the epidemic has affected communities across America and why many believe far more must be done to save lives.

TOPICS: Celebrities, Grief & Loss, Impact on Families, Non-Profits, Opioid Crisis, Opioid Use Disorder, Opioids, Overdose, Personal Stories, Pharmaceuticals, Recovery, USA, Youth

Through personal stories, expert interviews, and community perspectives, this Orlando-produced news special explores the devastating impact of the opioid crisis on individuals, families, and communities. It examines the progression from prescription opioids to heroin and fentanyl, while highlighting overdose prevention, recovery, Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, and the lasting effects addiction has on children and loved ones. Alongside these stories, the documentary also explores emerging treatment approaches and the ongoing efforts of healthcare professionals and advocates working to save lives.

TOPICS: Fentanyl, Impact on Families, Naloxone, Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, Opioid Crisis, Opioid Use Disorder, Opioids, Personal Stories, Pharmaceuticals, Prevention & Treatment, Recovery, Science & Research, USA, Youth

Stephen's Story follows one family's journey through grief after losing Stephen to an opioid overdose in 2018. Through heartfelt interviews, they reflect on the trauma, mental health struggles, family history, and addiction that shaped his life while raising awareness about the opioid crisis. More than a tribute, the documentary encourages open conversations about substance use, challenges stigma, and offers hope to families facing similar experiences.

TOPICS: Adverse Childhood Experiences, Concurrent Disorders, Family History, Grief & Loss, Heroin, Impact on Families, Non-Profits, Opioid Crisis, Opioid Use Disorder, Opioids, Overdose, Personal Stories, USA

Behind the creation of two of the world's most influential recovery fellowships is the often-overlooked story of a woman whose own journey was shaped by love, loss, and resilience. This powerful drama follows Lois Wilson as she navigates her husband Bill Wilson's struggle with alcoholism while discovering that families affected by addiction also need support. Exploring the origins of both Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon, this resource highlights the lasting impact of addiction on loved ones and the importance of hope, healing, and recovery for the entire family.

TOPICS: Al-Anon & Alateen, Alcohol, Alcohol Use Disorder, Alcoholics Anonymous, Depressants, Impact on Families, Recovery, Twelve-Step Programs

A former AFL star shares the devastating consequences of gambling addiction in this honest and deeply personal interview. Reflecting on the rise and fall of his career, Daryn Cresswell describes how compulsive gambling gradually consumed his life, damaged his relationships, led to overwhelming debt, and ultimately resulted in a prison sentence. Alongside insights from his former wife, this resource highlights the far-reaching impact of gambling addiction while exploring the challenges of recovery, accountability, and rebuilding a life after everything has fallen apart.

TOPICS: Australia, Behavioural Addictions, Celebrities, Gambling Disorder, Impact on Families, Personal Stories, Recovery