Watch Heroin(e)

Heroin(e) is a powerful and insightful documentary released on Netflix in 2017. The show revolves around three different people, all from Huntington, West Virginia, a city that has been severely affected by the opioid epidemic sweeping across America. The documentary follows their struggles and efforts to combat the opioid crisis that has claimed countless lives in their city.

The first person we meet is Karin Gunzenhauser, a compassionate nurse practitioner who is dedicated to helping individuals overcome their addiction to opioids. She is a strong believer in harm reduction therapy and is working tirelessly to ensure that individuals in her city have access to the medical care and support they need.

Maite Iracheta is another hero in the documentary, working as a drug court judge. She is a strong advocate for treatment programs rather than jail time for those who are addicted to drugs. Judge Maite realizes that punishing people for their addiction is not the solution to the problem but giving people access to help and support is the only way to break the cycle of addiction.

Lastly, we meet Victor Rodriguez, a local fire chief who is on the frontlines of the opioid epidemic. He witnesses firsthand the devastating consequences of addiction through his work, and he has made it his mission to help individuals who need it the most. Rodriguez founded a program called Quick Response Team (QRT), an initiative that sends emergency responders and social workers to visit individuals who have overdosed on drugs.

The documentary is a powerful and emotional portrayal of three individuals who, in their own way, are making a difference in the opioid crisis. Director Elaine McMillion Sheldon introduces us to these heroes, in a way that we can connect with as we hear their stories. Each character’s dedication and unwavering commitment to help those in need are truly inspiring, and their efforts prove that we can all make a difference in the fight against addiction.

The show highlights the despair and desperation of addiction along with its devastating effects on individuals and their families. The camera captures raw emotions of the family members, and the brave steps they take to help their loved ones. The documentary also shines some light on the city's youth, who are seen grappling with addiction or trying to provide support to their families, eagerly embracing what little hope is left where they live.

Heroin(e) is an honest portrayal of the opioid crisis that is plaguing America. The director’s angle is not to blame individuals for their addiction or their economic status but to show the human connection and the city's desire to recover from the viscous downward cycle. The show aims to break down the stigma that arises with drug addiction, and it explains why punishment is not the solution. Instead, Heroin(e) advocates a compassionate approach and offers support with access to treatment resources in the community.

One of the standout moments from the show is a haunting statistic- that on average, Huntington, West Virginia sees three overdoses per day. This staggering number emphasizes the severity of this issue in this area and around the country at large. Through Karin, Maite, and Victor's actions, we see that in the midst of darkness, no problem is too great if we come together as a community.

In conclusion, Heroin(e) is a must-watch documentary for anyone who is interested in learning about the opioid epidemic and the impact it has on individuals, families, and communities. The show gives a unique perspective on the devastation and hopelessness that the crisis has brought upon America. The documentary tells the stories of these heroes through their work, their relationship with one another and the city, and leaves a powerful message about the importance of human connection in the fight against addiction.