Ep 18. Richard

Richard is the 18th episode of the seventh season of the acclaimed docu-series, Intervention. As with all episodes of the show, it features an in-depth exploration of the life and struggles of an individual struggling with addiction.

In this episode, viewers are introduced to Richard, a man in his mid-30s who has been struggling with addiction to prescription drugs for over a decade. Richard’s addiction began innocently enough – he was prescribed painkillers after suffering a back injury – but quickly spiraled out of control. At his worst, Richard was taking as many as 90 pills a day, spending upwards of $1,000 a week on drugs, and lying to his family about his addiction.

The episode opens with Richard’s family talking about their concerns for him. They describe him as a smart, talented, and loving person, but someone who has been plagued by addiction for far too long. Richard’s sister, mother, and father all express deep sadness and frustration at watching him struggle, knowing that there is little they can do to help him on their own.

The show then follows Richard as he goes about his daily life, which primarily revolves around buying and taking pills. Viewers see him visiting a number of different doctors, all in an attempt to secure more prescriptions. They also see him interacting with his girlfriend, who is also addicted to prescription drugs, as well as his young son, who is largely kept in the dark about his father’s addiction.

As the episode progresses, Richard’s family and friends grow increasingly anxious about his behavior. They stage an intervention with the help of a professional interventionist, who guides them through the process of confronting Richard about his addiction and urging him to seek treatment.

The intervention itself is emotional and difficult to watch, as the family members express their love for Richard while also making it clear how his addiction has affected them. Richard, for his part, is initially defensive and resistant to the idea of getting help. However, as the intervention progresses, he begins to see the impact his addiction has had on others and on himself. By the end of the episode, he has agreed to enter a treatment program.

Overall, Richard is a moving and powerful episode of Intervention. It provides an intimate look at the life of someone struggling with addiction and the impact it can have on those around them. Through Richard’s story, viewers are encouraged to empathize with those struggling with addiction and to recognize the importance of seeking help when it is needed.