Ep 2. Unholy Addiction

In This is Life with Lisa Ling season 1 episode 2 titled Unholy Addiction, Lisa Ling explores the world of drug addiction in two different settings: a jail rehabilitation program called "Helping Addicts Recover Permanently (HARP)" and a church in Mississippi that practices the controversial approach of "deliverance ministry" to treat drug addiction.

At HARP, Lisa interviews incarcerated men who have been given the opportunity to participate in a substance abuse recovery program that includes counseling, education, and work opportunities. Many of the men are repeat offenders who have struggled with addiction for years, and Lisa learns about the challenges they face in trying to overcome their addiction in a prison setting. She also speaks with program administrators and counselors who believe that this type of rehabilitative program is essential for addressing the root causes of addiction and reducing recidivism rates.

In contrast, the church setting introduces Lisa to a different approach to addiction treatment that involves the use of prayer and religious rituals. Lisa meets with members of a congregation in Mississippi who believe that drug addiction is caused by demonic possession, and that it can only be cured through "exorcism" or other spiritual practices. Lisa witnesses a deliverance ceremony in which members of the congregation pray over a woman who has struggled with addiction, and she speaks with church leaders who explain their approach to addiction treatment.

Throughout the episode, Lisa explores the challenges and controversies surrounding different approaches to addiction treatment. She speaks with experts in the field of addiction medicine who offer insights into the science of addiction and the various treatments available, and she also speaks with individuals who have personal experience with addiction and recovery. The episode raises important questions about the role of personal choice, social factors, and spiritual beliefs in addiction and recovery, and offers a thought-provoking exploration of this complex and challenging issue.