Ep 3. When Heroin Hits Home
- TV-PG
- December 6, 2020
- 41 min
This is Life with Lisa Ling season 7 episode 3, "When Heroin Hits Home," explores the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic on families and communities across America. Through interviews with individuals who have been directly affected by addiction, Ling sheds light on the complex nature of substance abuse and the challenges faced by those attempting to recover.
The episode begins with the story of a young woman who became addicted to opioids after being prescribed painkillers following a sports injury. She quickly became dependent on the medication and eventually turned to heroin when her prescriptions ran out. Her mother shares the heartbreaking story of her daughter's struggle with addiction and the toll it has taken on their family.
Next, Ling visits a treatment center where she speaks with medical professionals about the science behind addiction and the challenges of recovery. A counselor shares her experiences working with individuals suffering from opioid addiction and the importance of personalized treatment plans.
Ling also highlights the role of law enforcement in addressing the opioid epidemic. She speaks with a police officer who works to combat drug trafficking and shares his perspective on the root causes of addiction and the need for a comprehensive approach to tackling the crisis. Ling also meets with a prosecutor who discusses the challenges of addressing addiction within the criminal justice system.
The episode also features the story of a woman who lost her son to an overdose and has since made it her mission to raise awareness of the dangers of opioid addiction. She shares her experience of grief and offers a message of hope to others who have been affected by addiction.
Through these personal stories, "When Heroin Hits Home" brings the opioid epidemic to life and underscores the urgent need for action to address this public health crisis. Ling's empathetic and insightful reporting provides a window into the lives of those affected by addiction and offers hope for a path forward.
