Ep 16. Prescription for Change: Ending America's Opioid Crisis

Prescription drug abuse has been a growing epidemic in America for many years, with opioid addiction at the forefront. In this episode of True Life, we follow the lives of three individuals who are fighting to overcome their addiction to prescription opioids and the impact it has on their daily lives.

The first subject we meet is a young woman named Laura who became addicted to opioids after being prescribed painkillers for an injury sustained in a car accident. As her addiction spirals out of control, Laura struggles to hold down a job, stay in school, and maintain relationships with her family and friends. We watch as she goes through detox and treatment, and learn about the challenges and successes she experiences on her road to sobriety.

Next, we meet Shawn, a longtime addict who has overdosed multiple times. As he recounts his struggles with addiction, we see the profound impact it has had on his loved ones and the toll it takes on his body. Shawn's story sheds light on the harsh realities of opioid addiction, including the dangers of overdose and the risk of contracting diseases from sharing needles.

Finally, we follow the experiences of a mother named Lisa, whose son became addicted to opioids after being prescribed painkillers for an injury sustained during a football game. Lisa's son ultimately died from an overdose, and she shares her grief and her efforts to advocate for change, including working with lawmakers to increase awareness and promote safer prescribing practices.

Throughout the episode, we hear from experts in the field of addiction treatment and advocacy, providing insights into the causes and potential solutions to the epidemic of opioid addiction in America. As the nation grapples with this crisis, the stories of Laura, Shawn, and Lisa serve as a powerful reminder of the impact of addiction on individuals and families.

Prescription for Change: Ending America's Opioid Crisis is a poignant and informative episode of True Life that sheds light on an urgent and pervasive issue affecting millions of Americans. Through the stories of those affected by addiction and those working to promote change, this episode underscores the importance of taking action to address the opioid crisis and support those in need of treatment and recovery.