Opiate Addiction

Question 2: What were the ways the people in the film got hooked on opiates? 

In the film, individuals became addicted to opiates through two main pathways. Some started with legitimate prescriptions for pain relief, often after surgery or for chronic conditions. Over time, they developed a dependency, and when their prescriptions were no longer accessible or became too expensive, they turned to illicit drugs like heroin. Others began their journey with recreational drug use, such as marijuana, which sometimes escalated to stronger substances like opiates in search of more intense effects. These patterns highlight how both medical and recreational drug use can lead to addiction, with cost and accessibility often pushing individuals toward dangerous alternatives like heroin, as depicted in "Chasing the Dragon.

Question 8: Since addicted persons need more and more prescription painkillers to get high or “stay well,” what are some consequences they may face that you learned about from the film? 

Addiction to prescription painkillers often forces individuals to take extreme measures to sustain their dependency. In the film, some resorted to theft, like stealing from family or committing armed robberies, demonstrating how addiction overrides moral and legal boundaries. For instance, one person stole checks from a relative and pawned belongings, while others turned to riskier crimes, even at the cost of personal safety. Women, in particular, faced devastating consequences, with some turning to prostitution or stripping to fund their addiction. As the addiction escalates, the amount of drugs needed increases, creating a vicious cycle. One participant admitted to needing 40 pills daily just to function, highlighting the immense physical and psychological toll. These actions lead to long-term consequences, such as criminal records, lost careers, social stigma, and strained relationships. For many, the severity of these outcomes shows how addiction can strip away their humanity.