Case Study on Opioid and Heroin Addiction from PBS Documentary

Case Study on Opioid and Heroin Addiction

Introduction

Across the world, drug use and addiction are heavily stigmatized. Cross-cultural research suggests that societal condemnation of addiction remains high. The PBS documentary highlights several stories of individuals struggling with substance use and frames the issue as one of voluntary control (Hyman, 2007).

Analysis

The documentary presents deeply personal stories. One anonymous narrator shared that their addiction did not begin abruptly but rather emerged following a physical injury. During recovery, the individual was prescribed IV medications including hydrocodone, which not only relieved pain but also brought a sense of calm and happiness. Over time, they began using oxycodone, acquiring it through both legitimate and falsified prescriptions. This narrative demonstrates how painkillers can foster dependency through the feelings they induce.

Eventually, the individual transitioned from oxycodone to morphine. What began as occasional use on days off escalated to more frequent use during work breaks. This gradual increase turned into full dependency. The turning point came with the discovery of her pregnancy. With her fiancé's support, she began the difficult process of recovery. It took her 14 months to overcome the addiction.

Another account, shared by Keriann, emphasized the destructive power of heroin and opioids. She described how addiction starts with enjoying the euphoric effect and quickly spirals into a need to use the drug just to feel normal. Her story illustrates the psychological toll, panic attacks, emotional conflict, and a constant inner battle. Keriann pointed out that without proper support and guidance from loved ones, individuals often feel isolated and lost, which can result in overdose.

Keriann’s recovery was possible thanks to family support. She emphasized that although overcoming addiction takes time, it is achievable. Now 20 months sober, she is not only maintaining her recovery but also working to help others facing similar struggles. Her goal is to make recovery feel possible not only for those battling substance use but also for their families.

She advised that addiction should be understood as a serious disease, not a moral failing. People facing addiction are someone’s loved ones. They are not born addicted, life circumstances, stress, and trauma often push them toward substance use as a coping mechanism. Understanding addiction through this lens is essential, because no one truly knows the personal battles others are fighting. Despite differing views on addiction, most contemporary mainstream perspectives agree that it impairs voluntary behavioral control (Hyman, 2007).

References

Hyman, S. E. (2007). The neurobiology of addiction: implications for voluntary control of behavior. The American Journal of Bioethics, 7(1), 8–11.

PBS. (2021). Addiction: Heroin & Pills – In Their Own Words. Retrieved December 3, 2021, from https://www.pbs.org/video/wbgu-specials-addiction-heroin-pills-their-own-words/