Product Description

The feature length documentary film ADDICTION brings together the nation's leading experts on drug and alcohol addiction with a collection of award-winning filmmakers to shed light on addiction, its causes and the latest and most prominent developments in treatments. Its focus is on case studies and new medical treatments. A supplementary series of 13 short films delves deeper into the various dimensions of addiction.

DVD Features:
Documentary:Includes 3 discs of additional content that will not premiere on the network.
Interviews:Includes additional interviews with: Nora Volkow, M.D. Mark Willenbring, M.D. Michael Dennis, Ph.D. Kathleen Brady, M.D., Ph.D.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3439 in DVD
• Brand: HBO HOME VIDEO
• Released on: 2007-03-20
• Rating: X (Mature Audiences Only)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Box set, Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, Widescreen, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 4
• Dimensions: 1.00 pounds
• Running time: 80 minutes

Amazon.com
This groundbreaking HBO series teams some of America's foremost experts on the vexing problem of addiction with some of the most talented documentary filmmakers working. The result, Addiction, is a riveting pastiche of short spotlights on the deep wounds, scars, and battles affecting the growing numbers of people plagued with addictions, especially to drugs and alcohol. In A Mother's Desperation by Grey Gardens co-filmmaker Albert Maysles and Susan Froemke, a Pittsburgh mom is wrung nearly dry in her frantic attempt to keep her daughter alive through her horrifying addiction to opiates. At one point, she resorts to having her arrested: the ultimate in tough love. Other segments look at the devastation wreaked by alcohol, that most sanctioned of social drugs, and how people in varying social and economic strata have tried (and in some cases, failed) to overcome their heart-breaking diseases. A lot of emphasis is given to medical solutions and research, and less to some methods with very established success records (notably, Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step groups). But the filmmakers may have felt the work of A.A. has been explored deeply over the years, and also doesn't necessarily work as a film subject. The ones they have chosen to focus on, including struggling teens, insurance lapses, workplace stigma, etc., are gripping enough.

The set comes with even more intense and deeply reported footage (more than four hours' worth of extras) including interviews with addiction experts, and fascinating brain research that shows how the flawed addict brain reacts. There's also a helpful paper guide to the series, with talking points, which can make the series a useful tool for health professionals, teachers, 12-step groups, and even families who are desperate to understand this often baffling condition. It's not a breezy experience, but watching Addiction will surely change hearts and minds of those touched by one of the most destructive conditions in modern life. --A.T. Hurley

Customer Reviews

Frank A. -- Sober Alcoholic
Fantastic. I have been sober for 7 years. As an alcoholic in recovery I have read and studied an awful lot about this topic. Unlike any single item I've read, listened to, or watched this documentary covers this disease from every angle. When clean and sober we addicts don't ask for sympathy just understanding. This documentary shows how those we affected need the same. If you are having a problem or are a family member; please get this and watch it. If you are in the health field or a friend of someone in trouble; please get this and watch it. I you feel like alcoholics should just have a couple and stop; please get this and watch it. What a great job they did educating us all on this disease. Thank you guys for such a great job!

At last....
This is a long overdue documentary. It's phenomenal in that it covers almost every aspect of addiction there is including the ER perspective and the challenges with health insurance.

As a healthcare professional, I am frequently astounded by the response I receive when I ask patients what they have lost as a result of their addiction. While the responses range from jobs to cars and money, the room often becomes a lot quieter when the responses include children, families and identity. - This documentary hits on those difficult issues and several others which are present today and continue to present challenges for patients, families and healthcare providers. There is a long way to go - this documentary is a nice step forward.

america's struggle
this is an incredibly powerful documentary that looks at addiction from many different angles. it's about time light has been shed on the subject- light that can burn anyone and then fade out before you know it.
millions of americans struggle with addiction and most of them can't get help. chances are, you're affected by addiction in one way or another (yourself, a friend, a family member..) and this documentary does a fantastic job at helping to remove the stigmas from the disease and show the struggles on the way down as well as up. i think america as a whole should be forced to watch this film- it's unparralled.