Addiction
starring: Keanna Bradley, Mark Davis, Wendy Knight, Courtney Madison, J.J. Michaels
directed by: Quasarman
directed by: Quasarman
List Price: $24.98
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Product Description:
Studio: Hbo Home VideoRelease Date: 03/20/2007
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
Studio: Hbo Home VideoRelease Date: 03/20/2007
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
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Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: 
- addiction
Great ......gives a lot of insight and hope for those wishing to stop their addiction.
Rating: - Great education tool!
This DVD set was recommended to me by a treatment provider who came to speak in my class on substance abuse.Using current research, HBO has provided interesting segments that involve interviews with treatment professionals as well as individuals and families affected by substance dependence.I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about the topic or to suppliment the educational experiences of students.
Rating: - Essential Watching for All Americans
This documentary is a detailed and comprehensive look at addiction, its causes, effects, and the types of treatment currently available in the U.S. It should be required watching for all Americans, especially parents and those who think addiction doesn't or won't affect them. Those who have experienced addiction firsthand through their own struggles or the struggles of a loved one will find it particularly helpful. If you have a friend or family member in the grips of an addiction, watching this ... Read More
Rating: 
- Just not very good
I think there are better programs on the subject.Nothing profoundly bad about the series, it is just slow and boring.
Rating: 
- If you don't buy it, at least rent it, if you or anyone you know has dealt with addiction.
Although there are a few parts that are a little slow, this is a great series and HBO deserves a big thank you for taking the time to dig deep, as do all the participants who shared their experiences.
- addictionGreat ......gives a lot of insight and hope for those wishing to stop their addiction.
- Great education tool!This DVD set was recommended to me by a treatment provider who came to speak in my class on substance abuse.Using current research, HBO has provided interesting segments that involve interviews with treatment professionals as well as individuals and families affected by substance dependence.I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about the topic or to suppliment the educational experiences of students.
- Essential Watching for All AmericansThis documentary is a detailed and comprehensive look at addiction, its causes, effects, and the types of treatment currently available in the U.S. It should be required watching for all Americans, especially parents and those who think addiction doesn't or won't affect them. Those who have experienced addiction firsthand through their own struggles or the struggles of a loved one will find it particularly helpful. If you have a friend or family member in the grips of an addiction, watching this ... Read More
- Just not very goodI think there are better programs on the subject.Nothing profoundly bad about the series, it is just slow and boring.
- If you don't buy it, at least rent it, if you or anyone you know has dealt with addiction.Although there are a few parts that are a little slow, this is a great series and HBO deserves a big thank you for taking the time to dig deep, as do all the participants who shared their experiences.
