Oprah Talks To An Entire Family Addicted To Heroin
Oct 3, 2023
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Lisa Ling reports on the devastating impact of heroin addiction in small communities, focusing on an entire family struggling with addiction. The podcast explores the lack of support and resources for addiction, the destructive impact on families, and the fear and choices of an addicted mother.
The lack of resources and support in small communities exacerbates the heroin epidemic, highlighting the urgent need for treatment and support.
The harrowing story of the Hawks family demonstrates the dire consequences of addiction and the extreme lengths people will go to sustain their habit.
Deep dives
The Devastating Heroin Epidemic in Ohio
In a county in Ohio, Lisa Ling discovers a devastating heroin epidemic affecting people of different ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. The lack of resources and support in these small communities has led to a constant struggle for help. Lisa interviews families like the Hawks, where every member, including their 13-month-old baby, is addicted to heroin. The addiction controls their lives, pushing them to go on daily drug runs to get their fix. Despite their desperation for help, the lack of detox facilities and access to treatment exacerbates the situation. The Hawks' story sheds light on the widespread issue of addiction and the urgent need for support and resources.
The Desperation and Consequences of Heroin Addiction
The Hawks, a once middle-class family, share their harrowing journey of heroin addiction. Mike and Darla, along with their teenage sons, reveal how their lives spiraled into addiction after Mike's work injury and subsequent prescription pill dependence. With no resources and the need to maintain their addiction, they resort to selling everything they own and even shoplifting to fund their heroin habit. The family's situation highlights the dire consequences of addiction and the lengths people will go to in order to sustain their addiction.
The Urgent Need for Treatment and Support
The podcast emphasizes the urgent need for treatment and support in combating the heroin epidemic. The Hawks and Mary, a 24-year-old pregnant woman addicted to heroin, are presented with offers for treatment centers willing to cover all expenses and provide specialized care. The lack of detox facilities and the pervasive nature of the addiction are significant barriers to recovery. Encouragement is given to those struggling with addiction to seek help and resources, as well as to families and communities to offer support and compassion in addressing this devastating issue.
Lisa Ling reports from Richland County, Ohio where a heroin epidemic has gripped its citizens. Residents come on the show and agree to seek help to break the addiction.