Title : ONE: A documentary that facilitates the powerful discussion we all need to have around addiction
Abstract:
Attendees will have the opportunity to view a clip from the award-winning documentary ONE, which touches on the opioid crisis in our nation, underlying a major fundamental truth about addiction; our culture will do almost anything to avoid pain. This film uses the philosophy of Alan Watts coupled with Dr. Vincent Felitti’s explanation of ACES and its direct correlation into the likelihood of becoming an IV drug user. ONE looks at the perspective of addiction from all aspects of life experiences. From the gang leader to the cheerleader, it breaks down the passageway to the dependence and ultimately revealing all paths lead to the same road, pain. Immediately following this film the moderator facilitates a discussion that allows individuals to self-reflect into their own past and how their life experiences led them to unhealthy coping patterns. In reality, we all have some form of addiction whether it be in the manner of a drug or another outlet such as spending, pornography, repeating a cycle of unhealthy relationships, eating, etc. This event opens up the understanding to the significance of these conversations, how they should be facilitated in all treatment centers and more importantly, in our schools and living rooms before it becomes a habit/pattern/addiction.
What will the audience learn?
- The group will have multiple abilities for both personal and professional growth through this experience. Since most impactful learning is obtained experientially, we believe it is critical for the viewer to connect their own respective path to what the documentary is revealing. Through their understanding, they have a better ability to lead others into to their own personal insight of how much our life experiences play into our behavioral patterns. This feature has multiple adults with diverse backgrounds. It is likely the viewer will see themselves in one or more pieces of this, giving them the ability to connect their life events with a behavior pattern.
- It is our belief this is a foundational piece that must be addressed in all addiction prevention and treatment. If we do not understand the why, we cannot fully address the how. Our hope is that everyone viewing this film and participating in the discussion will be able to lead others through the same discussion, drawing in other mental health professionals in their field to support group participants. This creates an ongoing dialogue that directs each person back to the ‘heart of the matter.’ When new coping tools are given alongside this form of education, it provides a greater ability to sustain recovery.
- While this film has some profane language and does show some drug use, many parents are opting to sit with their teens and watch this together to begin the conversation at home. The discussion guide is a fantastic tool for those who feel ill equipped for this type of dialogue. The film’s producer, Dawn Duhaime, shares her own personal experience of discovering her son’s addiction while in the middle of production, thus thrusting her into the midst of the very darkness she was learning about. His overdose 911 call has been incorporated into the film for viewers to get a glimpse into the collateral damage that comes with addiction for so many families.
- We see this as sort of a “book club” discussion but as a film. The documentary is broken into multiple segments so it can easily be stopped for discussion on topics such as identity, addiction, feelings and how we cope, pursuit of life’s meaning, our resistance to change, and personal responsibility.
