Name: Addiction: The Supplementary Series
Released: 2007-03-15T00:00:00.000Z

TV Show · Documentary

Assembled by top documentary filmmakers, this centerpiece film in HBO's "Addiction" campaign features insights from experts on trends and treatments in the ongoing battle against drug and alcohol abuse. It is comprised of nine segments that focus on case studies and cutting-edge treatments that challenge traditional beliefs on addiction.

2007 · 20m

Director Joe Berlinger, Susan Froemke

What Is Addiction?

In an informal therapy group, Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of NIDA, discusses addiction as a brain disease with addicts and family members. She notes the environmental, behavioral and genetic factors that can make an individual vulnerable to addiction.

21 min
Getting an Addict into Treatment: The CRAFT Approach

Dr. Robert Meyers developed an innovative treatment method called Community Reinforcement and Family Training. This program outlines the CRAFT approach, a gentle and effective method for helping families guide addicted loved ones into treatment.

19 min
Treating Stimulant Addiction: The CBT Approach

No medical treatment currently exists for stimulant addiction, which include methamphetamine and cocaine. At the MATRIX Institute on Addictions, methamphetamine and cocaine addicts attend evidence-based behavioural therapy groups.

25 min
The Adolescent Addict

The adolescent brain is not fully developed, making a young person extremely vulnerable to drug and alcohol addiction. Co-occurring disorders such as anxiety or depression are typically present with adolescent addicts.

28 min
A Mother's Desperation

The story of one mother's attempt to rescue her daughter from her heroin addiction.

26 min
Understanding Relapse

Experts explain that relapse is not the failure of treatment but part of the disorder. Through repeated drug use, the brain's "stop" system has been compromised, making it difficult to resist drug triggers.

20 min