Matter of Fact: State of Addiction special
Updated: 6:41 AM EDT Sep 18, 2017
WEBVTT rt>> THIS IS A SPECIAL PROGRAMPRESENTED BY FUTURES OF PALMBEACH.MATTER OFrt FACT, STATE OFADDICTION.>> HOW LOW AND THANK YOU --HELLO AND THANK YOU FOR JOININGUS.rtANCHOR: ALL YEAR WE HAVEREPORTED ON THE STATE OFADDICTION IN OUR COMMUNITIES.ANCHOR:rt WE ARE LOOKING FORSOLUTIONS TAKING AN IN-DEPTHLOOK TO STEM THE TIDE OFADDICTION.rt>> WE GO LIVE TO THE NEWSEUM INWASHINGTON, D.C. AND OURCOLLEAGUE AND HOST OF "MATTER OFFACT," SOLEDAD O'BRIEN.SOLEDAD: WE'RE GLAD TO BE WITHALL OF YOU TONIGHT AND HUMBLEDBY THE TASK WE'VE TAKEN ON.rtCONSIDER THIS -- TODAY IN OURCOUNTRY, AS MANY AS 650,000OPIOID PRESCRIPTIONS WEREDISPENSED.rtAND SADLY TODAY, AS MANY AS 175AMERICANS DIED FROM A DRUGOVERDOSE, WHETHER OPIOIDS, LIKEHEROIN, OR FENTANYL AND THESYNTHETIC DRUGS EMERGING EVERYrtDAY.TONIGHT, WE HOPE TO HELP THENATION TURN A CORNER.THIS BROADCAST REACHES ACROSS 39STATES, WITH THE POTENTIAL TOTOUCH FAMILIES IN 21 MILLIONrtHOUSEHOLDS.OUR GOAL -- TO HELP CREATE ANATIONAL AGENDA FOR ACTION.WE'LL BE JOINED BY MEDICALrtEXPERTS AND POLICY MAKERS,PEOPLE IN POSITIONS TO MAKECHANGE HAPPEN WITH YOUR HELP.SO LET'S START IN A COMMUNITYDESPERATE FOR CHANGE.JESSICA GOMEZ REPORTS FRrtOMMCDOWELL COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA,WHERE ONE PERSON DIES EVERY 10HOURS FROM A DRUG OVERDOSE.♪JESSICA: ON A SUNDAY MORNING,rtTHIS IS WHERE YOU WILL FINDrtPASTOR MARTIN WEST.DELIVERING A SERMON TO HIS RURALMCDOWELL COUNTY CHURCH.DURING THE WEEK, HE'S SHERIFFMARTIN WEST.rt>> THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE DYING ISJUST A LOT OF PRESSURErtJESSICA: MCDOWELL COUNTY, IT WASrtONCE CALLED THE BILLION-DOLLARCOALFIELD.>> THE STREETS WERE LINED WITHPEOPLE.rtWE HAD THEATERS HERE.WE HAD HOSPITALS HERE.JESSICA: THAT WAS THEN.MOST OF THE COAL MINING JOBSLEFT, AND SO DID THE PEOPLE.rt>> THE PEOPLE THAT STAYED TRIEDTO MAKE IT AND THINGS KEPTGETTING WORSE AND WORSE.THE DRUG PROBLEM STARTEDESCALATING.rtJESSICA: THE JOBS THAT WERELEFT, INJURY PRONE MINING ANDMANUAL LABOR, COUPLED WITH THEEMERGENCE OF POWERFULPRESCRIPTION PAIN MEDICATION, ITrtCREATED THE PERFECT STORM OFADDICTION.>> THE WORST PART OF IT ISWATCHING THEM DAILY.JESSICA: IVONNE CHURCH'S SON WASrtPRESCRIBED THE PAINKILLEROXYCONTIN AFTER NEARLY CUTTINGOFF HIS THUMB IN A CONSTRUCTIONACCIDENT.HE WAS HOOKED.rtONE NOVEMBER MORNING, SHE FOUNDHIM ON HER DOORSTEP.SHE HAD TRIED EVERYTHING.>> WHEN I FOUND MY SON, THEREWAS A SMILE ON HIS FACE, AND ITrtHURT.BECAUSE WHATEVER THIS DRUG ISTHAT PUTS A SMILE ON SOMEBODY'SFACE WHEN THEY ARE DYING, WHAT ArtHOLD IT HAS ON A PERSOJESSICA: STEPHEN KISSINGER, ANADDICT IN RECOVERY, KNOWS THATrtHOLD SHE'S TALKING ABOUT.>> IT BECOMES NUMBER ONE IN YOURLIFE.YOU CAN'T GET OUT OF BED.YOU CAN'T GET UP AND FIX A CUPrtOF COFFEE IF YOU AIN'T GOT ONE.IT CONSUMES YOUR WHOLE LIFE.NOTHING ELSE MATTERS.JESSICA: KISSINGER WAITED THREErtMONTHS TO GET INTO IT SOUTHERNHIGHLANDS, ONE OF A COUPLEOUTPATIENT TREATMENT CENTERS INTHE COUNTY.THERE ARE FUNERAL HOMES HErtRE,BUT NO LONG-TERM REHABILITATIONFACILITIES.KISSINGER'S BROTHERS DIDN'T MAKEIT.HE'S NOW WORRIED ABOUT HIS KIDS.rt>> IT IS A WAY OF LIFE FOR SOMECHILDREN, THEIR BROTHER IS ANADDICT THEIR MOM IS AN ADDICT.SO MANY CHILDREN ARE REMOVEDrtFROM THEIR HOMES.>> WHEN YOU SIGN IN, YOU HAVE TOHAVE IDENTIFICATION.JESSICA: AT LINDrtA MCKINNEY'SFOOD BANK, SHE SEES GRANDPARENTSRAISING GRANDCHILDREN, THEIR OWNCHILDREN ADDICTED, IN JAIL, ORDEAD.IN THE POOrtREST COUNTY IN THESTATE, NEARLY 50% OF CHILDRENDON'T LIVE WITH A BIOLOGICALPARENT.>> WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?rtWHERE ARE THESE BABIES GOING TOGO?WHO HAS THE ANSWER?JESSICA: A COMMUNITY IN CRISIS.SHERIFF WEST FINALLY HAD ENOUGH.rtWITH HELP FROM LAW FIRMS INCHARLESTON, SHERIFF WESTSPEARHEADED THE COUNTY'S LAWSUITrtAGAINST THREE OF THE LARGESTPRESCRIPTION DRUG DISTRIBUTORS,CLAIMING PROFIT AND GREEDMOTIVATED THEM TO IGNORE LAWSREQUIRING THEM TO REPOrtRTSUSPICIOUS ORDERS, THIS WHILEFLOODING COUNTY PHARMACIES WITHMILLIONS OF PILLS, WELL INEXrtCESS OF WHATEVER WOULD BELEGITIMATELY NEEDED.>> IT IS A LITTLE COUNTY.NOT A LOT OF PEOPLE THERE.rtBUT THEY ARE NOT JUST GOING TOROLL OVER AND BE A VICTIM.>> THANK YOU FOR SHARING THATWITH ME.rtJESSICA: MEANTIME, THE STATE OFWEST VIRGINIA, WHICH CREATED AHOTLINE CONNECTING ADDICTS TOTHE CLOSEST TREATMENT OPTIONS,IS TAKING PROPOSALS ON WHERE TOSPEND DOLLARS IT WON FROM ASIMILAR LAWSUIT.rt>> I BURIED THREE OF ONE FAMILY.JESSICA: SHERIFF WEST, WHO HASLOST EXACT COUNT OF THE NUMBEROF FUNERALS OVER WHICH HE'SPRESIDED, SAYS THE HELP HAS NOTrtCOME QUICK ENOUGH.>> THEY KEEP TELLING ME, MORECOMMISSIONS.I SAY, PEOPLE ARE DYING NOW.rtJESSICA: PRAYER, SOMETIMES ITFEELS LIKE HIS ONLY OPTION, ANDPUBLICLY CALLING OUT STATELAWMAKERS HE SAYS HAVE FAILEDrtHIS COUNTY.>> WHEN WE WERE THE BILLIONrtDOLLAR COALFIELDS, EVERYONESTUCK BY FOR A HANDOUT.NOW THAT WE ARE IN DESPERATENEED, WE ARE BEING LEFT OUTrtBECAUSE NO ONE IN CHARLESTONCARES.GOD SAVE THE COUNTY OF MCDOWELL.JESSICA: IN MCDOWELL COUNTY, FOR"MATTER OF FACT," I'M JESSICArtGOMESOLErtDAD: THANK YOU.WE INVITED THE PHARMACEUTICALCOMPANIES NAMED IN THE LAWSUITSTO PARTICIPATE WITH US IN THISSHOW.THEY DECLINED.WE RECEIrtVED STATEMENTS FROM SOMESAYING, IN GENERAL, THEY BELIEVETHE LAWSUITS ARE MISGUIDEDBECAUSE THEY AREN'T THE ONESPRESCRIBING THE DRUGrtMANY PEOPLE ACROSS THE COUNTRYARE GRIEVING THE LOSS OF A LOVEDONE AND STRUGGLING WITH THErtSTIGMA OFTEN ASSOCIATED WITHTHESE DEATHS.TONIGHT, WE'RE ASKING YOU TOHELP US BUILD A VIRTUAL WALL OFREMEMBRANCE ON SOCIAL MEDIAUSING #STATEOFADDICTION.SHARE A PICTURE, A VIDEO, ASTORY, OR A TRIBUTE TO SOMEONErtYOU WOULD LIKE REMEMBERED FORTHEIR LIFE, NOT THEIR STRUGGLE.AND IF YOU HAVE A STORY OF HOPE,WE WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO POSTTHAT TrtOO.>> THERE'S SOMETHING REALLYWRONG WITH MY BEAUTIFUL21-YEAR-OLD SON.rtSOLEDAD: WHAT DOES IT TAKE TOLOOSEN THE GRIP OF THESE DRUGSON OUR CHILDREN?AND A REALITY-BASED DISCUSSION-- HOW TO GET HELP FOR THOSE WHOrtNEED IT.ANCHOR: HOW MY FAMILY SURVIVEDADDICTION.rtHOPES THAT IT CAN SAVE OTHERS.rtrtSOLEDAD: WELCOME BACK TO"MATTER OF FACT: STATE OFADDICTION."IF YOU'VE EVER WONDERED -- ISADDICTION A CHOICE OR A CHANCErt-- THERE'S PROOF IT CAN BEGINWITH A SINGLE PILL.RESEARCHERS FOR THE CDC FOUNDTHAT OF THE PEOPLE GIVEN ArtONE-DAY OPIOID PRESCRIPTION,ONLY A SINGLE DAY, 6% WILL GETHOOKED.THE NUMBER DOUBLES WHEN THEPRESCRIPTIONrt IS FOR EIGHT DAYSOR MORE.A 30-DAY PRESCRIPTION PUSHES THERISK EVEN HIGHER, WITH 30% OFPATIENTS LIKELY BECOMINGADDICTED.rtSO, HOW DO YOU EFFECTIVELY TREATPEOPLE ONCE THEY ARE DEPENDANT?IT'S A QUESTION THAT WILL HAUNTONE MOTHERrt FOREVER. >> WHAT SPORTS DID HE PLAY?>> SNOWBOARDING ANDSKATEBOARDING.HE REALLY LIKED PUSHING HIMSELF.HE LIKED THE EXTREME.>> CHRIS' LOVE OF EXTREME SPORTSWOULD BE HIS DOWNFALL.rtHE TORE HIS MENISCUSSNOWBOARDING AT AGE 14, WHICHLED TO A SERIES OF SURGERIES ANDA BATTLE WITH DEPRESSION.rtEACH TIME HE WAS GIVEN OPIOIDSTO KILL THE PAIN.A YEAR LATER, HIS MOTHER HADDISCOVERED HE HAD BEGUN TO USEHEROIN.rt>> HOW MANY TIMES WAS CHRIS INAND OUT OF REHAB?>> AT LEAST SIX TIMES.rt>> DESPERATE, HIS MOTHER FINALLYFOUND SOMETHING THAT SEEMED TOWORK BETTER THAN THE EXPENSIVEREHABILITATION PROGRAMS, ATREATMENT THAT COULD BREAK CHRISFREE FROM HIS ADDICTION.rtSOLEDAD: SO HE WAS ON VIVITROLIN 2016.HOW LONG DID HE USE ITSUCCESrtSFULLY?>> FOR A YEAR.SOLEDAD: FOR A FULL YEAR,MEDICATION KEPT THE NOW21-YEAR-OLD OFF OF HEROIN.rtFOR THE FIRST TIME IN FIVEYEARS, THE MEDICATION HE WASTAKING REPRESSED HIS CRAVING FORrtDRUGS.>> THEY SIT ON THE MEDICINESHELVES, COLLECTING DUST.SOLEDAD: DR. STEPHEN ROSS IS THEDIRECTOR OF ADDICTION PSYCHIATRYrtAT BELLEVUE HOSPITAL IN NEWYORK.>> IT COMES IN A FILM VERSIONTHAT GOES ON YOUR TONGUE.THERE'S A rtLOT OF GOODTREATMENTS, BUT THE VASTMAJORITY NEVER GET THEM.SOLEDAD: THE SURGEON GENERALrtESTIMATES THAT ONE IN 10SUBSTANCE ABUSERS ARE GETTINGANY TREATMENT AT ALL, AND JUSTONE IN FOUR OF THOSE ARE GETTINGrtTHESE LIFE-SAVING MEDICATIONS.>> YOU HAVE PSYCHOLOGIST,PSYCHIATRISTS, REHAB SPECIALISTSIN SIX DIFFERENT PLACES.DID ANY OF THEM SAY, THERE'SrtEVIDENCE THAT TAKING DRUGS WILLHELP IN KICKING THIS ADDICTION?I >> ACTUALLY, THE DOCTOR AT HISLAST REHAB WAS THE ONE THAT SAIDrtWE SHOULD GET HIM ON -- SOLEDAD: DR. HERD IS THE HEAD OFTHE CENTER FOR ADDICTIVErtDISORDERS AT MOUNT SINAI MEDICALCENTER, AND STUDIES HOW DRUGSAFFECT THE BRAIN.>> THERE ARE SPECIFIC CIRCUITS,BUT IT IS A WHOLE BRAINrtDISORDER.>> THE OPIOID TREATMENTS, THEYINTERACT WITH OPIOID RECEPTORS,SO THE PERSON DOESN'T CRAVE ANDrtNEED THE HEROIN OR OTHERADDICTIVE DRUGS.SOLEDAD: AN ESTIMATED 40% OFAN THOSE ON MEDICATION ASSISTEDTHERAPIES WILL STILL RELAPSE,rtBUT THE RATE OF RELAPSE INPROGRAMS WITHOUT DRUG THERAPYREACHES AS HIGH AS 90%.>> ABSTINENCE, TWELVE-STEPPROGRAMS, I THINK AA WORKS FOR ALOT OF PEOPLE, BUTrt FOR ATEENAGER, THEY ARE NOT THERE.SOLEDAD: A YEAR INTO HISTREATMENT, CHRIS MOVED TOFLORIDA FOR A NEW JOB AND ArtFRESH START.THERE, HE FOUND FEW DOCTORSCERTIFIED TO ADMINISTER THEDRUG, AND JUST ONE ON HISrtINSURANCE.CHRIS MISSED HIS MONTHLY SHOT.>> WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON'T GETYOUR SHOT?>> SOMEONE IS ON VIVITROL, THEYrtMISS THEIR SHOT, THE BRAINBECOMES SENSITIVE TO OPIATESAGAIN.THEY RELAPSE.rtTHE MEMORY WAS TO USE HOWEVERMANY BAGS, AND THEY DIED.SOLEDAD: 20 DAYS AFTER MISSINGIN HIS MONTHLY DOSE, CHRISRELAPSED AND DIED OF AN APPARENTrtOVERDOSE.>> I'VE TRIED SO MANY THINGS,rtDOCTORS, HOSPITALS, THERAPIES,REHABS, AND NONE OF THEM SEEM TOBE THE RIGHT ROUTE.THERE'S SOMETHING REALLY WRONGWITH MY BEAUTIFUL 21-YrtEAR-OLDSON.DYING.SOLEDAD: THE RESPONSIBILITY OFrtrtCONFRONTING THE OPIOID EPIDEMICFALLS IN PART ON LOCAL HEALTHCOMMISSIONERS.DR. LEANA WEN IS THE HEALTHrtCOMMISSIONER FOR THE CITY OFBALTIMORE.AS AN EMERGENCY ROOM PHYSICIAN,DR. WEN ISSUED A BLANKETPRESCRIPTION FOR NALOXONE, THEOPIOID ANTIDOTE, TO ALLRESIDENTS OF BALTIMORE.rtNICE TO HAVE YOU, DR. WEN.THANKS FOR BEING WITH US.LET'S START WITH THAT.WHY DID YOU FEEL LIKE YOU HAD TOrtISSUE THIS BLANKET PRESCRIPTIONFOR WHAT PEOPLE MAY BE NO BETTERAS NARCAN?>> PEOPLE WILL BE WALKING rtANDTALKING, IT SHOULD NOT JUST BEFIRST RESPONDERS.BY ISSUED THISrt TO 620,000PEOPLE.EVERYDAY RESIDENTS HAVE SAVEDTHE LIVES OF OVER 1200 FELLOWRESIDENTS.rt>> ARE YOU APPROACHING IT FROMTHE WRONG IN?rt>> WE TREAT ADDICTION THE SAMEWAY WE TREAT ANY OTHER DISEASE.IT'S IMPORTANT TO FOCUSrt ONLONG-TERM TREATMENT.IF SOMEONE IS DYING OF A HEARTATTACK NOW IT ISrt OUR JOB TO SAVETHEIR LIVES NOW.IF WE DON'T GIVE THIS TO THEMTHERE IS NO CHANCE FOR A BETTERTOMORROW.SOLEDAD: PRESIDENT TRUMPDECLARED THE OPIOID WAS ArtNATIONAL CRISIS IN THIS COUNTRY,BUT HE HASN'T SIGNED ANY KIND OFPAPERWORK THAT WOULD RELEASE THEFUNDS.HOW WOULD THAT HELP?rt>> WE DESPERATELY NEED THEM.WE ARE OUT OF MONEY FORNALOXONE.WE ARE HAVING TOrt RATION THISLIFE-SAVING MEDICATION.WE DESPERATELY NEED MONEY FORTREATMENT AS WELL.rtIN THE ER I HAVE TO TELLPATIENTS TO WAIT WEEKS OR MONTHSTO GrtET THE TREATMENT THEY NEED.>> ONE IN 10 IS AN INSANE NUMBERWHEN YOU ARE ABOUT THIS CRISIS.rt>> WE WOULD NEVER FIND ITACCEPTABLE FOR ANY OTHERILLNESS.CONVERSATION ISrt CHANGING.WHAT IS HOLDING US BACK ISSTIGMA.WE HAVE TO FIGHT STIGMA WITHEVIDENCE.rt>> THANK YOU FOR JOINING ME.STILL AHEAD, QUESTIONS FOR THEDEA.rt>> WHO ARE THEY INVESTIGATING?ARE THEY DOING ENOUGH TO STOPTHE FLOW OF DRUGS INTO THECOUNTRY?rt>> WE DECIDED WE WERE NOT GOINGTO BE THE ONES THAT LOST THEIRSON.rt>> STILL AHEAD, JIM OPENS UPABOUT HIS SON .MAKING HARD DECISIONS TO HELPTHEIR CHILD SAVE HIS LIFE.rtrtANCHOR: WE'RE TALKING ABOUTrtSOLUTIONS AND GUIDELINES IN THEMEDICAL COMMUNITY NECESSARY TOCOMBAT AMERICA'S OPIOIDADDICTION.AND WE'LL PICK THAT CONVERSATIONUP IN JUST A MINUTE.rtFIRST, A THANKS TO EVERYONEHELPING BUILD OUR WALL OFREMEMBRANCE ONLINE USING#STATEOFADDICTION.FOR EXAMPLE, TONYA BRYANT SHARESTHIS WITH US.WILLARD BRYANT JUNIOR, YOU WERETHE BEST LITTLE BROTHER.rtWE MISS YOU.MOLLY SENT USrt THIS MESSAGE.OUR FAMILY WAS ROBBED IN THEHEROINE WAS THE THIEF.rtWE WANT YOU TO HONOR YOUR LOVEDONES.SHARE A STORY OF HOPE.USE #STATEOFADDICTION.SO, DID HEALTH OFFICIALS FAIL TORECOGNIZE THE SCOPE OF OPIOIrtDADDICTION BEFORE IT BECAME ANEPIDEMIC?WE CONTINUE OUR CONVERSATION NOWWITH DR. KELLY CLARK, PRESIDENTOF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OFrtADDICTION MEDICINE, AND DR.ANDREW KOLODNY, CO-DIRECTOR OFOPIOID POLICY RESEARCH AT THEHELLER SCHOOL AT BRANDEISUNIVERSITY.rtNICE TO HAVE YOU BOTH.LET'S START WITH PATIENCE.WE HAVErt SEEN MANY ARE STEEREDAWAY FROM MEDICALLY ASSISTEDTREATMENTS.HAS THAT BEEN YOUR EXPERIENCE?rt>> MOST FACILITIES IN THECOUNTRY TRADING SUBSTANCES, THEYDON'T OFFER MEDICATION,MAINTErtNANCE MEDICATION.OFTEN THEY DON'T ALLOW IT.SOME IS BASED ON STIGMA.SOME IS BASEDrt ON HISTORICALNEEDS.WE ARE CONTINUING TO DO THETHINGS THAT DON'T WORK INSTEADOF THINGS THAT DO.rt>> THE QUESTION, HOW DO HEALTHPROFESSIONALS MISS THIS EPIDEMICBLOSSOMING BENEATH THEM?rtTHEY WOULD ASK ABOUTrt PAIN,ALMOST AGGRESSIVELY.IT MADE ME THINK THAT EXPLAINSWHY WE ARE WHERE WE ARE.>> THE REASON THE UNITrtED STATESIS EXPERIENCING A SEVEREEPIDEMIC OF ADDICTION IS BECAUSETHE MEDICArtL COMMUNITY HAS BEENOVERPRESCRIBING PAIN MEDICINE.AS THAT WENT UP THAT LED TOPARALLELrt INCREASES IN ADDICTION.THIS IS CAUSED BY THE MEDICALCOMMUNITY WRITING TOO MANYPRESCRIPTIONS.rt>> DID THEY JUST NOT REALIZE?>> WE WERE RESPONDING TOrt ABRILLIANT MULTIFACETED CAMPAIGNLAUNCHED BY THE MANUFACTURERS OFPAIN MEDICINES.rtDOCTORS, WE WERE HEARING FROMEVERY DIRECTION IF YOU ARECOMPASSIONATErt, YOU WILLUNDERSTAND OPIOIDS ARE THE RIGHTWAY TO TREAT ANY COMPLAINT OFPAIN.THE RISK OF ADDICTION WAS LOW.rtTHAT WAS NOT TRUE.>> WHAT WORKS IN PREVENTION?rt>> WE CONTINUE TO DO WHATDOESN'T WORK.THE SCARED STRAIGHTrt PROGRAMS,WHERE DRUGS WILL KILL YOU,PLEASE DON'T DO DRUGS, SENDINGSOMEONE INTO THErt SCHOOLS, THATINCREASES CHANCE KIDS USE DRUGS.SIMILARLY GOING THROUGH A DETOX,WHEN PEOPLErt AREN'T LEANING ONMEDICATION INCREASES THE CHANCETHAT THEY DIE.WE ARE DOING WHATrt WE KNOW DOESNOT WORK INSTEAD OF WHAT WE KNOWDOES WORK.THERE ARE COMMUNITY-BASEDRESILIENCY SKILL TRAINING.rtWE HAVE A NUMBER OF THINGS WEKNOW WORK.WE KNOW THE MEDICATIONS ARE THEMOST EFFECTIVErt TREATMENTS FOROPIOID ADDICTION.WE STILL HAVE TOO MANYTREATMENTS THAT DON'T ALLOWTHAT.rt>> IT IS INTERESTING FEEDBACK WEGET FROM PEOPLE OF COLOR.PEOPLE ARE COMPASSIONATE AND HOWTO DEAL WITH TrtHIS WIN THE BULKOF THE PEOPLE WHO ARE VICTIMSARE WHITE, COMPASSION WAS NOTTHERE WHEN YOU WERE TALKINGABOUT THE CRACKrt EPIDEMIC.IS THAT TRUE?>> IT IS TRUE.THE CRACK COCAINE EPIDEMIC OFTHErt 1980'S, WHAT WE GOT WAS AMESSAGE THAT WE COULDPOTENTIALLY OF REST OUR WAY OUTOF THIS PROBLEM.rtWE HAVE A WAR ON DRUGS.EVEN CONSERVATIVE REPUBLICANrtPOLITICIANS, THEY OFTEN BEGIN BYSAYING WE CAN'T ARREST OUR WAYOUT OF IT.WE DID NOT HEAR THAT BACK THEN.ITrt IS TOO BAD WE DID NOT HEAR ITPREVIOUSLY.>> THANK YOU FOR JOINING ME.rtSTILL AHEAD, HE LOST HIS SON TOA DRUG OVERDOSE.WE WILL MEET A FEDERALPROSECUTOR WITH A PERSONALPERSPECTIVE ON THE CHALLENGES OFTAKING DOWN THE DEALERS.rt>> THAT IS WHEN I WAS MOSTAFRAID THAT YOU WERE NOT GOINGTO SURVIVE THIS.JIM: HOW WE HELPrt SAVE MY SON'SLIFE.I AM SHARING MY STORrt>> WE HAVE BROUGHT YOU MANYSTORIES ABOUT THE STRUGGLE OFADDICTION.STORIES OF LOSS AND LIVES BEINGREBUILT.JIM: TALKING ABOUTrt ADDICTION ISCRITICAL TO BEATING IT.I'M SHARING MY STORY AS THEPARENT OF AN ADDICT ANDALCOHOLIC.rtYOU ARE ABOUT TO MEET MY OLDESTSON JAMES.HEAR HOW HE AND MY FAMILYSURVIVED.rt>> THE FIRST TIME I DRANK WAS INMIDDLE SCHOOL.HAVING STOLEN SOME LIQUOR FROM AFRIEND'S GRANDMOTHER,rt I LIKEDTHE EFFECT SO MUCH THAT IT WASSOMETHING I PURSUED SINCE THATDAY.FIRST TIME I DRANK I BLACKED OUT.I THOUGHT IT WAS GREAT.rtI WOULD USE ALCOHOL,PRESCRIPTION PILLS FORMARIJUANA.WHATEVER WAS AROUND.rtWHATEVER WAS BEING DONE THATDAY.>> THERE WERE WARNING SIGNS.WE'VE HAD OUR SON DRUG TESTEDrtSINCE HE WAS 15.HE GOT GOOD GRADES THROUGH HIGHSCHOOL, EARNING A SCHOLARSHIP TOCOLLEGE, WHICHrt IS WHERE THEDRINKING AND DRUGS ESCALATED.>> I WOULD WAKE UP IN THEMORNING AND SAY I DON'T WANT TOBIT KNOWING THAT I WOULD, LIVINGIN FEARrt THAT THIS IS SOMETHING ICAN'T CONTROL ANYMORE.PAIN PILLS, COCAINE, DrtRINKINGWAS BECOMING A DAILY THING.JIM: THE DEMON DO ALL -- DUOREAD HIS LIFE.rtTHAT IS WHEN IT HIT HOME.WE ASKED FOR HELP.>> MY FAVORITE STORY ABOUT JAMESIS THATrt HE BECAME TRULYFRUSTRATED WITH HISrt LIFE INADDICTION.JIM: DAVE rt PULLED NO PUNCHESWITH JAMES OR US IN FACING OURROLE IN OUR SON'S RECOVERY.>> HOW ABOUT WHEN HE WrtAS IN HIGHSCHOOL I STARTED DRINKING ANDUSING DRUGS?>> I THINK WE HAD SUSPICIONSTHINGS WERE A MISS.THERE WERE SOMErt THINGS THAT%HAPPENED TO YOU.I REMEMBER A CELL PHONE, YOUWERE ATTACKED OVER A CELL PHONE.THAT WAS THErt STORY.LOOKING BACK I CAN SEE THEREWERE WARNING SIGNS BUT I LOVEDMY SON.rtI'M GOING TO TAKE HIM AT HISWORD.>> POLLYANNA.HE MUST BE FINrtE DESPITE THAT HEIS BECOMING ADDICTED.IN YOUR HOME.YOUrt GUYS KIND OF CHOSE.>> I DIDN'T SEE IT.>> IT SEEMS LIKE YOU WOULD BEENGAGED PARENTS.rt>> I WOULD THINK SO.WE HAVE A DIFFERENT -- OUR LIFEIS DIFFERENT THAN MOST PEOPLES.IT JUST IS.rtBUT HINDSIGHT IS SUCH A TEACHER.rtI CAN' LOOK BACK ON ANY OF THEDECISIONS THAT WE MADE AND SAYTHAT WE MADE BAD DECISIONS ATTHE TIME.rtWE DIDN'T HAVE THE KNOWLEDGETHAT WE NEEDED TO MOVE FORWARDTHE RIGHT WAY.rtIT WAS THERE BUT I NEVER PUT ITALL TOGETHER.>> WE GOT THAT KNOWLEDGE GETTINGTHE STRENGTH TOrt DO WHAT FELTWRONG.>> IF YOU'RE IN A PARENT DEALINGWITH SOMEBODY WHO ISrt ADDICTEDAND YOU ARE SHOWERING THEM WITHLOVE YOU ARE GOING TO KILL THEM.>> YOU GUYS ARE MY LAST RESOURCErtTO KEEP USING.WHEN I LOST THAT I HAD NO OTHERCHOICE EXCEPT FORrt TWO GIVERECOVERY A SHOT.>> I TREAT THOUSANDS OF CLIENTS.YOU GUYSrt ARE IF NOT THE BEST SETOF PARENTS, -- YOU ARE.SOME WILL SAY I DRINK BECAUSE MYPARErtNTS, MY MOMMY OR DADDY.THERE IS NONE OF THAT HERE.JAMES IS THRILLED TO SAY HOWrtGRATEFUL HE IS.IT GOES TO SHOW THE DISEASE, ITISN'T NECESSARILY Art RESULT OF ABAD UPBRINGING.>> WE TRIED A LOT OF DIFFERENTTHINGS.IT TOOK A WHILE TO FIND THAT ONESIrtMPLE STEP PROGRAM THAT TAUGHTUS HOW TO BE THE BEST PARENTSFOR THE SITUATION.rtBECAUSE, AS MYSON SAID,EVERYTHING IS GEARED TOWARD THEPERSON DEALING WITHrt ADDICTION.IF YOU DON'T CHANGE THESITUATION AT HOME YOU ARE ALMOSTGUARANTEEING FAILURE.JIM:rt JAMES IS NOW A MANAGER ATSOLUTIONS RUNNING THERESIDENTIAL PROGRAM, KEEPINGWATCH OVER 70 ADDICTS ANDALCOHOLICS.rt>> MY LIFE TODAY IS BETTER.I HAVE SOMETHING TO GIVE PEOPLE.WHICH FEELS GREAT.I KNOW, I GET TO SEE PEOPLE THrtATWERE -- ARE WHERE I WAS.I KNOW THAT ENTITLED GUIDE.rtI KNOW THAT DISRESPECTFUL GUY.THERE I GO.IT GIVES ME A GOODrt REMINDER TOAPPRECIATE WHERE I AM.JIM: MY SON IS AN AWESOMErt MAN.I AM PROUD OF HIM.HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY GUY EVERSINCE HE WAS LITTLE.rtI AM JUST THANKFUL THAT YOU ARESTILL HERE, WE CAN STILL BEFATHER AND SON, THAT I CAN rtBEAROUND FOR THESE NEXT MAJORSTEPS THAT YOU ARE TAKING INYOUR LIFE.I KNOW THAT YOUR MOM FEELS THESAME WAY.rt>> THIS IS A BIG DEAL RIGHT NOW.I AM PROUD TO HEAR YOU TALKINGLIKE THIS.MY WEDDING IS IN A COUPLE OFWErtEKS.IT IS JUST GOING TO GET BETTER.JIM: THAT IS HOW IT IS SUPPOSEDTO BE.ANCHOR: INCREDIBLY TOUCHING.rtHOW DOES IT FEEL TO TELL YOURSTORY?JIM: IT FEELS GOOD.rtMY SON SAID DAD, WE HAVE TO DOTHIS.WHAT SHOCKED ME WAS WHEN I WOULDGO IN PUBLIC AND TALK TO PEOPLEABOUT THIS AND ASKED HOW MANYPEOPLE HAVErt THIS AFFECT THEIRLIVES?A LOT OF HANDS WENT UP.THAT IS WHEN WE FORMULATED THISPLAN TO TELL OUR STORYrt.WHEN WE COME BACK, SOME OF THERESOURCES WHICH HELPED MY FAMILYAND LOCAL EXPERrtANCHOR: WELCOME BACK.IF YOU ARE A LOVED ONE ARErtSTRUGGLING WITH ADDICTION, WEWANT YOU TO SEEK HELP.JIM: JOINING US IS MICHAELHARRIS.WE ARE JOINED BY MEMBERS OFrt ANORGANIZATION THAT HAS HELPEDRECOVERING PEOPLE FOR YEARS.THEY ARE BOTH MEMBERS OFNARCOTICS ANONYMOUS.rtWE ARE NOT REVEALING THEIR TRUEIDENTITIES.ANCHOR: THE CONVERSATION WE JUSTSAW ABrtOUT YOUR SON, WHAT WAS THEONE RESOURCE THAT HELPED YOU?>> MY WIFE DISCOVERED Art PROGRAMTHAT HELPS LOVED ONES, PARENTS,CAREGIVERS.IT OPENED OUR EYES TO THE RIGHTTHINGS TO DO FOR OUR SONrt.IF YOU CONTINUE TO LOVE YOURCHILDREN THE SAME WAY, YOU AREDOING THE WRONG THING.rtYOU NEED TO ARM YOURSELF WITHINFORMATION THAT TRULY CAN HELPAND NOT ENABLE THEM.rtI WANTED TO ASK YOU, LET'S SAYYOU ARE A PARENT LIKE WE ARE.rtYOU HAVE TO MAKE A SNAP DECISIONABOUT WHERE TO SEND THEM INTERMS OF TREATMENT?WHAT IS THE BEST THING FORPARENTS TO DO?rt>> THE BEST THING IS TO GOONLINE, IF THEY HAVE ACCESS ANDLOOK FOR THE NEAREST POSSIBLEFACILITIES.rtTHE UNFORTUNATE THING IS I CAN'TSAY ONE FACILITY IS GOING TO BEBETTER THAN ANOTHER.rtSOMETIMES WE FIND OURSELVES INONE AND IT WORKS,BUT THE OTHERDIDN'T.WHEN YOU ARE IN A SNAP rtDECISIONAND NEED TO MAKE A CHOICE, DONOT HESITATE.IMMEDIATELY ASK AND SEEKrt HELPLOOKING ONLINE.IN A IS A WONDERFUL RESOURCE.HOSPITALS HAVE A LOT OFrt THISINFORMATION ON HAND.ANCHOR: YOU GUYS HAVE BEEN INTHIS GAME FOR A LONG TIME.rtA LOT OF PEOPLE ARE ON THE EDGEABOUT GETTING HELP.WHAT IS THE BEST FIRST STEP?>> THEY HAVE TO WANT IT.rtTHAT IS THE HARDEST THING.FOR THEM TO DECIDE THEY AREREADY.THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO TOGET THEM TOrt STOP UNTIL THEY AREREADY TO STOP.THEY HAVE TO REACH A POINT WHERETHEY ARE SICK AND TIRED OF BEINGSICK AND TIRED.rtTHERE IS MANY THINGS THEY CANDO.THEY CAN GO ONLINE, THERE IS APHONE NUMBERrt THERE.SOMEBODY WILL GET THEM TO AMEETING.THEY CAN GET ANYTHING THEY NEED.IF THEY rtARE OUTSIDE THEY CAN GOTO IN A FLORIDA.ORG.ANYWHERE IN THE STATE OFrtFLORIDA, NATIONWIDE.JIM: YOU HAD A SPORTS INJURY ANDGOT ADDICTED TO PILLS.HOW HARD WAS IT TO OVERCOMrtETHAT?>> 20 YEARS.DENIAL.MY MOMENrtT OF CLARITY CAME WHEN IWAS CONFRONTED WITH A QUESTION,WE DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO FORrtYOU.JIM: I HATE TO DO THIS.I HAVE TO STOP IT THERE.rt>> NEXT, DRUG CARTELS ANDDEALERS.>> OUR LABS rtARE SEEING TWO ORTHREE NEW SUBSTANCES A MONTHTED OVERAND OVER EACH DAY.rt>> POLICE SAY THE SUSPECT MADEALL OF THE DEALS OUT OF HISHOUSE, WHERE HE LIVES WITH HISTHREE KIDS.>> THAT IS A LITTLE rtDISTURBING.SOLEDAD: ACROSS THE COUNTRY, ARUSH TO SAVE LIVES AND CUT OFFAN INFLUX OF ILLICIT DRUGS.NEARLY ALL HEROIN IS SMUGGLEDINTO THE U.S.rtMOST SYNTHETIC DRUGS, LIKEFENTANYL, SHIPPED FROM CHINA.AND NOW, DEALERS MAKING FENTANYLHERE IN THE U.S.TAKE A LOOK AT THIS -- BOXESTHAT HOLD A KEY INGREDIENT TOrtMAKE FENTANYL SEIZED FROM AMASSACHUSETTS STORAGE UNIT THISSUMMER.110 POUNDS OF THE INGREDIENT,rtENOUGH TO MAKE 19 MILLLIONFENTANYL TABLETS WORTH MORE THANHALF $1 BILLION.NIKOLE KILLION HAS OUR REPORTTONIGHT ON THE STRUGGLE TO CUTrtOFF THE SUPPLY.>> I FIRST GOT INVOLVED WHEN IWAS A FIRST YEAR MEMBER OFCONGRESS.A CONSTITUENT CAME TO SEE ME.HER SON HAD JUST DIED OF ANrtOVERDOSE.NIKOLE: A DECADES LONG BATTLEAGAINST OPIOID ADDICTION ISPERSONAL FOR OHIO SENATOR ROBPORTMAN.rt>> ALMOST EVERY WEEK, I FIND OUTABOUT SOMEBODY.NIKOLE: HIS STATE, NUMBER FOURIN THE NATION FOR DRUGrt OVERDOSEDEATHS ACCORDING TO THE CENTERSFOR DISEASE CONTROL.>> EVERY SINGLE CITY, EVERYSINGLE STATE IN THIS COUrtNTRY HASBEEN HIT.NIKOLE: ENTER THE DEA, THE DRUGENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION, THECOMBAT FORCE IN THE NATION'S WARAGAINST DRUGS.rt>> WHAT KEEPS YOU UP AT NIGHT?>> LOTS OF THINGS.NIKOLE: CHUCK ROSENBERG IS THEACTING ADMINISTRATOR.>> WE HAVE TO ENFORCE THE LAW,WHICH MEANS STOPPING THE BIGGESTrtAND MOST DANGEROUS CARTELS ANDSTREET GANGS.WE ALSO HAVE TO REGULATE OURPIECE OF THE INDUSTRY AND REDUCE--rt DEMAND.NIKOLE: BUT WITH ONLY 4600SPECIAL AGENTS, IT IS ACHALLENGE.rtCOMPARE THAT NUMBER TO THENEARLY 36,000 UNIFORMED MEMBERSOF THE NEW YORK CITY POLICEDEPARTMENT.>> THE NOTION THAT THE DEA ALONEIS GOING TO STOP ALL OF THIS ISFANTASrtY.WE NEED HELP.NIKOLE: IN JULY, THE AGENCY SHUTDOWN TWO MAJOR BLACK-MARKErtTOPIOID SELLERS, BUT THEY KNOWNEW SOURCES WILL EMERGE.DO YOU THINK THEY HAVE ENOUGHRESOURCES TO DO THEIR JOB?>> WE WILL SEE.rtNIKOLE: CONGRESSMAN GREG WALDENINVESTIGATING WHETHER THE AGENCYFAILED TO PROSECUTE QUESTIONABLEMANUFACTURERS, PHARMACIES, ANDDOCTORS.>> WE ARE INVESTIGATINrtG, HOW ARETHEY GOING AFTER THIS, HOW DOTHEY HAVE THESE PILL MILLS?WHAT ARE THEY DOING TO GO AFTERSOMETHING LIKE THAT?rtNIKOLE: SENATOR PORTMAN ISrtPUSHING A BILL THAT REQUIRES THEPOSTAL SERVICE TO BETTER MONITOROVERSEAS PACKAGES, A MASSIVEPIPELINE FOR SYNTHETIC DRUGS.>> MOST OF THAT IS COMING FROMCHINA.rtNIKOLE: HE'S HOPING FOR PASSAGEBY YEAR-END DESPITE COMPETINGPRIOrtRITIES LIKE DISASTER RELIEFAND TAX AND IMMIGRATION REFORM.>> THIS IS A TRUE EMERGENCY, BUTIT DOESN'T MEAN WE CAN WALK ANDCHEW GUM AT THE SAME TIME.rtNIKOLE: IN WASHINGTON, I'MNIKOLE KILLION.SOLEDAD: THE JOB OF PROSECUTINGDRUG OFFENDERS FALLS TO FEDERALrtPROSECUTORS LIKE BRUCE BRANDLER.HE IS THE U.S. ATTORNEY FOR THEMIDDLE DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA.HE ALSO LOST HIS SON, ERIC, TO AHEROIN OVERDOSE 10 YEARS AGO.rtNICE TO HAVE YOU TALKING WITHUS.WHEN YOUrt LOOK AT THE NUMBERS, ITFEELS AS IF THE DEA IS WILDLYOVERMATCHED.rt>> I DON'T THINK IT IS AS BLEAKAS CHUCK HAS PAINTED.THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF THOrtUSANDSOF AGENTS FIGHTING THIS BATTLEEVERY DAY.THEY DO A GOOD JOB OFINCARCERATING DRUG DEALERS.rtWE COULD USE MORE RESOURCES ANDPROSECUTORS.WE ARE DOING AN EFFECTIVErt JOBINCARCERATING PEOPLE WE CATCH.>> THE PEOPLE YOU ARE CATCHING,ARE THEY ADDED GETTING CAUGHT UPrtIN THE SYSTEM?>> THAT IS A MISPERCEPTION.THE PEOPLE WE ARE PROSECUTINGARE VIOLENTrt RECIDIVISTS WHO HAVEBEEN CAUGHT PREVIOUSLY SELLINGDRUGS AND ARE SELLING HIGHVOLUMES.THESE ARE NOT LOW LEVELrt ADDICTSSELLING TO SUPPORT THEIR OWNHABITS.>> CAN YOU ARREST YOUR WAY OUTOF THE PROBLEM AS BIG AS THISHAS BECOME?rt>> NO.WE RECOGNIZE THAT WE CAN'TARREST OUR WAY OUT OF THISPROBLEM.WE HAVE A THRErtE-PART STRATEGY TOCOMBAT THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC.PREVENTION, ENFORCEMENT,rt ANDTREATMENT.ENFORCEMENT IS THE MOSTIMPORTANT PART.WE NEED TO PROSECUTEAGGRESSIVELY ANYBODY THAT WECATCH.WE HAVE A ZERO TOLERANCErt POLICYFOR PEOPLE WHO DEAL HEROIN.>> I KNOW IN THE LAST YEAR AND AHALF YOU STARTED TELLINGrt PEOPLETHAT YOUR SON DIED.HAS IT CHANGED HOW YOU THOUGHTABOUT PROSECUTION?>>rt THERE ARE MANY DEDICATEDPROSECUTORS OUT THERE DOING WHATI AM DOING FIGHTING THIS BATTLEON A DAY-TO-DAY FRONT.rtI CAME OUT PUBLICLY WITH MYSITUATION BECAUSE I WANT TORAISE PUBLIC AWARENESS AND TAKEAWAY STIGMA AND SHAME THAT MAYrtBE ASSOCIATED, IF IT CAN HELP --HAPPENED TO ME IT CAN HAPPEN TOANYBODY.rt>> NICE TO HAVE YOU.THANK YOU.>> NEXT, WE CONTINUE OURCONVERSATIONS ABOUT FIGHTING THEEPIDEMIC.CANrt Trt>> WE ARE TALKING ABOUT WAYS TORESPOND TO AMERICA'S OPIOIDCRISIS.I WANT TO THANK EVERYBODYHELPINGrt US BUILD OUR ONLINE WALLEVER MEMBER ENDS.-- REMEMBRANCE.rtRECOVERY IS POSSIBLE, IT IS AGREAT ACHIEVEMENT.rtEVERYONE ON OUR PROGRAM TONIGHTHAS BEEN TOUCHED IN SOME MANNERBY THE OPIOID CRISIS.WHAT SHOULD BE THE NATION'SRESPONSE?WISCONSIN SEN. RON JOHNSON,REPUBLICAN CHAIRMAN OF THErtHOMELAND SECURITY AND GOVERNMENTAFFAIRS COMMITTEE, HE ALSO LOSTHIS NEPHEW TO OPIOID ABUSE.NICE TO HAVE YOU, SENATOR.rtWHAT SHOULD THE GOVERNMENT DOBETTER RIGHT NOW TO HELP PEOPLE?I AMrt SURE YOU HEAR FROM THM ALLTHE TIME.>> WE SPEND $30 BILLION ON THEWAR ON DRUGS.rtFROM MY STANDPOINT THERE ARETHREE LEGS TO THE SOLUTIONSTOOL.YOU HAVE REDUCTION IN DEMAND.rtIT WOULD BE BETTER IF WE COULDREDUCE DEMAND, DO AS WE HAVEDONE WITH TOBACCO.WE HAVE DRAMATICALLY REDUCED THEDEMAND FORrt TOBACCO PRODUCTS.THAT WILL TAKE MULTIPLE DECADES.EDUCATION, A CULTURAL SHIFT.rtTHERE IS NOTHING GLAMOROUS ABOUTDYING IN SQUALOR.YOUR PARENTS, YOURrt SIBLINGS,THERE IS NOTHING GOOD ABOUTTHAT.>> THE PRESIDENT HAS NOT SIGNED--rt HE WANTED YOU CALL IT A STATEOF EMERGENCY BUT HE HAS TO SENDOFF TO CONGRESS A DECLARATION.DO YOU THINK THERE IS ArtNYINDICATION THAT HE WILL -- HEWILL NOT?>> THAT RELEASES FUNDSREALISTICALLY.rt>> WE SPEND PLENTY OF MONEY.WE NEED TO SPEND IT SMARTER.GUESTSrt TALKED ABOUT WHAT WORKSAND WHAT DOESN'T WORK.LET'S FIND OUT WHAT DOES WORK.WHAT IS THE BEST PRACTICE?rtYOU KEEP PUSHING THE ENVELOPE.TRYING TO FIND BETTERTREATMENTS.BETTER MESSAGES TO PRODUCEDEMAND.rt>> DO YOU THINK INSURANCECOMPANIES COULD DO MORE?rtTHAT BLOCKS THEIR ABILITY TOHAVE FLEXIBILITY IN TREATMENTS?>> INSURANCErt COMPANIES -- THEYARE MONEYMAKING ORGANIZATIONS.I THINK THEY COULD PUSH THE BESTPRACTICES.rtHELP THE RESEARCH.FUND IT.IT WOULD DO BETTER FOR THEAMERICAN PUBLIC IF WE HADTREATMENTS THAT WORK.>> WHATrt DO YOU TELL TO NOT JUSTYOUR CONSTITUENTS BUT PEOPLE INGENERAL?IT IS HEARTBREAKING WHEN YOU SEETHIS WALL OF REMEMBRANCE.rtTHE VICTIMS ARE SO YOUNG.>> OFTEN WE HAVE A MIDDLE SCHOOLAND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT VISITUS.rtEVER SINCE I GOT INVOLVED, THEREIS NEVER A GROUP OF CHILDREN IrtDON'T TALK TO.I ALWAYS SAY DON'T DO DRUGS.YOU GET SNICKERS.I TELL THEM ABOUTrt MY NEPHEWS.I SAY IF YOU CARE ABOUT YOURPARENTS,rt IF YOU DON'T CARE ABOUTYOUR OWN LIFE THINK ABOUT THEM.YOU RUINED THERE IS BY TAKINGDRUGS.rt>> VERY DIFFICULT CONVERSATION.NICE TO HAVE YOU WITH USTONIGHT.THANKS TO YOU WHO JOINED US TOHELP CREATE A NATIONAL AGENDA TOrtCOMBAT THE OPIOID CRISIS.AS WE CLOSE, WE REMEMBER MEMBERSOF OUR OWN HEARST TELEVISIONFAMILY WHO HAVE LOST LOVED ONESTO THIS EPIDEMIC.WE RECOGNIZE THE LOSS SO MANY OFrtYOU AT HOME HAVE FACED BECAUSEWE HAVE EXPERIENCED ITOURSELVES.OUR COLLEAGUES, AND THEIRrtOPENNESS AND COURAGE, HAS REALLY, SERVED AS AN INSPIRATION FOROUR EFFORTS TONIGHT.OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH THEM ANDWITH ALL OF YOU.rtFROM THE NEWSROOM IN NEWSEUM INWASHINGTON, D.C., I'M SOLEDADO'BRIEN.rtrt
Matter of Fact: State of Addiction special
Updated: 6:41 AM EDT Sep 18, 2017
The special, “Matter of Fact: State of Addiction,” is part of a year-long multi-platform news and investigative series, combined with community-based efforts, that Hearst Television launched in January 2017 to inform local audiences of the opioid crisis and efforts to develop solutions.“Matter of Fact: State of Addiction” originated from the Newseum in Washington, D.C., where it was hosted by award-winning journalist Soledad O’Brien, who also hosts Hearst Television’s acclaimed weekly syndicated political magazine show “Matter of Fact with Soledad O’Brien.” The special featured WESH 2 News Anchor Jim Payne, who shared a very personal story about his eldest son's battle with addiction, and its effects on his entire family. The program featured social-media elements to enable viewer engagement, including the hashtag #stateofaddiction to post pictures, videos and stories of loved ones in order to create a virtual “wall of remembrance” for victims of the epidemic.Appearing in featured interviews: U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; Dr. Kelly Clark, President of the American Society of Addiction Medicine; Dr. Andrew Kolodny, Co-Director of the Opioid Policy Research Center at Brandeis University; Dr. Leana Wen, Commissioner of Health for the City of Baltimore; and Dr. Rahul Gupta, Commissioner for Public Health for the State of West Virginia. The special also included segments with U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Director Chuck Rosenberg; Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH), author of the Comprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act (CARA); and Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR), who chairs the House Energy & Commerce Committee, which oversees the DEA.The Hearst Television stations serve 26 media markets across 39 states reaching more than 21 million U.S. television households. To make this special available to communities beyond this coverage area, the Hearst Television stations also will stream the special live from their websites and mobile apps.“There is no doubt that the opioid epidemic is a national emergency and, quite frankly, a challenging story to cover,” said Soledad O’Brien. “Each day brings more disturbing instances of overdoses and family tragedies, and – although it is hard to watch – these stories need to be told. “During this primetime special, and in partnership with our local stations, we will investigate the breadth, depth and impact of this crisis, and uncover new strategies and solutions to address it,” O’Brien added.Hearst Television also announced it will once again partner with the DEA to provide promotional support – supplementing its extensive news coverage – for the DEA’s next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day scheduled for Saturday, October 28, 2017. For the DEA’s last Drug Take Back Day, on Saturday, April 29, 2017, the agency, with help from law enforcement and community partners and the promotional assistance of media partners, brought in a record 900,386 pounds, or 450 tons, of medications voluntarily delivered to nearly 5,500 U.S. sites. “State of Addiction” provides reports and analysis on origins of the opioid problem, as well as on treatment, government action, and people impacted in the Hearst Television station group’s communities. Joining Hearst Television in the effort is the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, a national non-profit organization committed to helping families struggling with substance use, which, through its network of regional offices, has helped the Hearst stations develop monthly stories and helped connect the stations’ audiences to vital resources. Since Hearst Television launched “State of Addiction” its stations have advanced the conversation on the crisis by broadcasting more than 1,600 original stories and two dozen original specials and garnering nearly 3 million video views, nearly 11 million page-views and nearly 6 million unique visitors on the stations’ web and mobile sites and Facebook pages.In September 2016, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), with the support of Hearst Television and other groups, announced a project to help marshal the capabilities of America’s broadcasters in a coordinated effort to attack the opioid crisis through news coverage, PSAs and community education.
The special, “Matter of Fact: State of Addiction,” is part of a year-long multi-platform news and investigative series, combined with community-based efforts, that Hearst Television launched in January 2017 to inform local audiences of the opioid crisis and efforts to develop solutions.
“Matter of Fact: State of Addiction” originated from the Newseum in Washington, D.C., where it was hosted by award-winning journalist Soledad O’Brien, who also hosts Hearst Television’s acclaimed weekly syndicated political magazine show “Matter of Fact with Soledad O’Brien.”
The special featured WESH 2 News Anchor Jim Payne, who shared a very personal story about his eldest son's battle with addiction, and its effects on his entire family.
The program featured social-media elements to enable viewer engagement, including the hashtag #stateofaddiction to post pictures, videos and stories of loved ones in order to create a virtual “wall of remembrance” for victims of the epidemic.
Appearing in featured interviews: U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; Dr. Kelly Clark, President of the American Society of Addiction Medicine; Dr. Andrew Kolodny, Co-Director of the Opioid Policy Research Center at Brandeis University; Dr. Leana Wen, Commissioner of Health for the City of Baltimore; and Dr. Rahul Gupta, Commissioner for Public Health for the State of West Virginia.
The special also included segments with U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Director Chuck Rosenberg; Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH), author of the Comprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act (CARA); and Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR), who chairs the House Energy & Commerce Committee, which oversees the DEA.
The Hearst Television stations serve 26 media markets across 39 states reaching more than 21 million U.S. television households. To make this special available to communities beyond this coverage area, the Hearst Television stations also will stream the special live from their websites and mobile apps.
“There is no doubt that the opioid epidemic is a national emergency and, quite frankly, a challenging story to cover,” said Soledad O’Brien. “Each day brings more disturbing instances of overdoses and family tragedies, and – although it is hard to watch – these stories need to be told.
“During this primetime special, and in partnership with our local stations, we will investigate the breadth, depth and impact of this crisis, and uncover new strategies and solutions to address it,” O’Brien added.
Hearst Television also announced it will once again partner with the DEA to provide promotional support – supplementing its extensive news coverage – for the DEA’s next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day scheduled for Saturday, October 28, 2017. For the DEA’s last Drug Take Back Day, on Saturday, April 29, 2017, the agency, with help from law enforcement and community partners and the promotional assistance of media partners, brought in a record 900,386 pounds, or 450 tons, of medications voluntarily delivered to nearly 5,500 U.S. sites.
“State of Addiction” provides reports and analysis on origins of the opioid problem, as well as on treatment, government action, and people impacted in the Hearst Television station group’s communities. Joining Hearst Television in the effort is the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, a national non-profit organization committed to helping families struggling with substance use, which, through its network of regional offices, has helped the Hearst stations develop monthly stories and helped connect the stations’ audiences to vital resources.
Since Hearst Television launched “State of Addiction” its stations have advanced the conversation on the crisis by broadcasting more than 1,600 original stories and two dozen original specials and garnering nearly 3 million video views, nearly 11 million page-views and nearly 6 million unique visitors on the stations’ web and mobile sites and Facebook pages.
In September 2016, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), with the support of Hearst Television and other groups, announced a project to help marshal the capabilities of America’s broadcasters in a coordinated effort to attack the opioid crisis through news coverage, PSAs and community education.