The locally focused documentary covers addiction in Brown County, Ind.
Bloomington, Ind., September 27, 2023 — An award-winning film from Glory Girl Productions delivers piercing and empathetic insight into one of the most serious health crises impacting Brown County and our nation: the opioid and meth epidemic. The Addict’s Wake premieres October 2 at 9 p.m. on WTIU Public Television.
Brown County is a charming, tight-knit community but behind the scenes it’s a community at war–battling an addiction crisis that is killing its best and brightest. Nearly every family, classroom, and workplace has experienced the devastating ripple effects of substance use disorder.
Addiction is more than a Hoosier issue, with more than 100,000 Americans dying of overdoses in 2021, according to the National Institutes of Health. The Addict’s Wake reflects Brown County’s crisis to national patterns. From the second-by-second panic of overdose to the slower deaths of despair, the ramifications of addiction run deep in America. And it is these very ramifications that the film seeks to remedy, by helping to move the barometer of stigma and encourage genuine compassion towards those trapped in the addiction cycle.
The Addict’s Wake takes a holistic approach and views the issue from all sides, speaking to the victims of addiction, as well as their loved ones, teachers, faith and community leaders, law enforcement officers, and first responders. The film shows the depth of the crisis, but also sheds light on a path forward.
The documentary has earned several awards within the last year, including winning the Louisville International Festival of Film and receiving the Audience Choice award at Heartland Film Festival. The Addict’s Wake has also been named an Official Selection at the Pittsburgh Independent Film Festival, the Vero Beach Film Festival, and the Sedona International Film Festival.
Learn more about The Addict’s Wake on the film’s website.
Documentaries like this can shed light on the harsh realities of addiction and the journey to recovery. It’s essential to understand that, much like recognizing the signs your liver is healing from alcohol, recovery from addiction involves recognizing and celebrating small victories. Each step forward, no matter how small, is a crucial part of the healing process. Watching stories of others overcoming their struggles can be incredibly inspiring and a reminder that recovery, though challenging, is possible with the right support and determination.