Customer Reviews
Essential Watching for All Americans 
2008-07-18
This documentary is a detailed and comprehensive look at addiction, its causes, effects, and the types of treatment currently available in the U.S. It should be required watching for all Americans, especially parents and those who think addiction doesn't or won't affect them. Those who have experienced addiction firsthand through their own struggles or the struggles of a loved one will find it particularly helpful. If you have a friend or family member in the grips of an addiction, watching this series can give you insight, useful information, and a renewed sense of hope.
Just not very good 
2008-06-15
I think there are better programs on the subject. Nothing profoundly bad about the series, it is just slow and boring.
If you don't buy it, at least rent it, if you or anyone you know has dealt with addiction. 
2008-04-14
Although there are a few parts that are a little slow, this is a great series and HBO deserves a big thank you for taking the time to dig deep, as do all the participants who shared their experiences.
Informative 2007-12-10
I am a chemical dependency counseling student, I found this documentary to be up to date and even told me things that I didn't learn in lecture. There is a chapter called The Science of Relapse and I would suggest anyone watch it; it gives a detailed description of how relapse happens and what can trigger it. I think that it could even help family members struggling with understanding relapse. Very well executed and not a bunch of pshycobabble. My professor recommended it to the class, I'm really glad I listened to him.
Addiction DVD is informative 2007-12-03
I ordered this DVD set to use in a class that I'm teaching. It is a good overview of addictive behaviors and recovery/treatment methods. It is NOT a "cure all" for addictive behaviors. However, it could help someone become more aware of how substance abuse affects self and others who love or care for the addicted person.
Great documentary 2007-11-10
The feature length documentary film ADDICTION brings together the nation's leading experts on drug and alcohol addiction with a collection of award-winning filmmakers to shed light on addiction its causes and the latest and most prominent developments in treatments. Its focus is on case studies and new medical treatments. A supplementary series of 13 short films delves deeper into the various dimensions of addiction.Running Time: 86 min.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: DOCUMENTARIES/MISC. Rating: NR UPC: 026359403224 Manufacturer No: 94032
Addiction Video 2007-10-30
This is a great video for people who work in substance abuse and for families that may have a family member who is an addict. Also, If you could get your addict family to watch this video, it would be a good thing for them.
very useful and informative 2007-10-22
I recently discovered that my sister was a drug addict and have been floundering looking for good information. This film and the shorts that accompany it have been a real education. The premise that addiction is a disease of the brain is very useful for family members attempting to deal with the pain and stigma of having an addict in the family. The sections on treatment are useful and i hope will give us something to go on. i'm hoping my sister will watch this film too. The documentary is sciency and medical and not at all judgemental or sensationalist. I recommend it to anyone who needs no nonsense explanations of what is addiction, what is recovery, what treatments are available etc.
Addiction 2007 2007-09-29
I personally found the 'Addiction 4-Disc Set' as an excellent link to the mysteries and stigmas associated with addictions of varying order - or disorder! I found questions asked over and over with regard to my own addiction - that no, one professional could answer. I would recommend this series be available everywhere possible and repeated on television for educational purposes and to help those that may be desperately seeking their own answers! Addiction The 'Addiction' Series could also be a life-saver for those treading on unknown ground!
Where's the recovery? 
2007-09-17
Strengths:
* - This video does a terrific explaining addiction as a brain disease, the best I've ever seen.
* - They did a great job choosing the experts to interview, they are the most respected researchers in the field today.
* - A segment on parity and the efforts of a steamfitters union to self-insure do a great job illustrating how difficult it is to get decent treatment.
Weaknesses:
* - There is no presentation of recovery. I assume this series is intended to reduce stigma. Without presenting recovery, I fear it will increase stigma.
* - It oversells pharmacological treatments. A lay person I say the centerpiece video with said, "so all you need to do is get one of those prescriptions?" They give the impression that the medications are a complete treatment rather than a potentially helpful tool.
