Cottonland is a documentary about a small town in Nova Scotia that fell into
an economic abyss because the coal mines shut down, and at nearly the same time
fell into an epidemic of oxycontin addiction. The question of whether the
depressed economy had anything to do with the outbreak of oxycontin addiction
is highlighted, and it seems obvious that there is a connection.
Oxycotton, as it's called on the street, is one powerful addicting
substance. It's closely related to heroin, but most addicts start off as
people suffering some kind of pain. Their doctors prescribe the pills,
and the pain often just stops. In fact, patients are so pain free that
they feel better than they've felt in years. And as long as they still
have pills, they continue to feel great.
The problems begin when they try to stop taking them. Some patients
suffer such bad withdrawal symptoms that they are completely unable to
function. Often the pain of withdrawal is worse than the pain they were
suffering in the first place. There seems really no option but to take
more of the drug.
They'll try to obtain more from their doctor, and often are successful.
Eventually, however, they need more than the doctor is willing to let them
have, so they begin to pursue other alternatives. And they do so with
abandon! Their symptoms are so bad that they'll lie and steal and worse,
often victimizing their best friends and family.
Is there any way out? Cottonland points to methadone maintenance
programs as a way to withdraw without such horrible side effects. But
methadone is a drug too. And withdrawal may be less painful, but still
necessary. And it's possible to end up hooked on methadone!
Treatment approaches are all still experimental, but our approach will
highlight faith in God, a community of supportive co-combatants and work to do
that's interesting and fulfilling are among the most important ingredients.
What do you think? Watch
Cottonland here.
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