Here Today: Heroin in Vermont Documentary Film - Vermont, USA

The St. Johnsbury Vermont Drug Resistance Team asked Bess O'Brien of Kingdom County Productions to develop the documentary, which portrays young people and their families who are dealing with heroin addiction. O'Brien spent the fall of 2001 with local people who had been impacted by heroin and who wanted to share their experience with fellow community members. Six families of diverse economic and social backgrounds from Vermont's poorest and most rural corner, the Northeast Kingdom, shared their lives with O'Brien. For example, Adam, a young man from an upper-middle-class family in St. Johnsbury, shares his experiences in prison. Another story focusses on a 22-year-old woman who is pregnant with her fourth child (the other three having been given up for adoption due to her drug habit).

The film premiere, which took place in May, 2002 in St. Johnsbury, drew an audience of 300. Since that time, the film has been shown in high schools, theatres, and other town and city centres in 11 communities throughout Vermont. Admission is free at all screenings. Government officials have also been exposed to the documentary. The Vermont Attorney General viewed the film and participated in a roundtable discussion in December, 2002; a viewing will take place at the state house in February, 2003.

Discussion sessions led by the community members featured in the film and their families follow the showings. Audience members are invited to ask questions about theexperience of addiction. In addition to helping the audience understand addiction from a personal perspective, these discussions focus on what parents and other community members can do to address the problem (one suggestion that was frequently voiced: parents should get involved in their children's lives).

Drug Addiction, Health, Youth.

This film was sparked by the recognition that many Vermonters from small communities falsely assume that they are immune to the wave of drug use impacting those in larger cities. In fact, heroin, an opiate, has a powerful grip on many Vermonters. The drug comes to small towns like St. Johnsbury from nearby cities like New York, NY and Springfield, MA. According to state Health Department statistics, 566 Vermonters sought treatment for heroin addiction in 2001, which represents a 69% increase as compared to 2000 figures. Addicts say that the drug is easily attainable, while treatment is hard to come by. Some say that, in a town where everyone knows everyone else, it is the "code of silence" that impedes efforts to help those who are struggling with addiction. A central theme of the film is that Vermonters from various economic backgrounds and various parts of the state are afflicted by addiction to heroin.

Surveys were distributed at showings of the film during the fall of 2002. Audiences from around the state have ranged from 50 to several hundred. This data showed that:

• 93% of viewers said they would recommend the documentary to their peers
• 94% would recommend that it be shown in a school setting
• 95% of viewers under age 18 said that, after watching the film, they would never try heroin
• 95% of viewers under age 18 said that the film helped them understand what the impact of heroin use would be on their futures.

This input from the community motivated a follow-up tour that will take place throughout Spring 2003 in additional Vermont communities, including several schools. Communities are being encouraged to raise money for tour events through local organisations, as there is limited sponsorship for the programme. Those interested in having Here Today shown in their communities may contact the director at the number listed below.