Heroin's Grip (2019)

Faced with an explosion of heroin and opioid overdoses and deaths, Frederick County Maryland health care workers, law enforcement officials, and recovery advocates work non-stop to stop the flow of heroin into the county and provide treatment and support for those caught up in the grip of addiction and impacted by its deadly effects.

The heroin and opioid problem in the United States has reached epidemic proportions, and the issue has been addressed in a variety of films and news stories, but these broad-scoped stories at times belie the reality of what's happening to individuals and families right here in our local community. Heroin's Grip is a powerful 67 minute documentary film that tells the story of the heroin epidemic in Maryland, focusing on Frederick County. It explores stories of addiction from the perspective of four families who have been impacted by this epidemic and whose lives have been, in some cases, forever changed because of it. In addition, the film takes a look at the problem of addiction though the eyes of local law enforcement officers, mental health workers, community leaders and others in order to get a complete picture of the impact that heroin and opioid addiction has on our community. Heroin's Grip also helps the viewer better understand what happens in the brain when heroin and other opioids are used, and shows the story of a few who are succeeding in overcoming addiction and maintaining a life free from drugs and alcohol. Our goal is to show that help is available, and that there is a way out of addiction and that there are resources available for families and individuals caught up in the tragedy. There is hope. There is a way out. Help is available.