Greg Chapman - Research

Let me first say that there aren't many shows that I have seen on this network as gritty and powerful as last nights premiere of Explorer: Heroin Crisis. If you didn't have a chance to see the show, it chronicles the current state of heroin around globe and particularly the effects it has had on a recovering addict, a couple that can't seem to get away from the drug's stranglehold, and an Afghan farmer that does not have any other means to support his family other then growing the poppi plant.

The message of the show that really struck me is how fast the drug seeps in to peoples lives and acts as a life need for users and growers of opium. Take the profiles of the couple who are currently addicted to the drug and the young women who was a former addict - each day they needed to get a fix to feel normal and in some cases to avoid experiencing terrible withdrawl seizures. On the other hand the Afghan farmer needed to grow the poppi plant as a means to support his family or else his family would have no other way to earn an income. Either side you are on there is no win. Each side of the scenario is at the mercy of heroin.

However, the profile of Jenny, the young women who was hooked on the drug as a teen, acts as a light of hope for addicts that feel that their isn't any. She is living proof, that although it is an extremely hard drug to stop using there are means of getting off it with a strong support system in place.

Heroin production and usage right now seems to be at an all time high and not many people can figure out how to tackle this rapidly growing problem. And realistically the problem and challenge that Heroin poses to the world is huge and is not going away any time soon. The only thing that we can do is continue to educate and be involved with people around us.

Opium production is at an all time high.

You can catch a replay of Explorer: Heroin Crisis tonight, October 24, at 9p et/pt or on October 30 at 6p et/pt.