The Damage Done: The Unwanted Living America’s Opioid Nightmare

Drugs are not new. Drugs have always been in existence. The more that drugs become more available the more it ravishes a community, families and of course individuals. The fact that individuals can get ahold of drugs so readily makes for sad times.

I went to the screening of The Damage Done last Saturday and to say it was eye opening is an understatement. This wasn’t the first time of me hearing about the opioid epidemic. It’s all over the news when you hear about safe houses and safe sites! It’s so much cause of argument. Depending on what side of the fence you are on you will have many thoughts about it but let’s take a human approach today. Let’s talk about the fact that most of us know of someone on drugs. We are talking about the ones who are not functional in their daily life. The ones who are mentally gone. The ones who you don’t get to see at family functions and just know they have a problem but no solution seems to be in sight!

The Damage Done is about the opioid epidemic in Miami, Philadelphia, and Nashville. We screened the portion that was about Philadelphia and specifically Kensington. It’s real and it’s raw. The images are forever stuck in my head. You see the drug stoopers. You see the homelessness. Philadelphia’s call to stop the epidemic or stop it in certain areas removes the participants from living under bridges and underpasses but it doesn’t stop the spread of the drugs to say the least.

The Damage Done follows Eric and Kelly who are both struggling with their drug addiction. Eric seems to be doing well and then relapses. Kelly is given housing which answers stability but does it stop her addiction? Britt James Carpenter a recovered and always still recovering drug addict has made leeway in helping humanize the people whom society says this is a choice why should we care. He has humanized the very people who turn their backs due to the highs and lows of the whole recovery process. He founded the Philly Unknown Project that is supporting those who can’t support themselves. They are out on the streets with those dealing with the homelessness and the drugs everyday. Looking for ways to support and to find ways to help those reeling from drugs to get help!

Thanks to Voices of America who took the charge of filming and making this a reality. For being able to show this raw documentary while attempting to hold the dignity of those in it. That charge isn’t easy. I want you to set aside what you feel and give this docuseries a try! Watch it here! This is Part 1! You can continue watching it after it. Share it with someone. Talk about it. There’s not many of us that aren’t rocked by the drug epidemic. We all need to remember that we all need to show love and understanding.

Also thanks to Roz Pichardo who also gave participants a Narcan training. This is crucial in saving the lives of those who have overdose! She is also started Operation Save our City after the death of her brother, Alex Martinez. Her mission is to assist in giving humanity to those who need it and to take back our city (Philadelphia) from gun violence!

Also thank you to Jeremy Adam on his performance of Siren Song a beautiful compilation of the thoughts of a drug addict and the pain that happens far in their mind before they even physically use the drugs!

Here is the link for the full documentary!