You can become addicted to just about anything. It becomes a serious problem when it takes you away from the things you normally do. Some people have a predisposition to addiction and Will’s story shows that anyone can fall dangerously into addiction. It started with video games addiction which was the beginning of the slippery slope that almost cost him his life. As a child, he dreamed of becoming a professional baseball player. He could never imagine that, at the age of 17, he would be living on the streets, addicted to crack cocaine and near death. His remarkable story now brings so much hope to those that struggle with addiction and he now dedicates his life to helping youth.
Subjects: Addiction and Recovery
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Broken Families: Lydia’s Story
Lydia’s life as a child was filled with family dysfunction, drugs, abuse, and the death of her mother. She ended up in the foster care system before the age of 10 and would endure moving between 36 different foster homes. Lydia was left with a lack of identity, belonging, and self-worth. The longing for her family and her loneliness created a cycle of destruction or “acting out.” Nothing or no one could fill the void she felt. Somehow, she found an incredible strength to turn her life around. Living out of a car, she put herself through school and became determined to have her own family, providing a loving home for her two children; something she never had.
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The Call
Lighting up that first cigarette could be the worst decision a person makes. Yet 4,000 young Americans make that decision every day. Whether from peer pressure, wanting to appear cool, influence of family members who smoke, or whatever personal reason – kids enter this treacherous arena with little regard to the consequences of their decision.
We are filmmakers and educators passionate to stop kids from smoking before they begin. Our youth smoking prevention program is intended for middle school students – kids who will soon consider one of the most critical health and lifestyle decisions they will ever make: the decision to smoke or not.
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Drugs & Alcohol and Your Choice
There are all kinds of drugs. Some help people with medical problems and can be bought in any store, right over the counter. Other medicines must be prescribed by a doctor. The alcohol and energy drinks we see advertised everywhere? Those are drugs, too. Then there are illegal drugs like marijuana. Some drugs are helpful. Some can be hurtful, and even deadly. What do all they have in common? They all change how your body works and they should all be taken seriously.
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Your Body, Your Health and Drugs
Elementary students must understand at a young age the harmful effects drugs and alcohol have on their body. Presented as an early education drug prevention and health program, young viewers will understand the connection between respecting their body and how drug use can harm it. Topics include how the body works, and the effects of medicines, nicotine, alcohol and marijuana on the body.
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Cashing in on Quitting
The cast is now into their second month since Quit Day and some are starting to see the long-term benefits of the changes in routines and behaviours as they renew their commitment to a smoke-free life. To celebrate their successes and to encourage those who are still struggling, they take in a kayak trip to one of BC’s gulf islands.
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Going the Distance
How many of the five have managed to realize their dreams for a fitter and healthier life? Is Steve able to handle his work stresses without smoking or has Bryn managed to achieve a smoke-free social life, and along with Jessika, achieved his dream of completing the Sun Run? Who has managed to kick butt?
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Preparing to Kick Butt
Meet Cheryl, Jessika, Shauna, Bryn and Steve – all smokers in a world that no longer caters to their addiction. They are fully aware of the reasons why they should quit – they’ve all tried before and failed. But this time as their quit day approaches, with the public on their side, and the support of friends and family, they’re confident they’ll kick butt.