“Overtaken” is a powerful film.
“My son Jarrod died of an overdose from a prescription drug I had never heard of until the night he died. His peers had heard of it though. Within weeks, more young lives were lost. If I knew then, what I know now, maybe my son would be here today.” ~ Jodi Barber
In the film, several young adults talk about their addiction to prescription pills and their other drug use.
How these young people got started in the first place using drugs is discussed in the film. It demonstrates how their lives, as well as their family’s lives, were “Overtaken.”
Misuse of opioid drugs is a growing epidemic taking over our communities across the nation.
Please watch this powerful video to learn more about the devastation that addiction can cause:
If there is a war on drugs then Jodi Barber and Christine Brant are on the front lines doing battle in their community. These two moms have accomplished their goal. They made a short length documentary featuring the struggles of addiction through the lives of young adults.
“ONE COMMUNITY, 98 + FATAL OVERDOSES, THOUSANDS OF LIVES, OVERTAKEN BY DRUGS”
These two moms realized that accidental death from overdose is an epidemic. The problem was not only in their suburban community but across the U.S.
They decided to make a documentary to show at school assemblies and youth groups.
This documentary features the addiction as told by those whose lives were overtaken by drugs. You will understand the struggle these brave young people take on each day to stay alive. The goal of this documentary is to save lives. The film educates youth and others in the community. It tells the truth about addiction and the deadly consequences drug use often has.
Approved by school district superintendents across the country and featuring specialists in the fields of medicine and addiction, this film delivers accurate and up to date information on the type of drugs infiltrating our communities and how to help our youth avoid them.
“Overtaken” was created in loving memory of lives gone too soon.
We need to break the stigma surrounds drugs and alcohol. Together we will make a difference.
For more information check out the Overtaken Lives Website.
Since 2011
Since this article was written, we’ve lost over a half million people to drug overdoses. The CDC states, “Drug overdose deaths continue to increase in the United States. From 1999 to 2017, more than 702,000 people have died from a drug overdose. In 2017, more than 70,000 people died from drug overdoses, making it a leading cause of injury-related death in the United States. Of those deaths, almost 68% involved a prescription or illicit opioid.”Please forward this post to family and friends, especially those with teenagers.
What did you think about the video? I would love to know your thoughts. Please join the discussion in the comments.
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This is such an incredibly powerful video. Thank you, thank you Jodi Barber and Christine Brant for making it, and thank you Cathy for sharing it…
Hi Lisa,
I know, I felt the same way when I saw it. There is nothing more powerful, in my opinion, than listening to someone’s story. When you hear about the devastation that drugs caused in these young people’s lives, you immediately get it. You get why drugs are not a good thing to be doing, and how they can ruin your life or kill you.
I will definitely be sharing this with some friends. Recently one of my mom’s best friends had a son who stole a significant amount of money from his mom to buy drugs. The mom was devastated and felt helpless as far as what to do.
I will have to pass her a link to your site.
Thanks,
Bryce
Hi Bryce,
Please do pass on the link and the resource page also has a lot of information. I’ve had several readers send me emails with questions, so she is welcome to do that as well. When parents first begin this journey, it is often confusing and overwhelming. Addiction and recovery is a whole new world to learn about. Most parents find any information helpful. Thanks so much for your comment.
Powerful message Cathy. Fortunately my Life and the lives of those near to me have not been affected by drugs…..may that remain so.
be good to yourself
David
Hi David,
That’s wonderful that your family has not been affected by drugs – and I hope it does remain this way. Most kids do well, but there are enough that experiment and then find themselves in trouble, that it has become such a financial and emotional problem. Thanks so much for your comment.
Hi Cathy,
I accidentally came across your page here, and glad I did! I would like to thank you for spreading the awareness through my documentary. The Co-Producer, Christine Brant along with myself have shown Overtaken to thousands of kids in schools. We have copies for anyone interested. The cost is $10.00.
I really appreciate everything you’re doing to save lives.
Sincerely,
Jodi Barber
Hi Jodi,
You are so welcome. I was so moved by your video. It is one of the most effective videos I’ve seen on the subject. My heart goes out to you for your loss. I appreciate all that you are doing to spread awareness in schools to help prevent others from substance abuse. Take care.