West Haven High School, like several other schools across the state, is showing a raw, graphic and honest look at opioid addiction.
On Tuesday, students will be watching "Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict" after a math midterm.
The FBI and DEA released the documentary to educate young adults about the dangers of addiction and the reality of a drug-dependent life.
“We wanted to keep them in school and make sure they understood that this is a vitally important message,” Pamela Gardner, the principal, said.
Opiate addiction is a problem consuming the country, yet one the FBI feels many are turning a cold shoulder too.
“Everyone feels, 'It’s not me. It won’t happen to me. It doesn't affect me and it's someone else’s issues,' until in comes home,” FBI Community Outreach Specialist Charles Grady said.
Grady said Connecticut is the “thick of it.” The state averages anywhere from 40 to 45 deaths per month from opioid use, he said.
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When faced with difficult decisions, Grady hopes students will think about the pain families of addicts feel, which is depicted in the film.
“I really hope that kids see what it does to their body, see what it does to those around them and will really think twice about this and really think twice about helping others,” Gardner said.
The FBI hopes this movie will make its way into more and more communities. They said progress is only possible with support from local law enforcement, local high schools and most importantly students and parents.
“If we can get them talking at the dinner table about seeing the film and what affect it has on their lives moving forward, then we have succeeded,” Grady said.
Parents and community members are being encouraged to attend the screenings at West Haven High School.
"Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict" will air in the school’s auditorium at 9:55 a.m. from Jan. 17 until Jan. 20.
