Better Dead - Then and Now

Synopsis: The first part is an undramatised documentary which shows, without script or actors, the harrowing effects of drugs misuse. Young addicts tell of their experiences and sequences show them injecting drugs. ‘Talking heads’ and ‘fixing shots’ are linked by glimpses of the post-mortem examination conducted on the body of a young female addict. These point the question posed by the title of the film. The film ends on a note of optimism which is conveyed in vision and sound by two young people who have been cured of addiction. The film endeavours to show the indignity and degradation which drug abuse causes. It does so starkly and honestly. There is no commentary. As well as the original film, this programme contains a follow-up of some of the addicts originally featured. Some have given up drugs altogether and are working to help others through rehabilitation; of some there is no trace. But Steve, the most persuasive and articulate of the original group, is still addicted and still talking nearly 15 years later.
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Year of release: 2001
Year of production: 2000
Documentation: Notes included
Subjects: Health Education; Social welfare
Keywords: addiction; drug abuse

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Notes: A long-established, not-for-profit organisation with a large collection DVDs, specialising in the sectors of general and mental health, child care, race relations, war and peace, addictions, the third world, ecology, civil rights, personal relationships, educational issues, and social work training. Concord also handles titles made for the Graves Medical Audio-visual Library. Sale on DVD. Formerly known as Concord Video and Film Council. In 2014 Concord began to offer selected films as Video on Demand, via Vimeo.

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