United States Drug Enforcement Administration

SAN DIEGO - DEA Special Agent in Charge William R. Sherman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric S. Birnbaum invite the community to attend the screening of an impactful documentary film created to educate the community about opiate addiction.

Event: Free Movie Screening: “Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict”
Date: Wednesday, October 25, 2017
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Valley Center High School
Maxine Theater
31322 Cole Grade Rd
Valley Center, CA 92082
Invitees: Community Members, High School Educators and High School Students, Young Adults; and Media

In an effort to combat the growing epidemic of prescription drug and heroin abuse, the FBI and DEA created a documentary aimed at educating students and young adults about the dangers of addiction. Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict - is a 45-minute documentary film that profiles the stories of several people who either abused opiates or had family members who have become addicted to opioids. It profiles the cycle of addiction and looks at the tragic consequences associated with opioid abuse. The documentary also features interviews with medical and law enforcement professionals discussing the effects of the addiction, and how this epidemic is unlike any this country has seen before.

The documentary is targeted at educating high school and above students and young adults. Because opioid addiction can take hold after the first use, the film is meant to send a message of deterrence to those either thinking of trying drugs or just beginning to use drugs.

The opioid and prescription drug abuse epidemic has swept through the country. Statistics show that overdose deaths from heroin abuse have more than doubled since 2010. More people die each year from drug overdoses than die in car accidents. Because an opioid addiction can take hold after the first use, it is hoped that this film will help generate discussions that will lead a greater understanding of the dangers of the addiction, its impact on both the victim and their loved ones, and the often deadly consequences of opioid abuse.

The FBI and DEA encourage educators, school administrators, and community groups to share this powerful and informative movie with young adults in their sphere of influence. As a result, the film if offered to educators at no cost for incorporation into their curriculum. Those wishing to obtain a copy of the film may do so by contacting the FBI or DEA field office or by downloading the film for free at www.fbi.gov/ChasingTheDragon.

For further information about Chasing the Dragon, please contact FBI San Diego Division Community Outreach (COS) Yadira Dickey by email at ydickey@fbi.gov. Schools interested in scheduling a showing of the film for their students or/and parents of students and would like to invite the FBI or DEA to speak at the showing, please contact COS Dickey.

Special thanks are provided to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency - San Diego (www.ncadd-sd.org), FBI San Diego Citizens Academy Alumni Association, MHS North Inland Community Prevention Program, Indian Health Council Inc., and Valley Center-Pauma Unified School District who partnered with the San Diego FBI and DEA to host this community wide showing of “Chasing the Dragon.”

Resources:

• https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/raising-awareness-of-opioid-addiction  
• https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2016/february/raising-awareness-of-opioid-addic-tion/video/chasing-the-dragon-the-life-of-an-opiate-addict  (censored version of the film)  
• https://www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov  
• https://www.campusdrugprevention.gov  
• Drug treatment programs in San Diego County, call 2-1-1; https://211sandiego.org