This documentary will tell a dramatic and provocative story as well as deliver essential information which can help save lives. Designed around a micro view of opioid addiction juxtaposed against a macro view, the film shares the story of Jackson Scott Conroy: His battle with addiction, the family’s struggle to help him, and ultimately his untimely death, the aftermath of his passing and the family’s journey through their grief.
Jack Conroy was an average American kid, growing up in a suburban affluent family – the third of five children – he spent his free time on the water: swimming, surfing and fishing; A hobby he enjoyed spending with his dad, Kevin an avid fisherman.
As a teenager Jack became addicted to opioids. Not from a trauma or injury, but as many young people do – from exploring recreational drugs and pain killers. Soon after, recreational usage became necessary for him to function as his body and mind turned itself over to the changed brain chemistry of addiction.
While family, friends and doctors looked for ways to help Jack fight his addiction, multiple stays in various rehabilitation programs could only stem the tide, for Jack’s disease was too strong and eventually he would succumb to his cravings.
Jack, not unlike many opioid addicts do, switched from pills to heroin – for the affordability of it and ease of access – and died at the age of 21 in 2015 of a heroin overdose shortly after a stay in a local rehabilitation program.
This feature film is not just the story of Jack, but also of his family and the community around him. Jack’s parents, Barbara and Kevin, sought expert advice on how to help and heal their son, and in the wake of his death continue the fight to end the stigma around addiction, aggregate resources, and aid parents who are fighting the same battle, until the war is won.
Through conversations with Jack’s family and friends, as well as experts in the fight against addiction and for recovery, this film does not point fingers at any one person or entity as the root cause for addiction but seeks to approach this national problem with hope and healing. Through sharing Jack’s story and the story of his family’s experience as both witness and survivor, this film seeks to help families with the same struggle.