Video of the Week--The Street Scene Series
From SLJ December 2005
Elaine Black, Gwinnett County Public Library, Lawrenceville, GA -- School Library Journal, 11/14/2005
2 videocassettes or 2 DVDs. color. range: 19-22 min. Brain Trust Films. 2005. $295 ser., $185 ea. Includes: Bitter Pills: Prescription Drug Abuse; The Downward Spiral: Oxycontin & Opiate Addiction.
Gr 6 Up–This compelling, hard-hitting, teen-focused anti-drug series features flashy MTV-style graphics and is hosted by hip-hop artist "The Q." It has all the ingredients to hold the attention of teenagers. The recovering addicts (mostly female) who share their stories are earnest and sincere, and their painful tales of how they got hooked on prescription drugs and painkillers and what the addiction did to their lives will leave a powerful impression on viewers. Information provided by experts such as dependency counselors, pain management experts, and attorneys as well as the testimony of addicts will engage students while the popular hip-hop host gives the series "street" credibility. Presented in an in-your-face style, the anti-drug message rings true and is sure to spark a dialogue in middle and high school health classes and counseling situations.
