Addiction

Water by the Spoonful follows a variety of characters as they struggle with addiction. Addiction is complex and affects people differently. People with substance use disorders feel overwhelmingly compelled to continue to use substances despite the negative affects.

Substances

Crack Epidemic

Crack cocaine is an especially addictive strain of cocaine. It is internationally classified as a Schedule I drug, meaning it is highly addictive and illegal to use in any way. The US classifies it as a Schedule II drug, arguing that it has some medicinal uses. The Crack Epidemic began in the 1980's and primarily hit low-income areas of US cities, including Philadelphia where Water by the Spoonful takes place.

Opioid Epidemic

Opioids are drugs that are used as pain relief. The Opioid Epidemic dealt specifically with prescription opioids. In the late 1990's pharmaceutical scientists assured medical professionals that their patients would not become addicted to opioids, causing doctors to prescribe them much more liberally. Because this information was false, about 10% of people who were prescribed opioids became addicted.

Withdrawl and Overdose

Symptoms of withdrawal occur when people with substance use disorders do not have the substance in their system. These symptoms can include anxiety, shakiness, and vomiting. Overdose occurs when the body has too much of the substance in it's system. For crack cocaine, this means multiple hits in rapid succession. Symptoms of overdose include vertigo, paranoia, and death.