CROSSROADS

Crossroads is a five-module, documentary-style video series featuring six young Canadians and their first-hand experience with drug addiction. Each of the first four videos tackles a specific drug of abuse; (1) marijuana, (2) crystal meth, (3) cocaine/crack or (4) prescription & over-the-counter drugs. The fifth video takes a more general approach and provides information about several different types of drugs. The videos highlight how detrimental a chosen path of drug abuse can be, not only to an individual’s health, but also to his or her psychosocial well-being, interpersonal relationships, families and future. Each of the videos is approximately 17 minutes in length and is used as part of CODA’s in-class education programs in Canadian schools.

Choosing the participants was the most difficult part of the process. CODA outreached to several youth who had each completed a four-month residential treatment program for addiction. In turn, these youth networked to other youth in similar situations, to inform them of this opportunity. A meeting was set up to brief the youth about the details of the project and what the scope of their participation would be. Drug-use history information was collected from each of the interested participants. The group was asked to act as a working advisory panel that would brainstorm ideas for the documentary, as well as participate in the filming process.

In total, 17 youth volunteered to contribute to the Crossroads project at various levels. Six youth were selected to be interviewed and profiled individually. The profiles reflect the progression of addictions, the negative consequences of abusing drugs on health, family relationships and academic performance, as well as the legal and emotional effects. The Crossroads video series is an impactful, honest and grassroots vehicle for youth to speak directly with youth, first-hand, about the consequences of drug abuse..

To follow the path of our Crossroads youth, click on their photograph below to read more of their stories, and keep coming back to check for updates.

Check back here to see a preview of Crossroads.

Andrew's Story	Jessica's Story	Mandeline's Story	Nick's Story	Tara's Story	Vanessa's Story