Documentary sheds light on opioid addiction; premiere in Carson City

Partnership Carson City is inviting the community to the premiere of “Voices of Opioid Addiction — A Retrospective” on Wednesday afternoon. “Opioids have become a scourge to Nevada families,” said Samantha Szoyka, training specialist for Partnership Carson City. “We’re hoping this film sheds light on the horrors of this drug and give people — especially young people — a look into the devastation it can cause.”

The short documentary showcases several inmates who have battled drug addiction, which led to criminal activity.

Tom Starrett tells how he’s spent the bulk of the last three decades in and out of jail. Even after getting clean for five years, he fell back into it.

In an interview at the Warm Springs Correctional Center in Carson City, he said he hopes by sharing his story he can prevent others from following in his footsteps.

“If one kid could get the message not to do the stuff I did and wind up in a place like this, I think it will be worth it,” he said. “You might think it’s cool to get high or do drugs with your friends — don’t do it.”

The premiere will be 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Performance Hall of the Brewery Arts Center, 449 W. King St. Doors open at 3:30 p.m.

Hannah McDonald, director of Partnership Carson City, said the movie will be relevant to almost everyone, including lawmakers, educators, students, parents and community leaders and activists.

“It gives insight into what addicts are going through and empathy for their struggle,” McDonald said. “As a community, we have a responsibility to do something about it.”

The film will also be distributed to coalitions throughout the state, which will then share with organizations such as schools and law enforcement in their respective communities.

McDonald said it will give viewers a raw and vulnerable look into the lives of those featured.

“Addiction doesn’t always lead to death,” she said. “It leads to incarceration. It leads to loss — loss of friends and family. Loss of trust. The consequences are huge, and they are devastating.”

The showing is free and open to the public. RSVPs are encouraged by visiting stacia@pcccarson.org.

To request a copy of the documentary, call Partnership Carson City at 775-841-4730.