A Means To An End. . .

For my project, it was not an unfamiliar subject. Because I decided to report on something that was so close to home, there was not much more to learn. What I did learn on the other hand, was very personal to those I interviewed for my photo story. By listening to what my interviewees, I was able to learn about their view on prescription drug addiction, and the effects it had directly to them, rather than on my town as a whole. I learned how different people perceived this on going problem from different perspectives. No one person felt the same way about drug abuse, and made that clear when interviewed.

I was surprised at how aware the police officer I interviewed was of this problem. Reason being, it is becoming such a large problem in this small town that I feel as a resident, something can be done in order to prevent or control it. I was also shocked to see when searching for rehab centers, not one existed in the town of Floral Park. It is as if people do not realize there is a problem, like they want to ignore it than face it.

Because this is such a big issue in my town, I would be curious to know if there are people who are doing thing in order to give support to those suffering. Whether they are suffering with addiction, or suffering because what someone’s addiction has done to their life, whom can these people go to? Is there a support system available to these people that they can reach out to, or are they stuck fending for themselves? In a town that has seen the worst that drug addiction can do, we should be the positive influence to bring an end to this. Rather than losing another young adult, bring awareness to all the others.

Three other multimedia-reporting projects that I could do on my topic would be a Documentary. Although the photo story is similar to this, a portrait of a place could have taken it that much further. Rather than having photos flashing by on the screen, I could have used footage along side my interviews that I did for the sound behind my photo story. The emotion that was on each interviewees face spoke one thousand words. Their eyes told it all.

Another project I could have done is an infographic. The different approach I could have is to focus on my town, and the people who have been affected directly; such as the parents and friends of the loved ones who passed away. I could use photos and combine that with information collected from statistics and what I came across for my Map assignment. Many people suffer, or know someone who is suffering with drug addiction, and to show through an infographic that they are not alone could make a difference in their lives.

The last idea would be a portrait of a place. This would be the most unique idea, mainly because it would be shot inside of a bar in my town. There is one bar in particular that the two people who passed away went to every single weekend. I would show the bar, and how life has gone on without them there. What people say, how they act, and how every night one of their names is mentioned in hopes that they are there with them in spirit having a drink at the bar with their closest friends.

Map of Rehab Centers Surrounding My Home Town

This Map shows the rehab centers in the towns Floral Park (my town), Hempstead, Garden City, Franklin Square, New Hyde Park, Mineola, Elmont and Valley Stream. I was surprised to see that there were not many, especially because addiction is a growing epidemic. I hope you gather some information about this topic, and share it with whomever you think could benefit from it.

Sound Slide

For my soundslide, I wanted to bring my audience to the town I live in. There has been great tragedy with drug abuse, and we have lost some of our closest friends and loved ones. By having those I interviewed speaking about drugs, and showing the slide of pictures that I took, I hope to give off some of the emotions felt in my town. Empty, lonely, desolate, yet still beautiful.

History Of Addiction Timeline

Articles of Importance

Prescription drug abuse is an ongoing issue here in the United States. The drugs that are being abused varies among those who are using. The most abused are pain relievers. This could include but is not limited to; Hydrocodone or Oxycodone. Prescription drug abuse is starting in kids as young as 12th grade, according to a study done in December 2011. Kids are assuming that if a Doctor can prescribe them, then it must be safe to take. This common misconception often leads to abuse, or even overdose.

Now that this has become a recognized problem in the U.S., the F.D.A has recommended limiting the distribution of prescription drugs.  The Food and Drug Administration decided that drugs, such as vicodin, that contains Hydrocodone should be limited as for how many prescriptions are written. By writing these prescriptions, it is giving another kid, teen, or adult a chance to get addicted to this powerful drug. The amount of prescription drugs a person can get their hands on has become alarming, and quite dangerous not only to themselves, but to those around them.

Although it may not be simple to determine whether or not someone is “using”, there could be some telltale signs. Many signs of abuse are becoming more visible in the eyes of teens. Reason being, this is the prime age at when prescription abuse begins. Not every person gets addicted, or reacts the same to prescription drug intake. There are different effects, some being more visible than others.

Multimedia Reporting Project Intro

Photo by: Jillian Loiacono

Photo by: Jillian Loiacono

Photo by: Jillian Loiacono

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by: Jillian Loiacono

 

Photo by: Jillian Loiacono

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For my multimedia reporting project, I plan to explore the issue with prescription drugs that exists in my town. This has become a growing problem, that has unfortunately taken the lives of people very dear to me. I feel quite strongly about this subject matter, mainly because it surrounds my environment, the place that I call home. Prescription pills are a problem here in America, but I wanted to focus in on one area. An area that has suffered with devastation, loss, and fear. Fear that this will never end. I would like to be a piece of this vicious puzzle by voicing my thoughts, and hopefully to help put this destructive phase to an end.

My long term goals for this project are to interview people in my town, and get their outlook on the towns growing problem. I also want to ask them how they have personally been affected. Hearing the emotion, and also the pain in other people further proves the anguish this town has suffered due to drug addiction. I would also like to interview Police Officers in my town, and ask them why this problem isn’t getting any better, but to the contrary, it’s getting worse.

I hope by deciding to do my project on this subject, I will gain awareness of what prescription drugs can do if in the wrong hands. This is something that does not only affect the people who take them, but each and every person around them. This epidemic must come to an end, before it is too late.