On Current TV | June 04, 2010 | Comment on this video (32)

Heroin: Facing the Dragon

sylviaw
Facing The Dragon is an intimate and shocking documentary following two desperate drug addicts on a journey from the drug addled streets of England to the toughest detox in the world.

Produced in association with East West Detox.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this film, or would like any further information on the detox experiences featured, please contact http://www.east-westdetox.org.uk/
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    sylviaw Producer, Amy - Louise Jones Producer, Mike Horn Editor, more
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32 comments // Heroin: Facing the Dragon // Video

  • EastWestDetox
  • hughesn3
    • 0
      hughesn3  

    • Hi I was just wondering if you can play this documentary in sections I am showing it to my senior students but we can't seem to watch it in sections. Everytime we click to fastfoward. It goes back to the start. Can anyone help?

    • 1 year ago
  • Vin_C
    • 0
      Vin_C  

    • I've just returned from a visit to Thamkrabok and was very impressed by the good things happening there just now.

      While at the monastery I updated the website www.thamkrabok-monastery.org including adding a downloadable book called "Thamkrabok Monastery : A Place of Sajja" by By Phra Hans Piyathammo Ulrich Kampfer (6MB PDF file).

      Best wishes to all,

      Vince Cullen

    • 1 year ago
  • wintersonne
    • 0
      wintersonne  
    • Vin_C:

      Vince, I wonder if there will ever be a similarly popular program in the United States of America as compared to TARA, East-West, and others in England and Scotland. I know there is the Buddhist Recovery Program, but I do not feel there is enough for drug (including alcohol) -addicted Americans who want a more tangibly spiritual, meaningful program. I have avoided Alcoholics Anonymous because it is monotheistic and primarliy Christian in nature, and I know it would not fulfill my personal need for support. I understand the 12-Step Program can and has been adapted for Buddhist philosophy. It is very hard to access for many, both in scope, cost, and range of support.

      If there were a program like your Barn Retreat here, I would gladly attend it. As it is, I will try to attend the Buddhist Recovery workshop.

    • 1 year ago
  • Vin_C
    • 0
      Vin_C  
    • Image
    • wintersonne:

      Hi Wintersonne,

      I know many recovering addicts who use Buddhism and 12-steps together as a path of recovery; but equally I know many (including myself) ex-addicts seeking a Buddhist approach.

      The detox treatment provided at Thamkrabok Monastery in Thailand is unique, as are the teachings provided by the monks and nuns there. The problem then arises that ex-addicts can't get support outside of Thamkrabok because these teachings are too unique!

      So, I am attempting to combine the core practice of Thamkrabok Sajja with traditional (orthodox) Buddhist principles and practices to offer a wholly Buddhist foundation for recovery. This idea is still in it's infancy, so any feedback from the 'Sajja and Sila' retreat in the UK in June will be very valuable.

      The Buddhist Recovery Network Conference in Los Angeles in May will feature a presentation from people who have already established Buddhist Recovery meetings in USA ( see http://www.buddhistrecovery.org/meetingslisting/country/USA.htm ) to help others to do the same.

      The BRN conference isn't exactly cheap but I hope to be there so it would be good to meet if you decide to go to LA in May.

      Be well and kind regards,

      Vince

      www.5th-precept.org

    • 1 year ago
  • Barbara_Cannell
    • +1
      Barbara_Cannell  

    • I watched this and i have hope there could be help for this terrible affliction which destroys everyone who it touches. I will pass this to my son maybe he would consider finding out more. Thank you for showing it.

    • 1 year ago
  • billmayo
    • 0
      billmayo  

    • What an awsome film that really touched me and gave me hope. So much so that I decided to call East West and later on ended up speaking to Sarah who has just got back from the monastery where she was supporting somebody else.
      What a result.

    • 1 year ago
  • Tamoadakoe
  • Vin_C
    • 0
      Vin_C  
    • Image

    • Recovery Meditation Retreat in Devon, England
      Sunday, 12 June 2011 at 15:00 - Saturday, 18 June 2011 at 12:00
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

      "Sajja and Sila: Cornerstones of Buddhist Recovery"

      This retreat is offered as an opportunity to experience a wholly Buddhist approach to recovery from all forms of addiction. The retreat is open to those new to recovery as a support for their ongoing abstinence. Those who have been in recovery for a longer time, 12-step or otherwise, are also welcome to explore an alternative or supplementary approach to and of recovery.

      We will explore and practice Sajja (commitment to change) and Sila (the Buddha's original harm reduction programme) as cornerstones of a Buddhist approach to recovery. The other cornerstones of Loving-kindness and Forgiveness will be woven into our daily practice.

      It is important to note that you do not have to be a Buddhist to practice Sajja, Sila or meditation.

      The retreat will follow the normal Barn programme, including:

      * the practice of mindful awareness and daily guided meditations.

      * evening Dharma talks and discussion.

      * personal interviews (optional).

      * work on the land.

      * alone time in nature and walks in the stunning surrounding countryside.

      * delicious vegetarian food.

      It is intended to close this week's practice after breakfast on Saturday 18th June with a simple Sajja and Precepts ceremony for anyone wishing to formalise these intentions.

      For more details please see : http://www.sharphamtrust.org/event_detail.php?id=8598

      Kind regards to all,

      Vince

    • 1 year ago
  • kurutonio
  • Kathryn_Wood
    • 0
      Kathryn_Wood  
    • kurutonio:

      I myself have just been to Thamkrabok and it is far from fake. I also had the BBC come and follow my progress. Perhaps you should watch Inside Out in October and see a new Doc about the fantastic help they give. Sadly it is all too real worldwide but it has also saved my life. :)

    • 11 months ago
  • Vin_C
    • +1
      Vin_C  
    • Image

    • Hi Val,

      I know that Sarah, Mike and the good folks at East-West Detox will give you lots of help and advice.

      You might also want to check out the latest news and views from people just about to go to Thamkrabok and from those just back after their detox on the Friends-Of-Thamkrabok-Monastery (FOTM) support group. The FOTM group has over 200 members from all over the world who have either been to Thamkrabok or are thinking about taking treatment at the monastery. The website is : http://groups.google.com/group/friends-of-thamkrabok-monastery/topics

      There is a lot of useful information here including a page with a suggested packing list and directions in English/Thai to the monastery.

      Good luck and best wishes for your journey.

      Vince Cullen

    • 1 year ago
  • LadyVal
    • 0
      LadyVal  

    • I spoke to Sarah at the East West Detox charity after watching this very inspirational film and she is now giving me support to overcome my addiction.
      What an amazing example of how you can turn your life around and use your experience to help others.
      Bless you
      Val

    • 1 year ago
  • kurutonio
    • -1
      kurutonio  

    • the core of the detoxification, is missed;

      body reacts in a terrible way, organism rebels to the lack of The Dragon,
      stinky painful sweat came up from the skin,
      shivers of cold and fear,
      have the runs continuosly for days and days,
      stomach contractions
      trowing up bilious,
      painful stomachache
      lack of appetite for weeks,
      dehydration,
      exsaustion,
      prostration,
      deep pain,
      just to say same;

      and mind,
      mind seems to be lost,
      nothing exist,
      nothing is important,
      nothing has value,
      intense depression,
      you need to be tied up to do not hurt youself,
      spleen,
      rage,
      pique,
      hate,
      and there is no Lord Buddha or Monastery, or a happy journey to thailand or else
      and this runs for 6\8 months before you may think you are out from the physical effects,
      and another year\year and a half before you might think to see a little lights,

    • 1 year ago
  • Gary_Fletcher
    • 0
      Gary_Fletcher  

    • i doesn't take a trip to a monestary to kick the habit, if they don't associate with each other so much, they wouldn't have so much temptation, there are so many ways and so much help around now, there is no excuse, most addicts sell the substitutes to pay for smack, make me sick, have no willpower and no future.

    • 1 year ago
  • Lisa302
    • +1
      Lisa302  

    • Brilliant film with Sarah and Cassie who have given me lots of hope because I believe 100% in what they went through to get to where they are now.
      I have already been in contact with Sarah at East West who is helping me to prepare myself to deal with my demons once and for all.
      Thank you Sarah for all your support.
      Lisa
      X

    • 1 year ago
  • Ben8
    • 0
      Ben8  

    • Fantastic documentary Current TV. I felt very inspired by the whole process and also being able to see the positive outcomes years later will give hope to others. Well done East West Detox and all those involved. Keep up the good work.

    • 1 year ago
  • Vin_C
    • +1
      Vin_C  
    • Image

    • Hi NickyG,

      I was both surprised and concerned to read your comment about the missing link to EWD on Wat Thamkrabok's official website. As I am the webmaster for that site there is no reason why the link should have, or could have been removed. I am very pleased to say that the link is still there - check out the English page :

      www.thamkrabok-monastery.org/anreiseen.html

      If you spot any anomalies on either the official monastery website at : www.thamkrabok-monastery.org , or the 'Independent' website at : www.thamkrabok.net please let me know and I will fix them as soon as possible.

      Kind regards,

      Vince Cullen

    • 1 year ago
  • NickyG
    • 0
      NickyG  

    • Great to see this documentary aired after so long in the making, a very good job by the director Richard Higson and great testimony to the courage of Sarah and Cassie.for not only going through the detox and getting well but being filmed as well. The end just shows that for those of us with this kind of history there's nothing so extraordinary as ordinary life, and precious too. East-West Detox have done a very sound job here in supporting these two special individuals. Worth remembering that East-West Detox were the first organisation to really make Thamkrabok known in this country and have successfully supported many addicts into recovery over the past 15 years. It is therefore surprising that their link seems to have been removed from the Thamkrabok website even though the Paton of East-West Detox is the current Abbot of Wat Thamkrabok, Phra Ajhan Boonson Tanajaro.

    • 1 year ago
  • Vin_C
    • +1
      Vin_C  
    • Image

    • FRIENDS OF THAMKRABOK MONASTERY at:

      http://groups.google.com/group/friends-of-thamkrabok-monastery/

      This 'Group' is open to any interested persons, but particularly to those considering or having taken detox treatment at Thamkrabok Monastery, Thailand. The intention is to provide support before, during and after treatment.


      If you've been to Thamkrabok you will appreciate how unique this special place is; addict or not. It's a bit like the "Hotel California"... it can be Heaven or it can be Hell... the choice is yours! Those who have completed the detox treatment at the Monastery will have had not only a unique, but also an unrepeatable experience!

      One of the reasons for this group is to allow you to share your own individual experiences of Thamkrabok (for better or for worse) with others who have taken - or are thinking about taking - the Sajja and the 'medicine'. Hopefully we can support our own and each other's ongoing abstinence.

      If you want you can just write to say "Hello" or to say how you're doing. Or you can leave a longer message, or ask a question? It really is up to you.

    • 1 year ago
  • Vin_C
  • Vin_C
    • +1
      Vin_C  
    • Image

    • http://www.thamkrabok.net/

      The purpose of the website at www.thamkrabok.net is to provide independent information about the Thamkrabok Monastery Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre, Thailand. The site contains much information and many pictures for the benefit of interested individuals and groups.

      However, the primary reason for publishing these pages is to prepare those truly seeking an end to their addictions for their journey and treatment.

      For those people able to travel independently there are directions to the Monastery. In addition, there are links to private organisations that can facilitate travel and detoxification in Thailand.

      The official Monastery website is at: www.thamkrabok-monastery.org

    • 1 year ago
  • Vin_C
    • +1
      Vin_C  
    • Image

    • You should not go to Thamkrabok until you are certain that you truly wish to be free from your addiction and that you are 100 per cent committed to being drug and alcohol free.

      Before you travel to Thailand you must ask yourself 2 questions: -

      (1) Do I want to travel to Thamkrabok voluntarily, completely of my own choice?

      (2) Do I really want to stop using drugs and alcohol?

      If you cannot honestly say ”YES” without hesitation to both questions, then it is better that you wait until you are serious about getting well. As one monk famously said “We want only warriors… victims need not apply”.

      If you decide to go ahead with the journey to Thamkrabok to take a lifetime Sajja (vow) for drugs and alcohol, this is will be a very 'black or white' decision.

      On the black side - if you break your Sajja (vow) bad things will continue to happen in your life. The longer you use, the more negative consequences of your addiction will manifest. You will continue to harm your self and those around you that you love. Of course, it may be possible to stabilise your continued use of drugs, if this is the way you want to live, but you will never be truly happy or free of craving.

      On the white side - if you keep your Sajja (vow), good things will start to happen in your life and you will be better prepared to deal with any bad things. If you adopt the 12-Steps (NA or AA) and/or the Five Precepts of Buddhism ( for example see www.5th-precept.org ), then you can further reduce the stress and suffering of your past, present and future. The longer you keep your Sajja, the better your life will become. There is life after drugs and alcohol, and it can be a very good life.

      After 5 or 6 days of treatment at Thamkrabok, you or more correctly the addict-within-you, will say "I'm cured… It's a miracle… I'm checking-out to spend a couple of weeks on the beach". This is the first test of your Sajja and your commitment to a new life. You should stay at Thamkrabok for the full duration. Sit with your loneliness, make friends with your boredom and face your demons.

      When you are at Thamkrabok make sure that someone, preferably one of the monks, gives meditation lessons as often as possible; ideally every day. If not, then ask Mae Shee Kanticha - (the English nun) - if she can do anything for you.

      Don't forget that before, during or after your stay in Thailand you can contact the FOTM online support group at: http://groups.google.com/group/friends-of-thamkrabok-monastery/ where you can get no-holds-barred answers to questions or just share your experiences... but that's up to you.

      As ex-addict and ex-monk Peter says on the Friends-of-Thamkrabok online forum: "... if you want it, keep asking, keep smiling, stop complaining, and above all...SWEEP THE GODDAMN LEAVES LIKE EVERYONE ELSE!"

      No one would call Thamkrabok a 'Holiday Camp' but neither should you think of it as a prison. Whenever I'm at Thamkrabok – that's at least once every year – I take the opportunity to renew my Sajja, take the medicine a few times, enjoy the hot herbal steam baths and attend 'chanting' every night. I like to think of Thamkrabok as the most exclusive health club in the world; perfect for mind, body and spirit.

      The treatment at Thamkrabok has been likened to the archetypal 'Journey of the Hero' as described by Joseph Campbell; This 'Journey' has three steps -

      1. A Separation from home and family, and all that is familiar.
      2. A (sometimes) frightening, difficult, but exhilarating journey, helped along by unexpected hospitality from strangers and help from mystical allies. So you face your vulnerability and break out of many youthful fears and neuroses.
      3. Finally, a return home: the traveller apparently the same person, but forever changed.

      So, chok-dee (Thai = Good Luck), for a successful detox and a very long, very happy recovery.

      Vince Cullen
      (h) 01635-552665
      (m) 07909-545380

      www.Thamkrabok-Monastery.org
      www.5th-Precept.org
      www.Thamkrabok.net
      www.TARA-detox.org

    • 1 year ago
  • LucyTrimble
    • 0
      LucyTrimble  

    • Amazing I never new anything like this existed. It took me over 8 weeks to see a drug worker and all they could offer me was medication which I did not want.
      I managed to communicate with Sarah at East West Detox the following day and now plan to save up and go to Thamkrabok. Well done Sarah you are a star.

    • 1 year ago
  • kbdc13
    • 0
      kbdc13  

    • This was really interesting. I didn't know that this sort of detox existed. Glad they followed up with the girls after the program and that everything turned out ok.

    • 1 year ago
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