NationSwell created a three-part video series on the U.S. opioid crisis. They wanted to present not just the quantitative data, but to also highlight Naloxone, an opioid antagonist that is used to temporarily counter the effects of an overdose. In conceptualizing this animation, I felt a responsibility to create a story that was sensitive to the families of those who had lost family members to opioid overdoses.

 

While researching firsthand accounts, I noticed that survivors often described their overdose experience as a sensation of drowning. I thought this would be an honest and effective visual metaphor to carry our animated story. I hope that this series will help bring attention to the hardworking folks who are fighting for better access to resources like Naloxone.

 

Part 2: Born in rehab: Giving Life to West Virginia's Tiniest Opiod Victims

Part 3: Recovery Capital: One Couple's Long, Bumpy Road from Opiod Addiction to Sober Living